"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man."

- Mark Twain

The Lhasa Apso Dog Breed

Lhasa Apso Dog

Lhasa Apso is a type of dog breed that traces its roots in Tibet, dating back two millenniums ago. People belonging to the upper echelons of the society prefer Lhasa Apso for pets because of the good luck they bring. Lhasa dogs are intelligent animals with perfect sense of hearing. On the average, these dogs weigh thirteen to fifteen pounds and stand ten to eleven inches tall. They are small breeds of dog and they can come in cream, gray, brown, white or black. Multi-colored Lhasa Apso are common as well.

Lhasa Apso dogs are furry animals so expect to have problems with shedding every now and then. But that shouldn't be much of a trouble for you, as the shedding is only considered moderate. Their fur serves as a thick insulation beneath their topcoat. This is their barrier during colder weathers. Their long hair keeps them warm. And their hair could grow until it reaches the floor and cover their eyes. Trimming should be performed on a daily basis. Their coat may not be very soft but it looks good in them. A Lhasa Apso boast of their full of stamina and strong muscles.

Their long hairs require a great deal of grooming, as it can easily get tangled, matted, and dirty. Their hair needs to be brushed once a day at least. You also need to shower them on a regular basis. And don't worry about their natural oil getting washed away with bathing. These dogs don't have sensitive skins. But even so, they are prone to skin problems caused by parasites. They are also likely to develop ear and eye problems. So make sure that these parts are always clean. The most common health problem for these dogs is kidney disease.

Lhasa Apso dogs may be a little aloof in front of strangers. Otherwise, they are playful in nature. This makes them the perfect family dog. However, only children who are old enough should play with them. These dogs have low tolerance when it comes to disrespect and smaller children, as shown by their tendency to nip when they get too playful or get irritated. These are dogs are very expressive with their affection. Although at times, they can be very stubborn. Think of them as dogs having two personalities with two different moods.

The perfect hearing of these dogs make them great watchdogs. But if they are mixed with other pets, they become jealous. Lhasa Apso dogs ask for a great deal of attention from its masters. If you take them as a pet, make sure you do not get another one. And with the attention it requires, it is important that there's somebody to take care of them during the day.

Training Lhasa Apso dogs require patience. Their playful behavior makes housetraining a problem. And they can be very stubborn at times. Training this dog breed may require professional help. Either you get a trainer of it or you learn the right techniques of training them yourself. Breeders can also help you out. These dogs need some firm hard, coupled with respect and consistency. Positive reinforcements are the best ways to get these dogs trained.

Lhasa Apso dogs also make a great show dog. They love companionship from humans but they can return that much to you. Just be conscious of their belligerent side and you should be able to avoid all possible issues with them as pets.