Lhasa Apso dogs are non-sporting dogs that have been around for a thousand years. They originate from the Himalayas. They are relatively small, standing at about 10 inches high and weighing only 12 – 18 pounds. When they are well taken care of, they are generally a very hardy breed.
How long do Lhasa Apso dogs live? The average lifespan of a Lhasa Apso is 12 – 15 years. The lifespan can vary depending on the general health of the Lhasa Apso, any health issues or conditions they may have, and the quality of care and food they receive.
Caring for your Lhasa Apso dog is not very difficult if you know what you are doing. You want to make sure that the dog has good, high-quality meals with high-nutrition content and regularly groom and otherwise maintain their bodies. As with any dog breed, it is also important to stimulate them physically and mentally.
Lhasa Apso dogs are a relatively healthy breed. Some common conditions in this breed include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cherry eye, dry eye, hip dysplasia (lameness in the hind leg or pain/issues in the hip socket) and slipping stifles (a slipped kneecap). Most of these conditions appear or worsen as the Lhasa Apso ages.
The most severe health condition to watch out for in a Lhasa Apso is hereditary kidney dysfunction, also known as renal dysplasia. Dogs with inherited kidney dysfunction will be born with small, pale, and immature kidneys that will not improve in function over time. If the disease is not caught early, the organs will begin to deteriorate and shut down. Symptoms include excessive urination and thirst, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. The end stage of this disease is renal failure, leading to death. This is a genetic defect, so you should look for breeders that attempt to breed this condition out of their dogs.
Lhasa Apso may also have a portosystemic shunt (PSS) of the liver, which deprives the liver of blood, oxygen, and other nutrients supplied by blood flow. The Lhasa Apso’s kidney is also unable to remove toxins from the blood.
In their old age, Lhasa Apso may develop heart diseases that lead to heart failure. Typically, this occurs when a heart valve becomes weak and leaks the blood and straining the heart. Lhasa Apso’s may also develop cancer, as with all breeds, so make sure to take your dog for regular check-ups, especially when they seem to be behaving differently or are in pain.
9 Conditions you Need to Monitor for Lhasa Apso Long-Term Health
1. Kidney Health
The most severe health condition to watch out for in a Lhasa Apso is hereditary kidney dysfunction, also known as renal dysplasia. Dogs with inherited kidney dysfunction will be born with small, immature kidneys that will not improve over time. If the disease is not caught early, the kidneys will begin to deteriorate and shut down. Symptoms include excessive urination and thirst, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. The end stage of this disease is renal failure, leading to death. This is a genetic defect, so you should look for breeders that attempt to breed this condition out.
2. Liver Health
Lhasa Apso may also have a portosystemic shunt (PSS) of the liver, which deprives the liver of blood, oxygen, and other nutrients supplied by blood flow. The Lhasa Apso’s kidney is also unable to remove toxins from the blood. Carefully monitor your dog’s food to ensure their liver health and consult a vet.
3. Hearth health
In their old age, Lhasa Apso may develop heart diseases that lead to heart failure. Typically, this occurs when a heart valve becomes weak and leaks the blood. Lhasa Apso’s may also develop cancer, as with all breeds, so make sure to take your dog for regular check-ups, especially when they seem to be behaving differently or are in pain.
4. Respiratory health
Lhasa Apso may develop respiratory distress syndrome, or brachycephalic syndrome, which is common among dogs with a short nose. Extra nose tissue descends into their throat, obstructing the airway and making it difficult for them to breath. If your Lhasa Apso is breathing loudly, coughing, or finds exercise and long walks difficult, they may have this syndrome. If the obstruction is severe, surgery may correct the issue.
5. Hind Legs / Back Health
Lhasa’s may develop intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) which creates pressure on the spinal cord and causes extreme dog pain. If the dog is unable or refuses to engage in usual activities or seems to be unable to move his hind legs, seek emergency help immediately.
Some problems including hip dysplasia, IVDD, and obesity may lead to lameness in a Lhasa Apso’s legs. The issue may also arise from old age and old-age related problems, such as arthritis. There are treatments and medication available for the pain, as well as the underlying issues.
6. Eye Health
Lhasa Apso’s eyes protrude from their head, so they are more vulnerable to infections and injuries that cause infection. These infections can then affect their vision and cause pain that requires treatment, medication, and sometimes even surgery.
