Lhasa Apso: Training, Grooming, Nutrition

Q: Does a Lhasa Apso shed?

Lhasa Apsos don’t tend to shed, making them an ideal choice for those who suffer from allergies. However, because of their low shedding qualities, Lhasa Apsos long, flowing coat needs lots of attention to keep it in top condition. You should expect to brush your Lhasa Apso daily to prevent any tangles or matts from forming, as well as regular trips to a professional groomer.n.

Q: When do Lhasa Apsos calm down?

Whilst Lhasa Apso are not as boisterous as some breeds, they still have a playful nature, especially as puppies. Lhasa Apso owners usually start to see their dogs calm down at around 3 years old, but this small companion breed will never fully lose their fun-loving streak.

Q: Where to buy Lhasa Apso puppies

Whether you’re looking to adopt a Lhasa Apso or buy a puppy, it’s important to make sure you’re getting your pet from a reputable organisation or breeder. If you’re looking to adopt, you can use Petplan’s rehoming directory to find an organisation. If you want to buy a puppy, make sure you find a reputable breeder.

Q: Are Lhasa Apso easy to train?

Lhasa Apsos tend to need a strong and consistent hand when it comes to training. As an independent breed, Lhasa Apsos can be a little wilful and may take longer to weigh up commands. As they are playful by nature, Lhasa Apsos also have a tendency to treat training sessions as playtime and it can be hard to get them to take lessons seriously. However, with consistency and patience Lhasa Apsos can be as well-trained as any other breed.

Q: Can a Lhasa Apso be left at home alone?

Whilst they love attention from their owners, Lhasa Apsos tend to be more independent than some other dog breeds and are happy to entertain themselves. This breed is less prone to separation anxiety and makes an ideal pet if you’re likely to be out and about a little more. However, your Lhasa Apso will love spending time with you and you should make sure they’re not alone for more than a few hours at a time.

A hardy little dog with plenty of affection to go around

Originally treasured by the monks within the royal temples of Tibet, the Lhasa Apso can be wary of strangers. However, with training and patience the independent Lhasa Apso can be nurtured into an affectionate family pet who’s always happy to play.

Vital Stats

Size:	Small
Coat:	Double coat, requires daily grooming
Exercise:	Up to 1 hour a day for adult dogs
Life span:	12 years
Breed group:	Utility
Temperament:	Playful, fearless, assertive

Size Small Coat Double
coat Exercise 1hr Life span 12years

Lhasa Apso Temperament & Personality

Bred as a watchdog for Tibet’s royal palaces and temples, Lhasa Apsos are protective but playful family pets.

Lhasa Apsos’ instinct is to guard, so these small dogs can be very vocal!
A loyal breed, the Lhasa Apso loves nothing more than playing with its “pack” and makes a fun and loving family pet.
Naturally independent, Lhasa Apsos have a tendency to do their own thing and test their boundaries, so they require a firm but fair owner.

Reveal more

Lhasa Apso Training & Exercise

Lhasas are not high energy dogs and are quite content to entertain themselves, but their independence can make training a challenge.

Training tips

Strong-willed and independent, Lhasa Apsos need a strong and consistent hand when it comes to training.
Lhasa Apsos are notoriously tricky to housetrain, so crate training is recommended to set some boundaries.
Their playful nature means that your Lhasa might not take training sessions seriously. It’s important to be patient and keep training consistent to get through to your independent pup.

Exercise

These small dogs are quite content to be lapdogs, but this can make them prone to obesity so it’s crucial they get daily exercise in the form of two 30 minute walks daily.
The Lhasa Apso is still a playful and intelligent breed, and will need short daily walks and plenty of playtime to keep them engaged.

Keeping them happy

A Lhasa Apso is a great choice for those with less space; they’re quite content to roam the house and play with their toys independently.
Lhasas aren’t the most child-friendly breed, being quick to react to rough play, so are better suited to households with older children.
Being a natural watchdog, Lhasa Apso is very wary of strangers and will take a while to warm up to new people and animals.
Lhasa Apsos have the mentality of a much larger breed, so they’ll take any chance they can get to be leader of the pack, with dogs and humans alike.

Game ideas

Lhasa Apsos love to fetch, so grab a toy and get playing!
Lhasa Apsos also have a penchant for digging. Take them to the beach or fill up a sand pit and let them dig up their favourite toy.

