The Lhasa Apso is a proud and self-confident little dog.

The Lhasa Apso was bred in and around the city of Lhasa, in the monasteries and houses of the Tibetan nobility as well as at the Potala, the Dalai Lama’s residence. To this day, the Lhasa Apso has preserved its remarkable difference of an aristrocratic dog.

The Lhasa Apso is naturally dignified displaying an air of arrogance, and is chary of strangers. However, with his intimate friends he can be extremely affectionate, sensitive and devoted, developing a strong bond with his family without ever losing his independence.

He is a good watchdog, and his keen watchfulness makes him announce a visitor to the house before the doorbell will ring, without being a yapper.

Irrespective of his origin, he will adapt to any climate. He will encourage his owner to long walks not showing any signs of fatigue, proof of his robust and authentic nature.

At the beginning of the 20^th century, first imports of the breed were registered in Great Britain. In 1928, when the Baileys returned to England from India, they were accompanied by a number of small Lhasa Apsos. The Tibetan name for this breed is “Apso Seng Kye” or “barking lion sentinel dog.”

In Great Britain, these dogs were also called “Seng Tru” (little lion) or “good luck charm”.

The crowning glory of a Lhasa Apso is the long, heavy coat – the result of a long evolutionary process under harsh climatic conditions with extreme subzero temperatures, strong winds in the winter and sandstorms in the summer.

The long and lavish coat completely covers the head and body. Like all Tibetan breeds, the Lhasa Apso sports a double coat, and as a breed characteristic, heavy head furnishings with good fall over the eyes,.

The Standard is requesting hair of good length, and very dense. With appropriate grooming, it is not unusual for a Lhasa Apso to attain a floor-length coat.

It is quite a sight to see such a Lhasa Apso entering the showring.

It may comfort the owner of a Lhasa Apso without such a superb coat to know that a show dog has to lead a very sheltered life.

Despite its medium small size and dense coat, the Lhasa Apso is no lap-dog. Quite the opposite is the case, Lhasa Apsos are robust nature-boys, a very hardy breed with a well-developed and firmly muscled body. They love to fool around, or charge about, and relish their playtime.

Lhasa Apsos are good-natured, loyal to their people without giving up their independence. To get their way, they can be perfect actors. It is up to the owner of such a charming little creature to train his Lhasa Apso so that he will display “his will to please” of his own volition.

The Lhasa Apso is happiest at the center of attention by his family. Being a very well natured family-dog and extremely adaptable, he is trouble-free company wherever his people choose to go.

His behavior and character make him an ideal companion-dog at the house, condo or flat; either as the member of an extended family, or the companion of a single person.

As a future Lhasa Apso owner please bear in mind that this hardy breed lives to an old age. It is not unusual for Lhasa Apsos to reach an age of 16 or more years. Please, do realize that you will have to take the responsibility for a very long time.