Lhasa Apso, in addition to being fun, is a small dog breed known for its floor-length coat of hair. Despite their beauty and small size, they were initially bred to be guard dogs. Learning this seemingly outlandish fact enticed me to discover exactly how much they weigh.
On average, how much do Lhasa Apso weigh? A typical Lhasa Apso weighs 12-18
This information prompts a few other questions for me. Why would such a small dog be bred to be a guard dog? I don’t know about you, but the lack of weight behind a dog is not something that I think to hinder attackers. Also, are these small dogs with long backs at risk for weight problems? There are a lot of aspects to consider when determining if your Lhasa Apso is at an appropriate weight. Do Lhasa Apso dogs have many health issues caused by weight? These questions are answered in the coming paragraphs.
The History and Purpose of a Lhasa Apso’s Weight
As previously mentioned, the original Lhasa Apso dogs were bred with the intention of creating Tibetan guard dogs for monks thousands of years ago. Due to their small size and stature, this seems to be a surprising and odd purpose. In this case, however, the Lhasa Apso may have been bred as a guard dog only to be utilized as a pre-technology age’s alarm system.
This is a breed of dog that the phrase, “His bark is bigger than his bite,” completely encapsulates. With a male Lhasa Apso generally starting at 14 pounds, and a female typically going up to 14 pounds, these dogs may be better defined as “watchdogs,” rather than “guard dogs.” They lack the size to take down intruders, which many of us associate with guard dogs.
When we see guard dogs in the movies, or when people get a dog to feel safer at home, they are often the big breeds — German Shepherds or Rottweilers. The difference is that a Lhasa Apso is used to alert their humans to the danger, not to attack.
If you were to think about an alarm in today’s world, it is often something you cannot see and is very loud. Because of the small size of a Lhasa Apso, this dog is one that may have been overlooked. It is also known to have a very loud bark. These two traits of a Lhasa Apso make them the perfect alarm and perfect dog to be on the watch.
It is hard to tell if the bark of a Lhasa Apso dog would scare off any potential danger, but it would definitely let someone know that the threat is there. These dogs aren’t just made for being on watch, however.
In addition to their bark, the small size of a Lhasa Apso is famous for that of companion dogs. Dogs of this size are often easier to take care of, as they require less exercise and less food than other breeds. While they are great companions to the people they have formed relationships with, the Lhasa Apso is often standoffish towards strangers. Because of their history of being guard dogs, they do better in social situations when raised to be acclimated to them.
While it is unlikely for a Lhasa Apso to do much (or any) physical damage to a stranger, they will continue to bark if they feel threatened or unsafe in any way. Unfortunately, being unfamiliar with a distant relative or family friend is a way to make them feel unsafe, so unless they’ve been adequately trained when to bark and when to abstain, they can be a nuisance to some. An appropriately trained Lhasa Apso makes a beautiful little pet!
Lhasa Apso Diet
Like with every other dog (and human), a Lhasa Apso dog’s weight begins with their diet. What and how much they consume is often the starting point for being average, overweight, or underweight.
The Lhasa Apso dog’s diet is not unlike any other dog in that the best food is real food. In today’s world, so many dog food brands have ingredients that would not ever be found in nature. This leaves actual food items such as beef, chicken, and vegetables best for your dog. Be cautious of some foods, such as wheat and corn, as Lhasa Apso dogs sometimes have an allergy to these items.
I have come across some people that scramble their dogs eggs for breakfast on occasion or give them yogurt for dessert. If your Lhasa Apso is a picky eater, though, I hope you’re a good cook!
The difference between the diet of a Lhasa Apso and another breed is that of the portion. Like humans, dog obesity is very possible and can cause numerous health issues. Lhasa Apsos are not generally at risk for weight problems, but it is still a factor that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
For most Lhasa Apso dogs, a diet with a calorie count between 450-610 per day is ideal, depending on the specific weight of the dog.
Measuring and calculating out your dog’s calories, while often seen as extra work, is what is needed to maintain a healthy weight. It is also imperative that the dog has access to water regularly. This is one of the key ways to be sure you have a healthy and happy Lhasa Apso on your hands!
Lhasa Apso Exercise
A smaller breed like a Lhasa Apso can get tired quickly, so several hours of exercise each day is too much for the dog to handle. In fact, www.borrowmydoggy.com claims that only 30 minutes of activity will be enough for your little dog.
As with most small breeds, it is essential that you keep an eye out for excessive panting or signs of sluggishness, as they could be signs of overdoing it. At a more prominent stature, a human is often able to outlast their little Lhasa Apso, so be watchful when playing for more extended periods.
Taking a brief walk, a quick visit to the dog park, or just a short game of fetch once each day is some simple way to get your Lhasa Apso the exercise that is needed. Ensuring proper exercise can elevate overall health, thus expanding the lifespan of your beloved pet.
Lhasa Apso Health Conditions
Some of the biggest health concerns for a Lhasa Apso are not necessarily weight-related, but necessary to look out for, nonetheless. It is common for this breed to develop eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy, which can result in blindness, or distichiasis, an eyelash disease that can damage the eye.
While eye issues are definitely a concern, the health conditions that can easily be made worse with obesity include patellar luxation (knee dislocation) and hip dysplasia. These health problems are usually influenced by other factors as well, but weight can put a significant impact on health concerns such as these. While maintaining a healthy weight can help to avoid these issues, some Lhasa Apso dogs are predisposed to such problems, and regular visits to a veterinarian are the best way to prepare for such things.
Health conditions are often not something that can be helped. Some of the disorders mentioned above are common in other breeds as well. If you are reading this to determine whether a Lhasa Apso is for you, do not allow the potential health conditions of a specific breed to stop you. Health problems can come with all dogs, but the companionship of a Lhasa Apso friend is so very worth it!
Related Questions
Do Lhasa Apso dogs shed?
The long coat on a Lhasa Apso leads most people to believe that they shed a lot. On the contrary, these dogs take a much longer time growing their coat of fur, so shedding is not usually a problem. Many owners choose to keep the hair cut short, while show dog owners let it grow. It is personal preference, but neither option is known to cause a lot of stray hair.
What is the lifespan of a Lhasa Apso?
A Lhasa Apso dog often lives to be in the teens, typically between 12-14 years. It is not uncommon for some well cared for dogs to live much longer, some rare dogs up to 20 years or more.
Is the Lhasa Apso a good breed for a family dog?
One can expect their Lhasa Apso to be loyal to the family, as they would be the most trusted people in the dog’s life. They would protect the family from danger by alerting them to any perceived risk. These dogs make excellent family companions.