Lhasa apso

History of the Lhasa Apso breed

The birthplace of the breed is Tibet, or rather, its monasteries, whose inhabitants were not indifferent to small dogs, famous for their strong–willed character and sociability. It is known, for example, that the gates of Buddhist monasteries have always been guarded tibetan mastiffs , whereas the status of caretakers of the chambers of the Dalai Lamas belonged entirely to the Lhasa apso. Local beliefs also helped to maintain the image of the breed. According to them, the souls of their deceased owners moved into the bodies of animals, thus continuing their earthly path.

In praising the breed, the Tibetans went so far as to classify its representatives as sacred animals, the sale of which was severely punished. Sometimes Lhasa apso was still given, but such offerings were made in exceptional cases and almost always not to Europeans. That is why dogs came to the Old World only by the end of the XIX century.

Curious fact: in the homeland of the Lhasa Apso breed, they were often called dinner admirers. It was believed that Buddhist monks specially taught dogs to sigh sorrowfully in order to pity believers. Those interested in the cause of the animals' strange sobs were told that the dog had not eaten for a long time, but his upbringing did not allow him to whine and beg for alms. It is clear that after such stories, the amount of monastic donations increased dramatically.

The British were the first to get acquainted with Lhasa apso, but at first different types of individuals were imported into the country, among which there were animals up to 50 cm tall. It was decided to divide shaggy dogs into breeds in England only in the 30s. After that, the larger dogs were called Tibetan terriers, and the smaller ones were called Lhasa apso. The Dalai Lamas' dogs came to the rest of Europe later. For example, German breeders saw the breed in the late 30s, the French - in the middle of the XX century. The "Tibetans" reached the USA by the end of the 50s, and not without adventures: at first the Americans did not see the difference between the breeds shih tzu and lhasa apso, mistakenly combining them into one type. The cynologists of the United States managed to separate both dog clans from each other only by 1969.

Video: Lhasa apso

Lhasa apso Breed Standard

The Tibetan apso today is a short, sturdy man, as well as the owner of ultra–long bangs, wrapped in a mantle of heavy coarse wool. It is impossible not to note the strong external similarity of these dogs with their probable relatives – shih tzu . However, if you put the breeds side by side, the contrast between their representatives will be brighter. The fact is that the Lhasa apso is much larger than its congener, and also has a longer muzzle. The optimal height for a Tibetan male is 25-25.4 cm. In general, the height at the withers is considered acceptable if it does not exceed the value of 27.3 cm. Bitches are usually shorter and lighter than dogs. If a male Lhasa apso can weigh from 6.4 to 8.2 kg, then for "girls" the upper limit is 6.4 kg.

Head

The dog's skull is rather narrow, but not domed or flat, with a shallow transition. The muzzle with an even back is about 4 cm long, which is ⅓ part of the length of the head. The animal's head is covered with a luxurious adorning hair, forming a glamorous bang, mustache and beard. The fur on the forehead falls over the eyes, but does not interfere with the view.

Nose

The color of the lobe is black.

Teeth and jaws

The standard type of bite for the Lhasa APSO is a reverse bite (necessarily without waste). The incisors of the upper jaw with the outer side touch the inner side of the lower incisor teeth, forming the so-called reverse scissors bow. In this case, the incisor line should be as wide and straight as possible. It is desirable that the animal has all the teeth preserved (complete dental formula).

Eyes

The harmoniously developed eyes of Lhasa apso have a normal size, do not differ in either bulge or deep fit. The incision of the eyelids is usually oval, the eyeballs are set straight. Important condition: so that the whites of the eyes are not visible either from above or in the lower eyelid area.

Ears

For dogs of this breed, the hanging position of the ear cloth is characteristic. The fur on this part of the body is thick, evenly covering the skin.

Neck

The neck should have a strong bend and at the same time look powerful.

Housing

The body of the Lhasa Apso is strong, compact in build, having an even topline and a hardy loin. The ribs are strongly stretched back.

