Are Lhasa Apsos Hypoallergenic?
Yes! The Lhasa Apso is a small hypoallergenic dog breed that hardly sheds or drools.
The Lhasa Apso is a loyal, affectionate, kid-friendly dog. This popular breed is an excellent candidate for apartment living! Not only are they hypoallergenic – they are also non-shedding, produce little dander, and hardly drool. Though they are highly energetic and playful, their exercise needs are fairly easy to fulfill. This companionable breed is very intelligent and moderately easy to train. These dogs were originally used as guard dogs, so they have a tendency to bark in excess.
For a quick summary of the Lhasa Apso, skip to our Lhasa Apso dog breed summary further down the page.
Lhasa Apso Quick Facts
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Shedding: Low shedding |
Drooling: Low |
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Breed Group: Companion |
Lifespan: 12-14 years |
Energy Level: High |
Trainability: Moderate |
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About the Breed
The Lhasa Apso Physical Characteristics and Coat
Originally bred in Tibet, the Lhasa Apso was used as a guard dog for palaces and monasteries. Though they are now considered companion dogs, these stout-hearted, brave dogs are still passionate protectors. This small dog breed stands 10-11 inches tall and weighs up to 18 lbs. Their long, flowing locks are hypoallergenic and they produce less dander than most dogs. They aren’t particularly drooly and are considered to be non-shedding, so they are good pets for people who suffer from dog allergies. The Lhasa Apso breed is available in a wide variety of colors including black, honey, dark grizzle, golden, brown, and sandy. This fearless, steadfast, devoted, small dog is a popular pet for small dog lovers, and those who suffer from dog allergies.
Lhasa Apso Temperament
The fiery little Lhasa is a force to be reckoned with! Despite how little they are, these dogs can be quite fierce and protective of the people they love. Unlike other companion dogs, these little guardians view themselves as equals to humans, and often behave accordingly. Their independent streak can make them challenging to train, especially when it comes to ferociously barking at what they perceive to be a threat. However, behind their outspoken attitude lies a pup who has a deep need to belong, and an unwavering loyalty to those it loves.
Are you considering getting a Lhasa Apso?
Here’s what to watch out for :
Despite having every appearance of an apartment dog, this breed is notorious for barking and being territorial. Therefore, they’re not always the best candidate for crowded housing situations.
Although extremely loyal, these guys are also extremely independent, and that makes them difficult to train.
It’s great that the Lhasa has humble exercise needs, but you’ll need that extra time to brush their teeth and maintain their silky locks. These pups need extra attention when it comes to their teeth and coat.
Exercise & Training
Encouraging Good Behavior In Your Lhasa Apso
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The Lhasa Apso is a very intelligent dog, but not as easy to train as some dogs are. Their independent nature gives them a “what’s in it for me” attitude in regards to training. Despite this, the little Lhasa “lion dog” is quite sensitive. Physical punishments are sure to turn this breed into a muleish, unresponsive dog.
Although they may have a streak of defiance during training sessions, these small dogs are easy to exercise. It is often said that a tired dog is a well-behaved dog, so the Lhasa’s easily met exercise needs can go a long way towards inspiring cooperative training sessions.
It is important to train your Lhasa Apso the “Quiet” command from an early age, as this breed is known for heavy barking. For tips on how to train your dog not to bark, visit our training article here! (coming soon) It is equally important to establish a position of dominance with your Lhasa, as these dogs love to be the leader of the household. Owners of this breed must be assertive, while also being gentle and fair.
Although they are independent, the Lhasa Apso’s natural energy, intelligence, and easily met exercise needs make them suitable for novice owners.
Exercise Needs
The Lhasa is undemanding when it comes to exercise. Due to their small statue, a 20 minute daily walk will suffice to satisfy them. It’s much more important to ensure that your Lhasa Apso gets plenty of affection and time with you. If you’re away at work, its best to hire a dog walker or pet sitter to keep your Lhasa from getting too lonely. Take care to introduce new people when you’re around to assure your Lhasa that they can be trusted. Once the person has been introduced by you, your Lhasa is more likely to accept a new pet sitter or dog walker.
Grooming and Care
Maintaining Your Lhasa Apso’s Coat
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Like many long-haired breeds, this dog is high maintenance when it comes to grooming. Daily brushing is required to maintain the Lhasa’s silky coat, as is frequent bathing (about once every two weeks). Many owners choose to take their Lhasa to a professional to be groomed. Though their iconic coat requires quite a bit of attention, there is always the option of going with a lower maintenance haircut.
Teeth, Ears and Nails
Like many small dogs, this breed may be prone to dental problems, so brushing their teeth at least twice a week is a necessity. This dog should have its ears checked for irritation or bad odor once a week, and nail trimmings should be performed two times a month.