Reveal more

Get a Lhasa Apso quote

Lhasa Apso Grooming

With its long, luscious coats the regal Lhasa can be quite high maintenance when it comes to grooming. The luxurious top coat hides a dense undercoat for winter warmth, and is topped with a jaunty plumed tail.

The long, dense Lhasa Apso coat harks back to their mountain dwelling days, and requires daily brushing to keep it smooth and tangle-free.
Many owners opt to clip their Lhasa Apso’s flowing top coat to make maintenance easier.

Lhasa Apsos tend to need regular baths (around every two to four weeks).
Despite their long fur, Lhasa Apsos are usually relatively low shedders.

Reveal more

Lhasa Apso Nutrition

Lhasa Apsos should have a diet consisting of appropriate natural proteins and healthy fats.

As a small dog, Lhasa Apsos can be prone to piling on the pounds so their portion sizes and mealtimes should be consistent and closely monitored.
Lhasa Apsos can have sensitive tummies, so it’s best to avoid grains such as corn and wheat which are common allergens.
Adult Lhasa Apsos do best when fed twice per day.

Reveal more

What to know before you buy or rehome a Lhasa Apso

Considering welcoming a loyal and loving Lhasa Apso into your home? Before you buy or adopt one, here are a few important things to remember

Lhasa Apsos are a protective breed by nature so tend to be wary of strangers and can be very vocal without careful socialisation.
Housetraining your Lhasa Apso can take a while, and obedience can also be a challenge for this independent breed, so be prepared to commit to plenty of training sessions.
Whilst they are hardy, Lhasa Apsos can be quick to react if they’re not happy so aren’t a good choice for households with younger children.

Choose a licensed and reputable Lhasa Apso breeder if you’re buying a puppy. ‘Lucy’s Law’ dictates that new puppies or kittens must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue. Third party sellers are illegal.
Like all dogs, Lhasa Apsos can suffer from a range of health conditions so always look carefully at the veterinary cover provided when shopping around for pet insurance as not all policies are the same.

Reveal more

FAQs

Does a Lhasa Apso shed?

When do Lhasa Apsos calm down?

Where to buy Lhasa Apso puppies

Are Lhasa Apso easy to train?

Can a Lhasa Apso be left at home alone?

Help & Support page

FAQs

Does a Lhasa Apso shed?

When do Lhasa Apsos calm down?

Where to buy Lhasa Apso puppies

Are Lhasa Apso easy to train?

Can a Lhasa Apso be left at home alone?

Help & Support page

Discover some of the most popular dog breeds

Beagle

Bichon Frise

Border Collie

Border Terrier

Boxer

English Bulldog

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavapoo

Chihuahua

Chow Chow

Cockapoo

Cocker Spaniel

Dachshund

Dalmatian

Dobermann

English Springer Spaniel

French Bulldog

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Greyhound

Husky

Jack Russell

Labradoodle

Labrador

Lhasa Apso

Miniature Schnauzer

Pomeranian

Poodle

Pug

Rottweiler

Shiba Inu

Shih Tzu

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Find out more about some of the UK's most popular dog breeds and discover which breed could be your ideal canine companion with our breed selector quiz.

Lhasa Apso insurance considerations

Most Lhasa Apsos live long and happy lives, but they can suffer from specific health problems, such as joint problems and skin conditions. That’s why it’s important that when choosing dog insurance, you consider the length of time policies cover different conditions. Petplan’s Covered For Life® plans refresh the veterinary fees each year allowing you to claim for ongoing conditions for the rest of your pet’s life providing there is no break in cover.