Limbs

The dog's movements are characterized by lightness and freedom. Front legs with sloping shoulder blades and straightened forearms. The hind limbs are distinguished by strong musculature and pronounced angles of articular joints. The hock joints are located almost parallel, but at the same time removed from each other, which can be noticed when examining the animal from behind. Like the body, the legs are hidden under abundant fur.

Tail

Typical features for the Lhasa Apso breed are the high landing of the tail, as well as its position above the back, without folding into a ring. It is acceptable if the tip of the tail has a hook-shaped shape.

Wool

The warm "fur coats" of the Lhasa Apso are the result of adaptation to the harsh temperature conditions of Tibet. The integumentary hair grows long, stiff and devoid of silkiness. The undercoat is moderate, but soft, well retaining air and heat. The dog's coat does not interfere with its movement.

Color

Lhasa apso can have any suit. The most typical colors are golden, brown, black, white, dark gray, honey, two-tone, sandy, smoky, bluish gray.

Disqualifying vices

It is possible to suspend Lhasa APSO from participating in the exhibition only for conspicuous exterior flaws and deformities. Individuals with cryptorchidism, cowardly, showing aggression towards people, as well as dogs whose height exceeds 30 cm do not pass the qualifying round.

Character of the Lhasa apso

The appearance of the breed does not reflect the characteristics of the character of its representatives at all, so if you expect that the Lhasa apso will be something between a sofa cushion and a child's toy, then you are mistaken. By nature, the little "Tibetans" are closer to shepherds than to decorative tribesmen. Hence the incredible loyalty to the owner, distrust of outsiders and the desire to take patronage over all bipedal creatures that came into view.

Lhasa apsos are very attached to people, but they do not stoop to pestering and annoying following the owner on the heels. It's not that the breed doesn't get along with children, rather it doesn't consider it necessary to pamper little rascals with its attention and patience. Possessing a developed possessive instinct, Lhasa apso is jealous of the fact that children encroach on his toys and territory. By the way, most of the funny conflicts between these two clans occur precisely because of the unwillingness to give in to each other. For example, a dog fiercely defends property, children continue to try to steal a ball from an animal, as a result, the relationship between the "tail" and young hooligans turns into a state of permanent confrontation in the style of "who's who".

If Lhasa apso puts kids on a step below himself, then he prefers to be friends with teenagers on equal terms. For this reason, it is undesirable to entrust the training of a dog to younger family members – the "Tibetan" will not listen to such teachers. Lhasa apso is also selective in expressing feelings of affection, so it always appoints one person as its own master. The absence of hypertrophied hunting qualities helps the dog to get along with other small pets, while not forgetting to show that the "number one" in the apartment is still herself.

Living in the same territory with larger tribesmen is not a tragedy for a "Tibetan" if the owner has made at least a minimum of effort to make friends with the dogs. Of course, from time to time the pet will turn on the greedy, grumbling at anyone who touched his couch, bowl or toys, but such behavioral features are not corrected. Conflicts with the use of claws and teeth are also not excluded, although not all individuals condescend to a brutal showdown. At the same time, dog handlers claim that the grip of the Dalai Lamas' dogs is no weaker than that of the pit bull , which is why it is incredibly difficult to separate the interlocked "tails".

Lhasa apso is a playful dog who understands humor and willingly participates in various practical jokes. However, animals demonstrate all these qualities of their own free will and never at the whim of the owner. So if you need a pet with the makings of a clown, Lhasa apso is not the breed that realizes your dreams.

Education and training

Lhasa apsos are smart and quick–witted dogs, but the innate desire to lead, and if possible, to suppress, makes them not the most diligent students. At the same time, it is vital to socialize, educate and train the breed, because a "Tibetan" who has not been instilled with norms of behavior is still an impudent one. And of course, in no case do not indulge the animal, so that he does not form the so-called little dog syndrome, which manifests itself in pampering and uncontrolled antics.