Health
Lhasa Apso Health Issues and Care
Like many small dogs, this breed is prone to dental problems, patellar luxation, and allergies. However, these dogs also may suffer from a condition known as “Cherry Eye”, which occurs when the gland known as the “third eyelid” swells. A red mass, which resembles a cherry, develops in the inner corner of the dog’s eye. Cherry Eye is usually treated with surgery. Lhasas are also known to be susceptible to Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or “dry eye”, which causes discharge around the eye area. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a fairly common disease in purebred dogs that results in varying levels of vision loss, however, most dogs are able to adapt. Lastly, Lhasa Apsos may suffer from Familial Inherited Renal Dysplasia which is a genetic defect of the kidneys.
You never know what problems your dog may develop in later life, but to ensure that your pet has the best chance at being healthy, never purchase a dog from a store. Stores that sell dogs are often distributers for “puppy mills”, which are factory-like establishments that breed dogs in inhumane and unnatural conditions. Always purchase your dog from a reputable breeder or adopt your pet from a rescue facility or a shelter.
Lhasa Apso Health Problems
Condition |
Symptoms |
Treatment |
Prevention |
| Patellar Luxation | Intermittent lameness Loss of range of motion in one or both hind legs Abnormal function of one or both hind legs Temporary paralysis of the knee joint Pain when moving Difficulty rising Reluctance to run or jump Swelling at or around the knee joint Weakness |
Surgery Leg brace/bandage Cage rest Medication |
Patellar Luxation is caused by trauma to the kneecap. Small and toy dog breeds are often genetically predisposed. Purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder. |
| Progressive Renal Atrophy | Night blindness that progresses to blindness in light as well. Dilated pupils. Inability to see clearly in bright light. The pupil (opening of the eye) has abnormal reactions to light. |
None | The puppy’s parents should be screened for PRA. Infected dogs should be registered with the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) and should not be bred. |
| Distichiasis | Stiff cilia (eyelash) Pawing at eye. Abnormal tick or twitch of eyelid Overflow of tears Increased blood vessels in the cornea. Change in iris pigmentation. Corneal ulcers. |
Ocular lubricants Plucking extra eyelashes Electrolysis (Electroepilation) Cryotherapy (Cryosurgery) Hotz-Celsus procedure |
Unknown |
| Entropion | Excess Tears Inner Eye Inflammation Eye Tics Discharge of pus from the eye Eye inflammation Ruptured Cornea |
Surgery Treatment of underlying ailments |
Select the dog from a reputable breeder
Always bring your dog to the vet to treat eye infections |
| Glaucoma | Blinking of the eye The eyeball may recede back into the head Redness in the whites of eyes Cloudy appearance at front of the eye Dilated pupil – or pupil does not respond to light Vision loss |
Medication | Avoid the use of tight collars Provide good quality food, supplemental antioxidants (Vitamins E, C, beta-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, and rutin) may help prevent glaucoma. Take your dog for regular eye exams |
| Sebaceous Adenitis | Hair Loss Musty odor Clumps of waxy matted hair Intense itching Silver-white scales on skin Clusters of lesions on the head or body Bacterial infection of the hair follicle Scabs and sores |
Topical therapy Oil baths Oil sprays Supplements |
This is a hereditary disease.
Select your puppy from a reputable breeder that can provide you with a health record to prove that the parent dogs do not suffer from this condition. |
| Keratitis sicca (keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) |
Itchy eyes Dull, dry and opaque cornea Eye redness Swollen eyelids Thick yellow-green ocular discharge Sensitivity to light Eyelid twitching Excessive blinking |
Medications to simulate tear production | Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle Vaccinate for distemper |
| Cancer | Abnormal swellings/lumps that grow Sores that do not heal Weight loss Loss of appetite Scratching at swellings/lumps Abnormal discharge from orifices |
Surgery Medication Chemotherapy |
Cancers are often genetic, so be sure to research your dog’s genetic predisposition to different cancers, and choose your dog from a reputable breeder.
Give your dog a fit and active lifestyle; obese dogs are more at risk for cancer. |
| Bladder Stones | Urinary accidents Frequent attempts to urinate without producing much urine Straining to urinate Discolored urine Licking around the urinary opening |
Antibiotics to treat underlying causes
Therapeutic dog food administered by a vet Surgery |
Be sure your dog has access to, and drinks plenty of water.
