Lhasa Apso : 10 Most Common Questions

Last updated Sep 24, 2020 0

To understand better the Lhasa Apso, a cute and energetic breed from Tibet, we wanted to address some of the more common questions.

Without doubt, this beautiful breed makes a wonderful companion pet. In addition, the Lhasa Apso is good with children and other pets, but he must be socialized young.

The goal when buying a dog is to make sure you choose the best breed for your family and lifestyle. The Lhasa Apso is a good breed to consider. Physically beautiful, this small dog also has a huge heart and lots of personality.

Proud, determined, highly intelligent, funny, and sweet are just a few descript words of the Lhasa Apso, making this a popular choice for many people.

1. What are the good and bad points of owning a Lhasa Apso?

As mentioned, the Lhasa Apso is a sweet dog with a lively spirit. Being very affectionate and devoted, many people adore this breed. Now, the downside or careful considerations for the Lhasa Apso is that this dog does not do well with pushy children or rough handling, often becoming aggressive or temperamental. Additionally, unless trained, the Lhasa Apso has a loud and persistent bark.

2. If I buy a Lhasa Apso, should I have him registered?

You could but you should first consider the reason for the registration. For instance, you could purchase a purebred dog without papers. However, if you want to breed or show your dog, then an AKC registration would be imperative.

3. Should I buy my Lhasa Apso from the local pet store?

Unfortunately, the majority of pet stores buy puppies from puppy mills, which means behavioral and health problems. In some rare cases, you might find a quality dog from a pet store but we strongly suggest you work directly with a reputable breeder!

4. Should I buy a female or male Lhasa Apso?

Well, the ultimate decision is based upon personal preference but keep in mind there are some differences. For example, male dogs overall are more outgoing and affectionate. Males are also more stable and reliable regarding mood and they are usually more comical. The downside to a male is that they can show signs of dominance and mark territory inside the home.

Female dogs are generally more subtle but demand more petting. Females are also quicker to learn but more prone to moodiness. The downside is that females will burn grass outdoors, causing dead grass.

5. What is the best way to choose the right Lhasa Apso puppy?

When you purchase a Lhasa Apso puppy, again go to a qualified breeder. Then, you should do two comparisons – one looking at the litter as a whole and one looking at the individual puppies. The overall litter should be friendly, energetic, curious, and healthy looking. For the individual puppy, you want one that shows interest in you, one that plays with the other puppies, but also a Lhasa Apso that is not forceful.

6. My Lhasa Apso is driving me crazy with barking and chewing – what can I do?

This breed does bark as a means of communicating. However, you can work with your puppy while young to reduce the amount of barking. For the chewing, the same is true. Check out some of the top books on the Lhasa Apso to understand personality better so you can choose the right type of training. If need be, you might incorporate the services of a professional trainer.

7. What can I do to housebreak my Lhasa Apso?

The best way to potty train this and other breeds is using a crate. With this, your Lhasa Apso in a crate, you gain better control of time outside. Of course, your dog would not be in the crate full-time, but during the night or while gone.

This way, you can take him out first thing in the morning, eliminating messes in the house. Shortly, he will understand the connection between outside and potty time. When he does his business outdoors, you want to offer tons of praise and special treats.

8. What diet should I keep my Lhasa Apso on?

Today, a number of quality dog foods are available in stores. The goal here is to choose top of the line products that do not contain many of the grains such as corn that most dogs have allergies to. Therefore, a better option is to put your dog on a diet of fresh food to include cooked turkey, chicken, and beef, as well as fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.

This diet could also be supplemented with eggs, cottage cheese, oatmeal, brown rice, and even yogurt. What you want to avoid is processed or people food, sticking with healthy, fresh foods like those mentioned.

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