When raising a puppy, always pay attention to behavior correction. Stop the dog's attempts to bite you, do not pick up the dog barking in your arms to comfort, do not avoid dating other, larger "tails". Lhasa apso must understand that for the master he is not the center of the universe, but only a junior comrade.

The breed does not work under duress, which significantly complicates the training process, so build classes so that Lhasa apso can get carried away. Do not give a command if you are absolutely sure that the puppy will not fulfill it. Always set achievable goals and encourage your pet to take action. Remember: good or not, but the animal must fulfill the requirement. This approach disciplines and does not allow the pet to think that a person's orders can be circumvented.

Positive reinforcements in the learning process are mandatory, while do not seek to feed the "Tibetan" with treats, so that in the future he will not lose interest in the usual diet. But punishments will have to be applied extremely carefully. The fact is that Lhasa apso will never allow himself to be humiliated. As an example: the dog will certainly snap at any shout, and he will perceive waving his hand as a final undermining of trust.

To convince a pet that he is wrong, a strict reprimand in an even, not ingratiating tone is enough. In extreme cases, a shaggy violator of discipline can be slightly clicked on the nose with a fingernail or a newspaper. Do not use a leash for physical impact: having received a strap on the loin parts, Lhasa apso will simply refuse to walk on a harness, because it will cause negative associations.

Maintenance and care

Like any decorative pet, Lhasa apso loves comfort. In addition, he is a big owner, therefore, in order for the dog to feel as free as possible in the house, she needs property – toys, a couch, bowls for food and water. The Lhasa apso prefers to own all these belongings alone, furiously barking at those who encroach on his wealth.

Shaggy "Tibetans" are not hyperactive, but they like to take a walk, so 1-2 times a day the ward needs to be taken to the promenade. At home, it is recommended to provide a pet with a tray. Lhasa APSO has a small bladder volume, they are simply unable to tolerate the toilet before walking.

Hair care and hygiene

The main advantage of Lhasa apso wool is that it has no smell. Even if the animal had to skip a scheduled bathing, his hair will not exude a canine "ambre". But you will have to work hard to maintain the spectacular appearance of the dog, but you need to prepare for this nuance before buying a puppy, Lhasa apso is not a breed for the lazy.

The cover coat of dogs is heavy and coarse. The undercoat is not very abundant, but this does not prevent it from forming tangles, so you need to comb the animal daily. There is a special kind of breed, whose representatives have an overly developed undercoat, which cannot be disassembled with a comb. Such individuals are sheared, although, according to the generally accepted rule, radical shortening of the coat is contraindicated for the breed.

Teach the Lhasa Apso to grooming from an early age: dogs do not respect such procedures, which they remind the owner of by whining, trying to bite his hand and other unpleasant tricks. Representatives of this breed are always combed according to the growth of the coat, forming an even parting in the middle of the back. Bangs over the eyes are already pulled together with rubber bands in two ponytails from the age of 3 months, and as the dog grows up - in four. In the future, such manipulations will help the hair to lie down more effectively. Mustache and beard are also better to collect in tails – so they will get dirty less while eating. Every time after the pet has drunk water and eaten his portion, do not be lazy to wipe his chin and mustache with a clean cloth.

The most difficult care for white Lhasa apso, because their fur turns yellow from improper diet and cosmetic products. Owners of such individuals will have to spend money on dry shampoos and talc, which will help whiten the dog's "fur coat". In addition, white apso need to be bathed more often.

Wash the animal once a month and be sure to use an air conditioner so that the wool fits better. It is recommended to arrange a bath for exhibition individuals at least once a week. It is allowed to dry the dog's hair with a hairdryer, but along the way it must be worked out with a brush to avoid tangling. You will have to wash the area of the anus and genitals more often to keep the appearance neat. In addition, the hair under the tail should be regularly trimmed for hygienic purposes – it is more convenient for the dog to go to the toilet, and it is easier for the owner.

