Apsolopso
Long before the Lhasa Apso trotted into the hearts of dog lovers worldwide, it was a highly revered canine in its homeland of Tibet. Historians believe this breed originated around 800 BC, making it one of the oldest recognizable breeds in the world. Lhasa Apso takes its name from the sacred city of Lhasa and the term ‘Apso,’ which roughly translates to ‘woolly’ in Tibetan – a fitting descriptor for this hair-covered breed. These dogs weren’t just ordinary pets; they functioned as sacred companions in Tibetan monasteries and noble homes.
Apart from their roles as companions, Lhasa Apsos carried out important tasks in the ancient monasteries and temples. They received training to serve as watchdogs, their keen senses making them excellent ALERT systems. They’d bark vigorously at the sign of an intruder. However, their sense of loyalty and intelligence played a more spiritual role, as well. Tibetans believed Lhasa Apsos to be the earthly forms of mythical Tibetan lions, symbolizing good luck. So, these small canines held high status, encircled with reverence and respect, for many centuries in their home country.
Appearance and Characteristics of Lhasa Apso
Inextricably linked with the enthralling history of the breed is an equally fascinating outline of the Lhasa Apso’s exterior. From their distinctive size and build to a striking array of coat colors and features, each element is unique to this breed.
Size and Weight
These charmers are generally small-sized dogs with Dewey’s classification placing them in the “toy” category. Their size does not in any way diminish their reputation as stoic sentinels, which they have been for centuries in their homeland.
The average height of a Lhasa Apso ranges from 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder, and they typically weigh between 12 to 18 pounds. While females mostly fall on the lighter side of this scale, males establish themselves firmly in the higher range. Despite their compact size, they possess an inherent agility and hardiness, making them adept and resilient watchdogs even today.
Colors
When it comes to the color palette, Lhasa Apsos don’t limit themselves. They conduct a veritable display of colors ranging from black, white, red, gold to cream, smoke and parti-colored.
Facial Features
Known for their expressive eyes and a “lion’s mane,” the facial characteristics of a Lhasa Apso are truly distinct. The crown jewel is undoubtedly their dark, almond-shaped eyes full of intelligence and mischief.
They sport a medium-sized muzzle that’s neither pointy nor blunt but just the perfect length to balance the overall facial symmetry. A black nose sitting atop the muzzle, coupled with a tightly fitted mouth, forms a perfectly proportioned visage. Amidst all these features, it is the arched tail feathered with copious amounts of hair, majestically sweeping across their back, that completes the stunning picture of a Lhasa Apso.
Training and Exercise for Lhasa Apso
Transitioning from the intricate blend of personality and temperament of the Lhasa Apso, let’s now steer the focus towards harnessing that vibrant personality in an effective way. Highlight here is the importance of proper training and adequate exercise, both crucial for this breed. Training encapsulates two major categories: house training and obedience training, while the exercise needs to ensure a balance between the mind and body of your furry friend.
House Training
An essential part of raising any dog, house training the Lhasa Apso breed can prove to be a rewarding challenge. Their independent nature calls for a consistent and patient approach. A simple way to start is by establishing a firm routine that provides structure. House training typically involves designating spots for meals, sleep, and bathroom activities. Remember, positive reinforcement wins the day; rewards like treats, praises or petting goes a long way in encouraging desired behaviors.
Obedience Training
Onto the next important aspect of raising Lhasa Apso: Obedience Training. This involves teaching the pooch basic commands like ‘Sit’, ‘Stay’, ‘Come’, and others. It’s an opportunity to channel their alert and protective nature into useful actions. It’s noteworthy that Lhasa Apsos may take longer than some breeds to fully grasp new commands considering their autonomous disposition. However, once these regal dogs latch onto a command, they tend to remember it well.
Exercise Needs
Though primarily considered a lap dog breed, the Lhasa Apso still requires a certain level of physical activity to stay healthy. Regular exercise aids in keeping their weight in check, maintaining their coat’s gleam, and curbing any potential destructive behavior out of boredom. Generally, a daily brisk walk or engaging indoor games can suffice the Lhasa Apso’s exercise needs.
This breed, with its rich Tibetan heritage, requires dedicated training and exercise to truly shine. A routine is key for these independent dogs, and positive reinforcement can make house training a breeze. They may take their time with obedience training, but patience pays off.