Once bladder stones have formed in a dog, you can give them special pet food to reduce the chance of a reoccurrence. |
| Cataracts | A bluish, white, or gray layer in the eye. A sudden reluctance to jump on furniture or climb stairs. Clumsiness. Eye redness/irritation, blinking or discharge. Rubbing or scratching of the eyes. |
Surgery (often not necessary) | Diabetes is the main cause of cataracts in dogs, so maintain a healthy weight and well-exercised lifestyle for your dog |
| Intervertebral Disc Disease | Neck pain Back pain Abdominal tenderness Arched Sensitivity to touch (possible aggression) Sensitivity to movement Impaired, incomplete or inappropriate urination Lameness Dragging Legs Weakness Stiffness Lack of coordination |
Medical management of symptoms
Surgery Confinement Massage Therapy |
Genetic, be sure that your breeder does not have a history of Intervertebral Disc Disease in any of the dogs they have bred.
Prevent your dog from doing extreme jumping, such as jumping to give over tall objects, or jumping down from high places. |
| Atlanto Axial Subluxation | Stiff neck Reluctance to turn head Neck pain Abnormal head positions Weakness in legs Difficulty walking Uncoordinated walk Inability to stand Sudden collapses Paralysis below neck Difficulty breathing |
A splint, cast or brace to immobilize the neck and manage symptoms
Surgery |
This is a genetic condition. Be sure to select your puppy from a reputable breeder that has no record of Atlanto Axial Subluxation in their lines, or in any of the dogs they have bred. |
Conclusion
The lovable Lhasa is as brave as a lion and as loyal as a dog can be. These pint-sized pups were originally bred in Tibet as guard dogs for palaces and monasteries, but today they’re popular companion pets. This breed is unusually adaptable to apartment living! Not only are these dogs hypoallergenic, non-shedding, low dander, and not very drooly – they also cope well with being left alone! Despite all of these qualities, these dogs are known for their tendency to bark. Early and consistent training from a firm, but gentle owner is a necessity to bring out the best in your Lhasa! With their stunning temperament, and equally magnificent appearance, it’s no wonder the Lhasa Apso is a popular pet among those that have a soft spot for small dogs!
Lhasa Apso FAQ
Is the Lhasa Apso good with children?
While Lhasa Apsos are very friendly towards children when properly socialized, they’re small and fragile. As a result, they’re not the best pets for children under 6, or children that haven’t learned to play gently with pets.
Is the Lhasa Apso intelligent?
The Lhasa Apso has above average intelligence.
How big is the Lhasa Apso?
Lhasa Apsos range from 10 – 11 inches and may weigh up to 18 lbs.
Is the Lhasa Apso good for apartments?
Yes! The Lhasa Apso is a remarkably good apartment dog. Not only do they have an excellent tolerance for being alone, but they have exercise needs that are easily satisfied due to their size and they shed very little!
Is the Lhasa Apso easy to train?
Lhasas are moderately easy to train, but they have a streak of independence that may present a challenge for novice owners.
How much does a Lhasa Apso cost?
The average cost of a Lhasa Apso is about $400. Be wary of breeders that charge unusually low amounts for their puppies, as these may be “backyard breeders” who may breed dogs with little regard to their genetic health. Be sure never to buy your Lhasa Apso from a store that sells puppies, as these businesses are often fronts for “puppy mills” – factory-like establishments that breed dogs for profit, often in cruel and inhumane conditions, without concern for the dog’s health or wellbeing.
Lhasa Apso Facts Summary
| Breed | Lhasa Apso |
| Other Names? | Lhasa, Lion Dog |
| Hypoallergenic? | Yes |
| Height | Female: 10–11 inches (25–28 cm), Male: 10–11 inches (25–28 cm) |
| Weight | Female: 11–15 lbs (5–7 kg), Male: 13–18 lbs (6–8 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years |
| Temperament | Steady, Fearless, Devoted, Energetic, Assertive, Lively, Spirited, Obedient, Playful, Alert, Intelligent, Friendly |
| Colours | Black, Honey (Color), Dark Grizzle, Golden, Brown, Sandy |
| Coat – describe the coat | Long, straight, and dense |
| How much grooming? | High maintenance – requires daily brushing |
| How much shedding | Non-Shedding |
| Dander levels | Low dander level |
| Saliva – Do they Drool or Lick much? | Low |
| Energy levels | High |
| How much exercise do they need? | 20 minute daily walk |
| Health problems | Prone to “Cherry Eye”, “Dry Eye”, patellar luxation, allergies, sebaceous adenitis, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy |
| Good for apartment? | Very good |
| Suitable for kids? | Good with gentle children if socialized properly |
| How much do they bark? | Occasional |
| Can they be left alone? | High tolerance for being alone |
| Intelligent? | Above Average |
| Trainable? | Moderate – experience would help |
| How popular as a pet? | Popular |
| Any other important facts? | The lion-hearted Lhasa Apso was originally bred in Tibet where it acted as a guard dog for palaces and monasteries. These dogs are uncommonly good apartment pets. |