Lhasa Apso may also develop cataracts, which will make their eyes appear cloudy and opaque, or glaucoma, which may lead to blindness. Glaucoma symptoms include bluing of the cornea, redness, watery eyes, and squinting.
7. Blood Vessel Health
Your Lhasa Apso may inherit several bleeding disorders, but the Von Willebrand’s disease is the most common in this breed. This is a blood clotting disorder that may cause severe, excessive bleeding from any wound. It can be diagnosed and treated by your vet.
8. Pancreas Health
Some Lhasa Apso’s can develop pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas. If your dog has frequent diarrhea, is vomiting, has a fever, seems very weak, and feels pain when you touch their stomach, call your nearest emergency veterinary clinic.
9. Seizures
Lhasa Apso may inherit a genetic condition such as epilepsy that causes seizures. If this is the case, the first seizure will generally occur at a young age (6 months – 3 years). Medication is available to prevent and control these seizures. If your dog has a seizure, keep the area clear so that they do not injure themselves, and call your vet.
5 Tips to keep your Lhasa Apso dog healthy
1. Cleanliness
Whether your Lhasa Apso has the traditional long hair, or you’ve opted for a shorter, puppy cut, their hair must be brushed regularly—about 2 – 3 times a week. For dogs with long hair, you should bathe them twice a month, making sure to brush in between. Shorter hair does not need to be washed as often. Make sure to rinse the dog thoroughly after soap or shampoo, as the residue tends to irritate the dog’s skin. Irritation can lead to itching, redness, odor, grease, and discharge. In extreme situations, the Lhasa Apso may even begin to lose its hair. Wet hair should be dried and brushed immediately to prevent matting.
2. Nutrition
Feed your Lhasa Apso on good, high-quality food with a high amount of protein and a fat level of approximately 14%. Dry and slightly moist food can be digested well by Lhasa Apso’s, and it is recommended that they are fed once or twice a day. Whatever and whenever you feed your Lhasa Apso, it is best to be consistent.
Do not overfeed your Lhasa Apso, feed them too many snacks, or give them ‘human food.’ As the dog ages, you may need to tailor or adjust their diet according to any conditions they may develop, nutritional lack or requirements, or any other recommendations from your vet.
3. Dental Health
Lhasa Apso’s are fairly likely to develop dental problems and diseases. Unless the dog’s teeth are monitored for tartar build-up and gum/tooth infections, the resulting complications may damage the health of the dog’s kidney’s, heart, liver, and other organs as well as their joints.
4. Exercise and Physical Fitness
Lhasa Apso generally exercises themselves, running around the house or in the backyard. 15 – 20-minute daily walks at a brisk pace will suit this breed well. Since these dogs originate from a cold area (the Himalayas), they do not require energy to burn off excess energy. As they tend to get bored quickly, walking them regularly will keep them stimulated physically and mentally.
Providing the Lhasa Apso with plush toys or toys that rattle is ideal for keeping them entertained and moving when you are unable to play with them. Another household pet that actively engages with the Lhasa Apso will also keep them physically and mentally active.
5. Mental Health / Boredom
Lhasa Apso’s are good, affectionate, and loyal family dogs that are generally very good with children, but they tend to be aloof and reserved around strangers. They may also bark at strangers or those they dislike. Around those they trust, they tend to be confident and assert their will.
If your Lhasa Apso is presenting with poor behavior, it is likely that they are bored and under-stimulated. Try taking them on more walks, providing them with more play time or better toys for free time, or adopting another dog for company and to keep them entertained. Poor or different behavior may also indicate a health condition.
Related questions
What is the oldest Lhasa Apso?
The oldest recorded Lhasa Apso lived 29 years. Since this dog breed tends to be very healthy, with the proper care, your Lhasa Apso may live beyond the life expectancy of the breed.
Are Lhasa Apso dogs easy to train?
Lhasa Apso dogs are very intelligent but can be willful. If you make training interesting enough for the dog, they will learn quickly. Otherwise, they may ignore you, especially if the training drills are repetitive or boring. Some Lhasa Apso dogs can be trained to be therapy animals.
Do Lhasa Apso dogs shed a lot?
Lhasa Apso dogs do not shed very often and are hypoallergenic, but it is still a good idea to brush their coats regularly. They produce less dander in your home and will trigger fewer allergies. However, they may not be suitable for those with a severe dog or pet dander allergies.