Lhasa Apso Pros And Cons You Should Know

Are you considering owning a Lhasa Apso dog, and you want to know about Lhasa Apso pros and cons, keep reading to find out more!

While Lhasa Apso canines make excellent companions, they also have some things you should know.

Potential owners should be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of having such a pup before making the decision to become a pet parent.

History and Origin of the Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a Tibetan dog breed that has been around for centuries.

The breed’s name comes from the Tibetan capital city of Lhasa, where they were originally bred.

The Lhasa Apso was originally bred as a companion dog for Tibetan Buddhist monks.

The breed is known for its long, flowing coat and its friendly, laid-back personality.

The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed that is still popular today.

If you are looking for a loyal and loving companion, the Lhasa Apso may be the perfect dog for you.

Lhasa Apso Pros And Cons

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of owning a Lhasa Apso dog.

Pros of a Lhasa Apso Dog

1. Low Maintenance – Lhasa Apso dogs require less grooming than some other breeds, making them a better choice for those with time or budget restraints.
2. Adaptable – Lhasas are very adaptable, meaning they can easily acclimate to different environments including homes and apartments.
3. Bright & Intelligent – Lhasas are very smart and make great companions. They can easily learn simple commands and excel at agility training.
4. Loyal & Loving – Those who own a Lhasa Apso find that they are fiercely loyal to their owners, and can quickly become an integral member of the family.
5. Small Size – The small size of Lhasas makes them good choices for those who lack a large living space.
6. Low Shedding – Lhasas are light shedders and require minimal brushing to stay well groomed.
7. Long Lifespans – Lhasas are long-lived and have been known to remain healthy for upwards of 16 years in some cases.
8. Easy Exercise – While some dogs require daily vigorous exercise, Lhasas can be content with several short walks throughout the week.

Cons of Owning a Lhasa Apso

1. Barking – Lhasas are known to be high-energy barkers. Those living in close quarters should be aware that this might become an issue if the pup is not provided with adequate outlets for his energy.
2. Destructive Behavior – If not given the right stimulation, Lhasas can become bored, leading to destructive and unchecked behavior.
3. Fragile – Lhasas are small, meaning they are prone to injury more easily than some other breeds.
4. Potty Training Issues – Lhasas can be slow to potty train, resulting in longer housetraining times and more accidents in the house.
5. Heat Sensitivity – Lhasas can struggle to tolerate higher temperatures, and caution should be taken to keep them in a cool, air-conditioned environment during extreme weather.
6. Separation Anxiety – Lhasas can suffer from separation anxiety, and care should be taken to always make sure their basic needs for attention and companionship are met.
7. Susceptible to Health Conditions – Lhasas can be prone to certain debilitating health conditions, such as chronic cystitis.

Personality and Temperament of the Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apsos are small, Tibetan dogs that have a lot of personalities.

They are independent, lively, and playful, but can also be very protective of their family.

Lhasa Apsos are intelligent and trainable, but can also be stubborn and headstrong. They are good watchdogs, but can also be barkers.

Lhasa Apsos are bred to be companion dogs, and they excel in this role.

They are affectionate and loving with their family, and they enjoy being with people.

Lhasa Apsos are not well suited to being left alone for long periods of time, as they can become anxious and depressed.

Lhasa Apsos need moderate exercise, and they enjoy walks and playtime.

They are not overly active, but they do need some daily physical activity to stay healthy and fit.

Lhasa Apsos are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions.

Health and Care of the Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apsos are a long-lived breed, with an average lifespan of 12-15 years.

They are a hardy breed, but like all dogs, they are susceptible to some health problems.

The most common health problems seen in Lhasa Apsos are luxating patellas, eye problems, and allergies.

Luxating patellas are a common problem in small dogs, and Lhasa Apsos are no exception.

The patella, or kneecap, is attached to the thigh bone by ligaments and muscles.

In a luxating patella, the patella is not properly attached to the thigh bone, and it can slip out of place. This can be painful for the dog and can cause lameness.

Luxating patellas can be treated with surgery, although some dogs do not require surgery and can live with the condition.

Eye problems are also common in Lhasa Apsos. Keep in mind that early detection is crucial.

Caring for the Lhasa Apso dog

The Lhasa Apso dog is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They are known for their gentle nature and love of people.

They require a lot of care and attention, and there are a few things you should know about caring for a Lhasa Apso.

First and foremost, the Lhasa Apso is a dog that loves to be around people.

They need to be kept constantly occupied, so make sure to provide them with plenty of toys and games to play with.

They also need plenty of exercises, so make sure to take them for walks and play fetch every day.

The Lhasa Apso is a hypoallergenic dog, which means that they are not as prone to allergies as other breeds of dogs.

However, they do still need to be kept clean. Make sure to brush their coat regularly, and remove any excess hair using a grooming brush.

Conclusion

Making the decision to own a Lhasa Apso requires careful contemplation of both the pros and cons of having such a pup.

But with the right care and understanding, a Lhasa Apso can make a wonderful addition to your family.