It is also useful to remove the wool between the fingers – curved scissors with a rounded tip are suitable for this. It is allowed to leave hair on the paws if a frosty winter is coming, and the pet does not intend to give up walking. In such cases, wool will perform the function of a natural insulation.

Be sure to wipe the eyes and ears of the Lhasa apso if you notice dust and sulfur secretions in them. A couple of times a week, it is advisable to "persuade" the pet to brush his teeth. By the way, in the case of this breed, it is better to replace the silicone nozzle on the finger with a baby brush – "Tibetans" are not enthusiastic about brushing their teeth and sometimes they can clack their mouths cautiously.

Feeding

An acceptable diet for the breed can be both "drying" and natural products. The first option is preferred by the owners of show animals – it is always easier to organize pet food with the help of industrial feeds when traveling to exhibitions. A natural menu has its advantages, since the owner independently controls the quality of the products purchased. The only nuance is the constant need to add to the diet purchased vitamins and mineral complexes that compensate for the lack of nutrients in ordinary food.

Basic ingredients of natural nutrition for lhasa apso:

• lean meat and liver;
• boiled fish fillet (once a week or less);
• porridge – buckwheat, rice, oatmeal;
• low-fat dairy products;
• quail eggs;
• greens, vegetables, berries and fruits (exclude: potatoes, legumes, citrus fruits, grapes).

To improve the condition of the coat, you can add unrefined vegetable oil and fish oil to the feed a little at a time. Soft cartilage, veins and other non-condiments are suitable as useful treats. And of course, it is important to remember that from ½ to ⅔ a dog's portion is always meat and only the rest falls on cereals and vegetable additives.

Health and diseases of lhasa apso

Lhasa apsos are in good health, but even this fact does not guarantee that the dog will definitely live the years allotted to it without ever getting sick. Ailments that can be detected in the breed:

• Willebrand's disease;
• distichiasis;
• dislocation of the kneecaps;
• progressive retinal atrophy;
• joint dysplasia;
• hypoplasia;
• urolithiasis.

The head of the Lhasa apso, though not as flattened as that of shih tzu , still has a brachycephalic type of structure. This means that from time to time the animal may experience shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

How to choose a puppy

• If you plan to purchase a pair of puppies, try to choose a male and a female. Lhasa Apso loves to fight with fellow tribesmen, especially often conflicts occur between same-sex individuals.
• For breeding and participation in exhibitions, it is necessary to take puppies at least 10 months old. The exterior potential of the small Lhasa APSO is not fully disclosed.
• Even if you buy a dog exclusively "for yourself", ask the seller for a puppy metric to be sure of the purebred pet.
• When choosing a Lhasa apso puppy by color, keep in mind that as the animal matures, the coat often over-colors and changes tone.
• Pay special attention to the size of the dog's nose. In a three-month-old Lhasa apso, the muzzle length should not exceed 2.5-2.8 cm .
• It is advisable to get acquainted with the litter producers or at least see their photos. Moreover, it will be better if the breeder provides amateur pictures, and not studio photos, where the pet is perfectly combed, and its exterior defects are disguised.
• Carefully inspect the puppy you like. The Lhasa Apso breed is bred in several types: there are richer and poorer dressed lines; in addition, some breeders offer "baby face" puppies with a more comely expression of muzzles.
• Don't succumb to the charm of excessively soft, fluffy babies. Growing up, such a Lhasa apso will cause a lot of trouble: because of the abundance of downy undercoat, his "fur coat" will constantly fall off.

Price of Lhasa apso

Despite the fact that the breed is considered rare, it is easy to find ads for the sale of Lhasa apso puppies in the vastness of the Runet. The average cost of a healthy, vaccinated animal from a kennel – $300 – $500. Pet pets without the right of breeding are sold cheaper and can cost around $200.