The Lhasa Apso

Where does the Lhasa Apso originate?

The Lhasa Apso, according to historical accounts, originated in Tibet, where they belonged to the rich and were greatly prized. Wealthy homes in ancient Tibet will typically have  giant mastiff dogs to protect the entrance of houses, but inside the house, there was the Lhasa Apso to warn its masters about potential dangers. In their native country, the Lhasa and Apso were two separate breeds of dogs. While the Lhasa had a variety of colors along with white markings, the Apso had a honey-colored version that was rarer. After the two different dogs were crossed, what came out of it became known as the Lhasa Also. In 1854, the breed was introduced to the West for the first time.

Personality traits.
The Lhasa Apso was bred for guarding and companionship. These dogs can be aloof with strangers, but show so much affection for people they know and trust. However, if the dog is not guided in setting boundaries, the sharp barking to alarm its owner can become such a nuisance.
Dogs like Lhasa Apsos need plenty of socialization and human company. They do not always get along with other dogs and cats so they should be socialized with other dogs and pets as well as people from a young age.  They have a sharp, loud alarm bark, which makes them good watchdogs. Lhasa Apsos can get along well with children if they are properly socialized in puppyhood. No doubt, they are excellent watchdogs. Although they are a bit suspicious and can be temperamental at times, Lhasa Apsos are very playful when around family and friends. As easy-to-keep pets, Lhasa Apsos are susceptible to obesity if exposed to too many treats and if not given sufficient exercise. Thankfully, due to their smallish nature, walking them two to three times per day is sufficient to keep them in shape. They are intelligent, but also stubborn and often exhibit a sense of independence.  So to get the best of them, they must be trained properly with firmness and patience. The Lhasa Apsos are commonly known for their long lifespans, sometimes reaching their late teens.

Lhasa Apso. Credit: pixabay.com

Can it be left alone
Can the Lhasa Apso be left alone? The answer is yes, due to their independent disposition. Lhasa Apsos are known for running and entertaining themselves. They shed very little, which makes them easy to maintain.

Training the Lhasa Apso
In addition to enrolling your Lhasa apso in puppy training classes, you can choose to begin training her on your own as well. As a starting point, you can call the Lhasa's name whenever he needs to be fed in conjunction with the word "come." Soon he will start to respond positively. In addition to "come," teaching your Lhasa apso to "sit" is easy. If you make light pressure on her hindquarters to aid her in learning the "sit" command, your Lhasa apso should be able to learn it within a few lessons. Your Lhasa should also be able to learn at home the commands "down" and "stay" without attending a puppy class.
Every time you teach him a new command, you should offer him treats to keep him motivated, but once he masters it, you should give her more verbal praise instead of food rewards.
Despite the success you may record with your Lhasa Apso at home, you will want to also consider enrolling him in an obedience class to have the opportunity to socialize with other dogs and people and learn new tricks. No doubt, It will make her well-rounded and less likely to develop anxiety and aggression as she is exposed to new people, places, and unfamiliar dogs.

Life expectancy

Lhasa apsos can live for about 12 to 15 years. Since small dogs generally live longer than large dogs, they often live longer than their larger counterparts. Besides, it is believed that hybrid-breed dogs generally live longer than purebred dogs because of hybrid vigor, which states that mix-breed animals have an inherent health advantage because they don't suffer from genetic diseases common to purebreds. However, like all purebred dogs, Lhasas may be affected by particular genetic disorders. Lhasas are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition that causes lameness and arthritis in the joints of the hip. Moreso, the Lhasa Apso may have luxating patellas, or slid kneecaps, which require surgery in severe cases. Other ailments include glaucoma, dry eyes and progressive retinal atrophy, which eventually leaves the dog blind. Malformed kidneys can induce juvenile acute kidney failure. All these may combine to terminate the life of the dog. In the absence of the above illnesses, you can be sure to have your Lhasa Apso for a period of 12-15 years.