25 Cool Facts About Lhasa Apso You Didn’t Know

You might know a lot about Lhasa Apso dogs. This knowledge can help you to raise your own little dog. However, there is so much information packed into the widespan existence of the breed it leaves a lot of knowledge to be gained. In order to discover as many facts as possible, the research has been done thoroughly.

The Lhasa Apso breed is one that is loved by many. It is also one that contains a lot of history and cool facts. 25 cool facts, in particular, are good to know if you are a Lhasa Apso fan. By learning these 25 details, a Lhasa Apso owner can learn a thing or two about their own pet.

(Also, check out answers to related questions you may have at the end of this article)

These 25 facts on Lhasa Apsos come with details and tidbits that you may not have known prior to coming across this article. They are sure to fascinate a Lhasa Apso owner and provide knowledge to ponder.

1. Tibet Origin

Lhasa Apso dogs originated in Tibet, where they lived and served monks in monasteries. Some also lived in the homes of lamas in the surrounding mountains. It is believed that the breed goes back as far as 800 B.C. The Tibetan origin led the Lhasa Apso to a variety of characteristics that we still see today. The comprehension of the Lhasa Apso’s history allows breed-lovers further knowledge about their own little friend.

2. Name Comes From Capital of Tibet

The capital city of Tibet, Lhasa, is where a portion of the breed’s name came from. Apso Seng Ky is another name used to identify a Lhasa Apso. The translation means “Bearded Lion Dog.” Lions are symbols of royalty in Buddhist cultures, meaning that Lhasas Apsos are highly respected in the area of its namesake. Snow lions are also highly respected in Tibetan regions, as it is the image on the Tibetan flag.

3. Dalai Lama Reincarnated

Many Buddhists believe that Lhasa Apso dogs are reincarnates of the Dalai Lama. After the soul of the Dalai Lama passes from the human body, it is said to move to a Lhasa Apso. After the life of the Lhasa Apso has ended, it returns to the Dalai Lama. It is this cycle that keeps the breed upheld as highly important in Tibetan cultures and likely to remain that way.

4. Ancient Breed

The Lhasa Apso is one of 14 breeds known as the ancient breed. Along with breeds such as Chow Chows, Basenjis, and Alaskan Malamutes, the Lhasa Apso survived generations of wars, climate changes, and various trials and tribulations. While the exact timeline of breed existence has yet to be discovered, it is clear that Lhasas are among the oldest. This has been proven with recent DNA testing.

5. Cold-Weather Dogs

Not many people expect such a small dog to be made for cold weather. However, because of the origins of the Lhasa Apso, the breed as a whole is comfortable in colder climates. The Himalayan mountains, where Lhasas originated, can be home to some brutally low and snowy conditions. Their bodies are made to survive the cold. Even so, they should not be left outside simply because they can survive it.

6. Watchdogs

Lhasa Apso dogs were originally used as watchdogs (or alert dogs) in Tibetan monasteries and in the Himalayan mountains. It was the sharp bark associated with the breed that alerted the monks to danger. That bark might as well be considered the original home alarm system. This trait has continued on and is still present in Lhasa Apso dogs today. It can be a tedious task training the bark out of a Lhasa Apso, but many owners appreciate the fact that nothing will sneak up on them.

7. Indoor Dogs

Despite their ability to withstand cold weather, the Lhasa Apso dog truly prefers to be inside. In fact, they often remain in one place for the majority of the day. They typically set up shop somewhere in the home that allows them multiple views for keeping watch. Lhasas are perfectly happy with a short walk a few times a day and do not require extensive trips to play outside.

8. Stubborn

One of the most common characteristics among Lhasa Apsos is being stubborn. Although it sometimes becomes a bit of a joke among Lhasa Apso owners, it is an attribute that helped the breed to survive the happenings of the last few thousand years. It is also a trait that makes training a bit of an experience for the owner. Learning how to properly train a Lhasa Apso stems from understanding their stubbornness.

9. Protective

Because of the Lhasas’ history of being a watchdog, being protective tends to come with the territory. You can expect a Lhasa Apso to be wary of strangers and protective of those he or she trusts. If your Lhasa is a family dog, consider your family protected by the little pup. However, it may be necessary to introduce your Lhasa to strangers slowly. Overwhelming the dog with unknowns can cause an aggressive reaction.

10. Related to Shih-Tzu

One theory of the existence of the Shih-Tzu breed is that it stemmed from the Lhasa Apso. The Dalai Lama gifted the emperor of China a Lhasa Apso. It is believed that it was that Lhasa Apso that was used to breed Shih-Tzu dogs. Today, Shih Apsos are a popular mixed breed.

11. Nearly Decimated in Both World Wars

World War 1 and World War 2 destroyed a lot of life and a lot of material things. In fact, both wars nearly took out the Lhasa Apso breed. Although they were diminished, the breed was able to make a comeback after both wars. Now, Lhasa Apsos are thriving and seen commonly around the world.

