Lhasa apso

Cute and playful, Lhasa Apso cause a lot of positive emotions. These doggies, despite their funny appearance, can be sensitive and attentive companions, and at times even serious. Owners of pets of this breed are sure that it is simply impossible to find the best four-legged friend.

The origin of the breed

There are no written sources about the origin of these dogs, but scientists attribute this phenomenon to the fact that the breed originated long before writing. This happened on the Tibetan plateaus and in the monasteries, where the apso served as watchmen and companions.

Researchers tend to believe that their ancestors are mountain wolves and local dogs. Modern analyzes at the level of genes gave amazing results - the Lhasa-Apso genotype is close to the wolfish one. This once again confirmed the fact that the breed belongs to the most ancient, such as Chow Chow , Akita Inu, etc.

As for the name, Lhasa is the Tibetan capital, and in translation from the local “apso” means “bearded”, so it turns out - “bearded dogs from Lhaso”. Previously, Lhasa-Apso performed security work in noble houses and monasteries of Buddhists. They worked in those days along with formidable Tibetan mastiffs, for which small dogs served as a kind of signal. Raising the ringing barking, the apso called for the help of serious security guards.

The monks had the belief that in the bodies of these funny animals are the souls of departed lamas before their rebirth. They were not put up for sale, but sometimes presented as a gift. Since Tibet was a closed territory for a long time, they didn’t know about such pets in the outside world. Only at the beginning of the 19th century several individuals came to the territory of England, they were taken with them by the military who served in Tibet. Here dogs were called Lhasa terriers.

The first lhasa-apso came to the United States as a gift from Dalai Lama XIII to a well-known scholar who researched Tibet Cutting. This happened in 1933. After that, the popularity of the representatives of the breed only increased and in the 90s reached its apogee. Then there was a significant decline, and, occupying the 33rd place in the popularity rating, Lhaso-Apso shifted to 62.

On the territory of Russia, these dogs are virtually unknown, this is due to the fact that the state has never closely contacted Tibet. It’s even more interesting to know what kind of pets they are and what the future owners of this exotic miracle are waiting for.

Breed Description Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso - miniature animals, their average height at withers is only 25 cm, and weight is 4-7 kg. The doggie complex is knocked down, stocky, which is not always noticeable under the abundant coat. The dense body is on short, strong limbs.

On the basis of appearance, it can be noted that Lhasa-Apso are close relatives of Tibetan terriers. They are distinguished only by the structure of the face, the nose of the apso is flatter. This breed was taken as the basis for breeding of such breeds as Pekingese and Shih Tzu.

The standard approved the following external data:

• Apso has a small square muzzle , decorated with decorative wool. Bite in dogs of reverse type. Oval-shaped eyes have a dark iris. Ears hang covered with thick hair.
• The neck is strong, with developed muscles, the forelegs are set wide apart, the chest has a back bend.
• Muscular corset in animals developed perfectly.

For dogs of this breed, it is important to have the correct color and structure of the coat, because when preparing puppies for an important event, special attention is paid to this, and in which case they fall under culling.

Wool in lhaso-apso has a soft undercoat of medium length, and the upper guard hair has an incredible thickness and stiffness. Since ancient times, such wool has been a protection for the animal from cold and scorching sun. After all, the Tibetan climate is quite severe. The fur should be straight, wavy or curly, the standard apso is not. The length of the coat can reach the ground. While other breeds tend to have hair in the head, limbs, the tail is shorter, then these dogs are the opposite: slightly shorter in the muzzle area compared to the body, but still creates a chic beard and eyebrows.

If the pet is an exhibitor, the coat is completely preserved. But you can only trim dogs that are not intended for such events. Here everything is at the discretion of the owner - the whole body or only the head and limbs are trimmed.

Colors lhasa apso

There are several colors of Lhasa Apso, they can be:

• pale beige;
• golden hue;
• delicate honey color;
• smoky gray;
• sable;
• dark gray;
• black and white with redhead;
• tortoiseshell

Character lhasa apso

Lhasa Apso is an amazing combination of soft toy appearance and fearlessness, unrestrained courage of a lion. They are so loyal that they can even give their lives for their owners. Experts warn of such a discrepancy between external and spiritual data, because some owners are not serious about raising such dogs, but in vain.

