Loyal and Protective

Lhasa Apsos are deeply devoted to their families and serve as excellent watchdogs due to their alert and protective nature.

Adaptable to Small Spaces

Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them well-suited for apartment living.

Long-Lived

Lhasa Apsos tend to have a longer lifespan compared to other breeds, often living up to 15 years or more.

Low Shedding

Although they have long coats, Lhasa Apsos shed minimally, making them a good option for some allergy sufferers.

High Grooming Needs

Their long, flowing coat requires regular grooming, including daily brushing and frequent trimming, to keep it tangle-free and clean.

Can Be Stubborn

Lhasa Apsos are independent thinkers and can be a bit difficult to train, especially for first-time dog owners.

Reserved with Strangers

While loyal to their families, Lhasa Apsos may be aloof or suspicious of strangers, requiring early socialisation to mitigate these tendencies.

Prone to Eye and Skin Issues

Their long coat can lead to eye irritation, and they may be prone to certain skin conditions that require extra care.

Exercise Needs

Lhasa Apsos have moderate exercise needs. They enjoy daily walks and indoor playtime but do not require extensive physical activity. Mental stimulation through games and interactive toys is also important to keep them engaged.

Walks

One or two short walks per day, along with indoor play sessions, are usually sufficient to meet a Lhasa Apso’s exercise requirements.

Training

While intelligent, Lhasa Apsos can be independent and stubborn, which can make training challenging. Consistent positive reinforcement and patience are key to successfully training this breed. Early obedience training and socialisation are important to ensure good behaviour and manage their independent streak.

Purchase Price

$2,500 - $5,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage.

PuppyPal encourages you to explore rescue and shelter adoption options—these can be more affordable and offer a loving dog a much-deserved second chance at a forever home

Initial Setup

Around $400 - $600 AUD. (crate, bed, toys, etc.)

Food

Approximately $500 - $800 AUD per year, depending on dietary needs.

Grooming

Professional grooming is often required for Lhasa Apsos to maintain their long coat. Grooming costs can range from $600 - $1,000 AUD per year, with daily at-home brushing necessary to prevent tangling and matting

Vet Bills

Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $500 - $1,000 AUD. Ongoing annual check-ups and preventive care could cost $400 - $600 AUD per year, with potential additional costs for eye or skin treatments.

Total Lifetime Cost

Over a 12-15 year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $20,000 - $35,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors.

Size and Weight

Lhasa Apsos typically stand 25-28 cm (10-11 inches) tall and weigh between 5-8 kg (11-18 lbs).

Coat

Lhasa Apsos have a long, dense, and straight coat that requires regular grooming to maintain. While they shed minimally, their coat can easily tangle or mat if not properly cared for.

Colour Options

Lhasa Apsos come in a variety of colours, including gold, cream, slate, black, white, and combinations of these. Their long coat and unique colouring add to their distinguished appearance.

Temperament

Lhasa Apsos are known for their confident, independent, and sometimes stubborn personalities. While they are affectionate with their families, they can be wary of strangers and make excellent watchdogs. They are intelligent but may also have a strong-willed streak, making consistent training important.

Good with Children

Lhasa Apsos can be good with children, particularly older ones who understand how to interact gently with a small dog. However, they may not tolerate rough play from very young children, and supervision is recommended to ensure positive interactions.

Socialisation

Early socialisation is essential to help Lhasa Apsos become well-adjusted around new people and pets. Their natural wariness of strangers can lead to shyness or aloofness if not properly socialised from a young age.

Indoors vs. Outdoors

Lhasa Apsos are best suited to indoor living with their families. They enjoy spending time outdoors for walks and play, but their small size and sensitivity to temperature extremes mean they should not be left outside for extended periods. 

Apartment Living

Due to their small size and moderate exercise needs, Lhasa Apsos adapt well to apartment living. They are generally quiet indoors and can thrive in smaller spaces as long as they receive regular walks and mental stimulation.

Time Alone

Lhasa Apsos are independent but do not do well when left alone for long periods. They can become anxious or develop destructive behaviours if left isolated for extended times. They are best suited for homes where someone is around for most of the day or with another pet for companionship.

Climate Adaptability

Lhasa Apsos can adapt to various climates, but their long coat may require extra care in warmer weather. It’s important to provide plenty of water, shade, and avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day in warmer climates. In colder climates, their thick coat provides natural insulation.

Common Health Issues

Lhasa Apsos are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), dry eye, and skin allergies. Regular vet check-ups, proper grooming, and attention to their eye health are essential for keeping them in good shape.

Ethical Breeding Considerations

Due to their predisposition to certain health issues, such as eye problems and hip dysplasia, it’s important to purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings. Ethical breeding practices help reduce the risk of hereditary health problems and ensure the well-being of the puppies.

Guarding Ability

Lhasa Apsos are natural watchdogs and will alert their owners to strangers or unusual activity. While they are not aggressive, they are known to bark when they sense something unusual.

Affectionate Nature

Despite their independent streak, Lhasa Apsos are affectionate with their families and enjoy spending time with their owners. They often seek out attention and enjoy being close to their loved ones.

Suitability for Dog Parks

Lhasa Apsos can be social but may be wary of larger or more energetic dogs due to their small size. Supervision is recommended in dog parks to ensure positive interactions.