Physical & online
consultations

Diagnostic
tests

Prescription
medicine

Surgery &
specialised care

Physiotherapy &
pet therapies

Hereditary
conditions

Behavioural
conditions

Congenital
conditions

Dental illness
& injury

Cancer
treatments

Get a Lhasa Apso quote

[{ "url":"/pet-information/blog/how-to-adopt-a-rescue-dog/", "image":"images/blog-assets/Winter-blues.jpg", "tags":"rescue pets petplan advice", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior youYourPet Rehomingblog", "title":"How to adopt a rescue dog", "intro":"Adopting a rescue dog can be a life-changing experience for…", "meta":"Adopting a rescue dog can be life-changing experience. Any person considering rehoming one of these dogs should ask some of these key questions.", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/lucys-law/", "image":"images/pet-information/Lucys-Law.jpg", "tags":"", "species":"", "categories":"puppy gettingPuppy", "title":"The low-down on Lucy’s Law", "intro":"Lucy’s Law came into effect 6th April 2020, following a…", "meta":"Lucy’s Law came into effect 6th April 2020, following a petition against poor puppy farming conditions. We look at what this is and how it can affect UK dog and cat owners.", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/puppy/advice/lucys-law/", "image":"images/pet-information/Lucys-Law.jpg", "tags":"", "species":"", "categories":"puppy gettingPuppy", "title":"The low-down on Lucy’s Law", "intro":"Lucy’s Law came into effect 6th April 2020, following a…", "meta":"Lucy’s Law came into effect 6th April 2020, following a petition against poor puppy farming conditions. We look at what this is and how it can affect UK dog and cat owners.", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/dog-mot/", "image":"images/thumbs/mixed-sizes/dog-mot-banner.jpg", "tags":"health check-up senior", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior health brianFaulkner video", "title":"Dog Health Check", "intro":"As well as the annual dental checkup and booster vaccinations…", "meta":"Learn how you can play a part in your dog´s health by carrying out regular health checks. The faster a problem is identified, the faster it can be treated.", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/what-dog-is-best-for-me/", "image":"images/thumbs/mixed-sizes/what-dog-is-best-for-me-thumb.png", "tags":"", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior youYourPet nickJones", "title":"What dog is best for me? ", "intro":"Getting a dog is an exciting time, but there’s lots…", "meta":"Getting a dog is an exciting time, but there’s lots to consider when choosing one so you can be sure the breed will suit your lifestyle.", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/dog-breed-personalities/", "image":"images/thumbs/mixed-sizes/breed-personalities-thumb.png", "tags":"", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior behaviour", "title":"Meet the breeds: dog breed personalities", "intro":"Any dog lover will know that our canine friends can…", "meta":"Any dog lover will know that our canine friends can have big personalities! And, whilst every dog is different, most breeds have typical characteristics that set them apart from the rest of the pack. Read on to find out more about dog breeds and their traits.", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/questions-for-your-breeder/", "image":"images/thumbs/mixed-sizes/2021/good-breeder-thumb.png", "tags":"", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior youYourPet", "title":"Questions for your breeder ", "intro":"If you are considering getting a puppy from a breeder,…", "meta":"Find out the key things to keep in mind when choosing a breeder.", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/blog/how-to-make-your-dog-happy/", "image":"images/thumbs/mixed-sizes/2021/dog-happy.png", "tags":"", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior behaviour", "title":"10 easy ways to keep your dog happy", "intro":"Try our simple tips for making sure you have a…", "meta":"Try our simple tips for making sure you have a relaxed and contented doggy every day", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/why-does-my-dog-follow-me-everywhere/", "image":"images/thumbs/mixed-sizes/2021/dog-follows-me.png", "tags":"", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior behaviour", "title":"Why does my dog follow me everywhere?", "intro":"Is your dog like your shadow? Petplan’s dog behaviourist Nick…", "meta":"Is your dog like your shadow? Petplan’s dog behaviourist Nick Jones answers common questions about this canine behaviour, and explains what to do if your pet is a bit too, er, dogged in their devotion!", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/five-games-to-play-with-your-dog/", "image":"images/blog-assets/games-web-dog-thumb.png", "tags":"", "species":"dog", "categories":"behaviour nickJones puppy 3m-6m puppyGames&Exercise", "title":"Five great games to play with your dog", "intro":"Playing regularly with your dog will keep them stimulated, teach…", "meta":"Playing regularly with your dog will keep him stimulated, teach you about his personality and strengthen the bond between you. ‘All dogs enjoy different games, so working out which kind he enjoys and the rewards he responds to is the first step,’ says Ali Taylor, Head of Canine Welfare at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. ‘Border Collies like to chase toys and bring them back, while a Springer Spaniel will enjoy interaction based on searching for a toy. ", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" }]

All dog advice

A hardy little dog with plenty of affection to go around