Lhasa Apso

Temperament
Having been bred as an indoor monastery sentinel dog by Tibetan Buddhist monks, Lhasa Apsos are alert with a keen sense of hearing with a rich, sonorous bark that belies their size (some are known as "singers"). They can also move quite silently, allowing them to sneak up on intruders, as well as unsuspecting family members. The ideal Lhasa temperament is to be wary of strangers while being loyal to those closest to them. They rank 68th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of fair working/obedience intelligence. Lhasa Apsos are independent as well as companion dogs who want to please their owners. Unique personality characteristics of Lhasa Apsos have gained them a reputation as being a very emotive breed that in some cases prove themselves to be completely fearless. They enjoy climbing hills and furniture, as well as burrowing into caves. They often occupy baskets, crawl into bottom shelves of bookcases and are known to build a nest for themselves before settling down for a nap with their owners as this burrowing is an inherent trait of their nature. A Lhasa Apso typically will express their happiness by rolling, rubbing their head and rolling on their owner's feet or burrowing their heads into a blanket. They also will try to bury their food with a sweeping head motion, placing a napkin under their dish allows them to bury their food.

A Lhasa Apso responds to exercise and discipline with a calm assertive energy. These dogs require socialization with dogs and other people early as puppies and throughout their lives. They require patience but in return can be quite comical, entertaining and caring companions. They aim to please their owners and enjoy training. Owners must be able to be pack leaders or this breed can suffer from separation anxiety - the leader may leave but the followers are fine with being left for a reasonable amount of time. While their personality belies their size, they need a home that is mindful that there is a small quiet dog in the house to prevent injury. They enjoy vantage points in the house where they can view all that is going on.

The Lhasa Apso is a loyal dog, who while not be a traditional lapdog, is a steadfast comical, gay, assertive, adventurous little companion dog whose only desire is to be with and protect their owners.

If properly trained early as soon as they are a puppy, the Lhasa Apso will come appreciate bathing, hair combing and clipping, but they generally do not enjoy bathing or swimming as this is not part of their breed traits.

The Lhasa Apso is a long-lived breed, with some living in good health into their early 20s. There are few health problems specific to the breed. Their vision may deteriorate with age but they are not sight-oriented dogs and they endure blindness with few noticeable changes in behavior. They should have some protective hair over their eyes, they have strong eyelashes that push this protective hair out of the way so they can see. Likewise, a Lhasa Apso should not be shaved as its hair insulates and protects its eyes and skin from the elements, such as the sun and acts to theromdynamically regulate their temperature.