12. Used as Hearing Assistance Dogs

Lhasa Apsos have very sensitive hearing. Because of this, they make wonderful hearing assistance dogs. They have the ability to alert their charges when the doorbell rings or other daily occurrences that might have an impact on a deaf person’s life. Despite the challenge associated with training, Lhasas are the preferred breed for many requiring this service.

13. Protected Bloodline: Gompa Lhasa Apso

There is a specific bloodline of Lhasa Apsos called Gompa. Gompas are protected because the original Lhasa in the bloodline was a sentinel dog at the Drepung Monastery in 1941. Nine of that particular dog’s descendants ended up in Canada and have been protected by Lhasa Apso lovers since around the year 2000.

14. Came to USA in 1930s

It wasn’t until the 1930s that Charles Suydam Cutting received Lhasa Apsos as a gift from the Dalai Lama while visiting Tibet. Cutting and his wife brought two stateside and personally imported numerous Lhasas over time. The Cuttings are personally responsible for the start of Lhasa Apsos in the United States.

15. Short Nose Causes Trouble Breathing

The facial structure of a Lhasa Apso means that breathing can be difficult when too much exercise is involved. It is a feature that is true of many small dogs. This is the biggest reason that short bursts of exercise are preferred over lengthy ones. A Lhasa Apso only needs 30 minutes total of exercise a day. This is typically achieved with a couple of 10-15 minute walks each day.

16. Originally Gifted Only, Never Sold

Because of the reincarnation theory of Lhasa Apsos and the level at which they are revered, they were not ever sold in the past. They were gifted on multiple occasions, which is the only way the breed spread across continents and oceans. While Lhasa Apsos are sold in other parts of the world, Tibetan Lhasas remain sacred.

17. Brought to England by Colonel Eric Bailey

After being stationed near Tibet, British Colonel Eric Bailey and his wife started with two Lhasa Apsos. By the time the couple returned to their English homeland, 6 Lhasa Apsos went with them. Many attribute the beginnings of the Lhasa Apsos presence in England to Colonel Bailey. After the 6 Lhasas made their way to England in 1928 with the Baileys, the breed grew until the arrival of the second world war.

18. Companion Dog

Although bred to be watchdogs in monasteries, Lhasa Apso’s also make great companions. If raised properly and exposed to a variety of people and animals throughout their lives, a Lhasa Apso can make great family pets. They offer companionship and love to those that invite them into their families.

19. Show Dog

Lhasa Apso dogs are relatively popular as show dogs. In fact, a Lhasa Apso was the winner of the non-sporting group in the 2018 National Dog Show. The purchase of a Lhasa bred to be in shows can run you as much as $5000, despite the fact that show dogs do not earn money from the hobby.

20. Often Requires Daily Grooming

A Lhasa Apso with a full coat can sometimes require brushing every single day. Some leave brushing their Lhasa Apso to just 3 times a week. Nonetheless, frequent grooming is necessary to keep the coat healthy. It is also suggested that a Lhasa dog be bathed bi-weekly, thoroughly dried, and ears cleaned well.

21. Needs Little Exercise

The little dog is one that needs just 30 minutes of activity each day. Some suggestions include a few short walks, a game of fetch, or simply letting the pup run in a fenced in yard. Whatever exercise you and your Lhasa prefer, it is important to keep an eye on the dog so as to be aware of any struggles breathing.

22. Perfect for Apartment Living

Because of the minimal need to be outside or to burn off energy, the Lhasa Apso breed is wonderful for life in an apartment. The dog doesn’t take up much space and will likely pick one spot to spend much of their time – likely near a window. The only possible concern with a Lhasa Apso in an apartment would be bothering the neighbors with barking.

23. Loyal

When raised right – with love and praise – a Lhasa Apso is incredibly loyal to its master. Because of the stubborn characteristic that exists in all Lhasas, giving up the dominance to his or her owner requires a lots of trust. With that trust comes a loyalty like no other and a Lhasa that will guard its people from dangers.

24. Live Long Lives

While a standard Lhasa Apso is expected to live 12-14 years, there are many that live well beyond this estimation. The longest living Lhasa died at the age of 29 years in 1939. It is unknown as to the exact causes of the dog’s death. 1939 was the beginning of WW2, a known struggle for the breed’s survival. Other Lhasas have been known to survive into their 20s as well.

25. Popular Amongst the Rich and Famous

There is a long list of celebrity personalities that own Lhasa Apso dogs. From Gwen Stefani to Elizabeth Taylor, Kurt Vonnegut to Jane Lynch, and Ellen Degeneres to Queen Sofia of Spain, the love of Lhasa Apso is widespread. These famous Lhasa Apso owners are in addition to the Dalai Lamas that keep them regularly.

There are far more than 25 facts about Lhasa Apsos. With the breed having roots far back into history, there are a variety of facts and truths that we are still learning. When we uncover the history surrounding Lhasas and we study the present, there will always be more information to learn. The 25 facts listed above are just a fraction of what is out there to learn about this beloved breed.