It should be noted that the Apsos themselves do not consider themselves to be small dogs and can show character. It is important for the owner to set priorities in a timely manner and secure the leadership role. This will solve many problems and make the pet as compliant as possible. These dogs are distinguished by enviable patience, which helps them a lot when dealing with younger family members. The pet will endure, even if it hurts the child's actions.

Apso do not have the property of stormy guests, but they are not averse to being in a big company. And if the dog understands that the visitors are friends of his master, he includes them in his list of friends. For many centuries, performing the function of a guard (in their homeland they are still used for these purposes), dogs have not lost their vigilance and caution. It should be noted that when approaching outsiders, they will bark loudly and loudly.

Apso can feel good at any temperature and it is also not necessary to provide a pet with a very soft bedding. In this regard, pets unpretentious. Dogs are characterized by high mobility and activity. For a long time they can play tirelessly with a ball or a plate. That is why it is desirable for the family to have children who can frolic with their pet all day long. And so, and others it will benefit.

Apso can be easily taken with you, as they are fairly easy to tolerate transportation, and change does not cause stress in dogs. They are highly adaptable to new conditions. Due to the sensitivity and insight of Lhasa Apso with special training, excellent guides for people with sight problems or lack thereof are obtained. Pet does not like to be alone, and when the family is at home, they want to be in the limelight.

See also: what to do if the dog was bitten by a tick .

How to care for lhasa apso

Pet care will definitely be required. It is necessary to regularly inspect his eyes, ears, teeth. And, of course, his luxurious, long, wool deserves special attention. Future owners should be aware that a minor release of tear fluid for apso is the norm. This is especially evident in puppies, as they have intensively growing coat, which can irritate the mucous eyes. To avoid this, you should make your pet hairstyle, removing the wool, or cutting it.

Eyes are also recommended to be washed using a cotton pad and warm boiled water. But the tea for these dogs is not suitable. It is necessary to remove the hair inside the auricle, it can also be cut off or plucked with tweezers. The ear is cleaned of sulfur and dirt with a cotton ball. Apso often forms tartar , so a pet can be given sugar bones that have meat and sinews or special treats.

If the pet does not have the opportunity to make long walks on the asphalt every day and dig the ground, then cutting the claws becomes the task of the owner. Coat of apso does not shed and does not smell. It is necessary to comb it every 3-4 days. Wash the pet will have every week and a half, using detergent compositions suitable for long-haired dogs. With this care, the pet will look well-groomed and beautiful.

Look at how old the dogs are .

What to feed lhasa apso

With improper nutrition in apso, first of all, the quality of wool will deteriorate. Experts recommend choosing ready-made rations designed for representatives of small breeds. The number of meals for an adult pet should not exceed three times a day.

With natural feeding should prefer natural products without chemical additives. Fermented milk products and cottage cheese must be present in puppies and adult dogs. Also necessary for fruits and vegetables (which are non-acidic). Sweets, salinity, smoked meat should be completely excluded from the diet. Potatoes, pastries, and apso can also cause diabetes in the same list.

Features of training

Training these handsome men is a pleasure for both the owner and the ward himself. Lhasa Apso easily trained and almost immediately understand what is required of them. It is recommended to start the process from puppy age, gradually complicating tasks. Although pets of this breed can go for a walk without a leash and in a rather organized manner, they need to be trained by a very important team “close by”.

Training by puppies apso is perceived as just another fun and you shouldn’t dissuade them from doing so. To do this, you must abandon any punishment. A small pet should enjoy learning and encouragement in the form of treats or praise for properly executed exercises and commands.

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Price Lhasa Apso Puppy

Today, the Lhasa Apso breed remains rare in Russia, although there are nurseries for their breeding. Basically, they are located in large cities, but not all. Future owners may have to go for their pet to another city or pay for delivery to their destination, for which, of course, you will have to pay extra, in addition to the cost of the puppy itself. Is it worth noting that the breed is quite expensive, a puppy from the nursery will cost from 40 thousand to 120 thousand. rubles. At private breeders the price is slightly lower and starts at 25,000 rubles.

Lhasa Apso equally love to play and lie with the owner at the TV. They fully adapt to the mood of the owner, will be happy and sad with you, as well as accompany you to any distance. And already on the street such a beautiful pet will not be left without attention, definitely.

Nurseries Lhasa Apso