Description: The Lhasa Apso is a small shaggy dog with a long double coat covering its entire body. It looks like a small version of the old English Sheepdog. It was bred to serve as a guardian and watchdog in the Buddhist monasteries. It got its name from its country of origin. Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and ‘apso’ means “bearded” in the Tibetan language. Put together, Lhasa Apso means “long-haired Tibetan dog.”

The Lhasa Apso’s coat grows so long it can reach down to the floor. It is straight and heavy, and not silky. Its hair should run down from the head over its eyes. There should be a dark beard and mustache. The muzzle is medium-length. The eyes are small and set deep, and dark. The ears are feathered heavily, and the neck also has lots of hair. The tail is also feathered and carried over its back.

Dynamics: The Lhasa Apso is a friendly dog, but it is suspicious of strangers. It has an assertive manner and is very spirited. But it can also be affectionate and devoted to its family. It can be stubborn, though, and does not like rough or badly behaved children. It is an intelligent and willful breed, and it may take a great deal of training and patience for it to become obedient.

Training should be motivational, and the owner has to make the Lhasa Apso understand who the boss is. This breed makes a good watchdog with their loud bark. It can get noisy, and may get nervous around children and strangers. It may also get into a fight with other dogs and pets.

The Lhasa Apso has good sense of hearing. It also travels well. It does not like to be alone and can be annoyed if surprised or disturbed.

Breed Group: Herding, Non-Sporting

Weight: 13-15 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)

Height: males 10-11 inches (25-28cm), females a little less

Color: The coat of the Lhasa Apso is most commonly in gold, cream, and honey, but it can also come in smoke, dark-grizzle, slate, and a combination of brown, white, and black. It is common for the coat to change colors from puppyhood.

Country of Origin: The Lhasa Apso came from the land of Tibet, taking its name form Tibet’s capital city. It was once only bred by holy men and nobles, and stood guard among the temples and monasteries. It was also considered sacred, thought to be a vessel for its owner’s soul when he or she died and also thought to be good luck charms.

Activities: The Lhasa Apso is a lively breed, hence the need for play and daily walk. It also likes to run and romp around sometimes.

Grooming: No trimming or stripping is needed to the Lhasa Apso’s coat, although some owners prefer to cut the coat short for easier grooming. Brush the coat everyday to keep it from matting. Use dry shampoo and bathe when necessary.

Other Info: The Lhasa Apso has a life expectancy of 15 years or more. It is a healthy breed, with only common dog ailments as potential health problems. This breed is capable of living in an apartment and will still be as lively indoors as it is outside.

Photo: El Minja

AKA: Chrysanthemum Dog , Lion Dog

Description: The Shih Tzu is a strong built, cheerful, toy dog with a long flowing double coat. The topknot on the head is commonly held up with a clip. Their eyes are dark and round. Shih Tzus can be of any color , but a touch of white on its body and tail is the most common. They have long coat, which is compact and straight. Shih Tzus are a beautiful and a head turner breed, a head well up and tail curved over the back. They express an arrogant personality, but playful and gentle in nature. A very friendly breed. Shih Tzus could deal well to any family situation and will enjoy a hug, doing tricks, or fetching a tennis ball. Shih Tzus are a smart dog as well making them easy to train. even on their small size, the Shih Tzu is confident and dignified breed.

Temperament: Shih Tzus are gentle, loyal, and proud. They love to play ball and will chase anything you throw for them. A very alert watch dog, the Shih-Tzu likes to bark, but inside the house they are very quite. They are stubborn and clever. Shihs can get grouchy if they are surprised. Shih Tzus are trusting, a good companion, and get along with everyone, generally. They are cheerful, alert and energetic outside. They are very well socialized. The

Activity: They require a minimal exercise daily and loves to play. But daily walks and exercise is best for them. They are active indoors.

Grooming: Daily grooming is very important for the Shih Tzu. Bathing needs to be done once a month. This breed also needs a clipping of the matting on the feet. They should be brushed daily in order to remove and prevent mats from forming in the fur.

Health Problems: Their life span is 10-14 years. The health problems are: Kidney disorder, allergies, cleft palate, eye problems, renal disease, and von Willebrand’s disease.

Breed Group: Herding, AKC Toy classed under the Non-Sporting Dogs category

Color: Shih Tzus come in all colors and all patterns.

Height: Up to 11 inches (28cm.)

Weight: 9-16 pounds (4-7kg.)

Country Of Origin: Tibet

Dynamics: Quiet, intelligent, independent, affectionate, playful, and eager to learn.

AKA: in Tibet as ”Bark Lion Sentinel Dog”

Description: The Lhasa Apso are very attractive because of their long smooth hair and looks cuddly. They a very small breed that has beautiful dark eyes. This breed is a small, happy, kind and loyal dog that has a beautiful,small, deep set,dark eyes. Their coat is doubled, smooth,straight and drops down on their body. On their younger age, it is just normal for them to change colors until they grow. Their long thick hair serves also as their protection on cold temperature. Their ears are heavy feathered through there back and on its neck as well. Their muzzle are fair in length and not in square-shaped. They have dark beard and a mustache with their hair that flows from their head and covers their eyes.

Temperament: This breed could be a watchdog but very friendly also, a very playful lively and a smart breed. They are an ideal pet too. Very devoted to their owners that acquires a lot of different qualities. They are a very keen, observant and have unique instincts that could make them be a perfect watchdog. But they also have some traits that need not to be spoiled because they could also be tough, bossy or even commanding. To be able to discipline them well they have to be trained with good manners or behavior since they have the tendency to fight other dogs. Moreover, they hate to be alone and could bite if amazed or being surprised.

Activity: The Lhasa Apso are active indoors and can be fine even without a yard because they love to play indoor games which is a form of a daily exercise for them. However, a daily walk would also do best on them since dogs who do not get some daily walks are more likely to experience behavior problems. This breed is an excellent apartment and condominium companion.

Grooming: No trimming needed for their long coat parts since they have straight hair that falls freely on their body. but needs to be brushed once daily, to avoid matting. They have a very demanding grooming requirements to keep their long hair in goo shape, a daily brushing is required and a clip on their hair. Be bathed once a week , trim hair around his bottom for hygiene purposes. Ears should be cleaned to prevent infection.

Health Problems: Their life span is 12-15 years. Some health problems they could encounter are as follows: uxating patella, entropion, HD, PRA, vWD, spinal problems, cataracts, allergies, bladder stones, and skin problems.

Breed Group: Herding, AKC Non-Sporting
Color: Golden, sandy, honey, dark grizzle, slate, smoke, parti-colour, black, white or brown.
Height: Dogs 10-11 inches (25-28cm.) a little less for Bitches
Weight: Dogs 13-15 pounds (5.9-6.8kg.)
Country Of Origin: Tibet

Dynamics: Intelligent, alert, watchful, assertive, affectionate and playful. Ideal watchdog.