Lhasa Apso
A loyal, spirited companion with a luxurious coat and keen senses. Thrives in homes that appreciate its playful charm and independent personality.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
25–28 cm (male)
23–26 cm (female)
WEIGHT
6–8 kg (male)
5–7 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Lhasa Apso: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Lhasa Apso isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Lhasa Apso's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Lhasa Apso is known for its independent, alert, and sometimes aloof temperament, often displaying loyalty and affection toward family while being reserved with strangers.
Key Personality Traits
Reserved with strangers, affectionate with family
Quick learner, can be independent-minded
Moderate exercise needs, not overly active
Enjoys play but not overly boisterous
Copes well with various living situations
Strengths
- Alert watchdog instincts
- Loyal to family members
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Good longevity for small breed
Challenges
- Stubborn during training sessions
- Prone to matting without regular grooming
- Can be wary of strangers
- Sensitive to rough handling
- May develop small dog syndrome if spoiled
Protect your Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso can develop patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Lhasa Apsos are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent but can be stubborn, responding best to consistent, patient training methods and positive reinforcement; early socialization is important to encourage cooperative behavior.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–45 minutes daily
recommended per day
Lhasa Apsos have moderate energy levels and require daily walks and play sessions, along with mental stimulation, to stay healthy and content without becoming bored or restless.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Lhasa Apsos are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Lhasa Apso would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Easygoing but needs consistent training and grooming
Apartment Living
Small size and low exercise needs suit compact living spaces
Active Lifestyle
Prefers moderate activity and may tire quickly in very active homes
Kids
Can be patient but may not tolerate rough handling by young children
Multiple Pets
Gets along if socialized early with other pets
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Lhasa Apsos compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lhasa Apso
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
Helpful pet owner tools
Use our interactive tools to help you make the best decisions for your pet journey
Pet name generator
- 1000+ unique pet names
- Filter by gender & personality
- Save your favorites
Random breed generator
- Explore unexpected matches
- Learn about rare breeds
- Find hidden gems
Breed comparison tool
- Side-by-side comparison
- Multiple criteria options
- Detailed breed information
Explore more dog breeds
Discover other popular dog breeds and find your perfect canine companion
