The Lhasa Apso is a small breed of dog originally from Tibet. They were used as watchdogs inside Tibetan monasteries for over 1200 years, for which they are uniquely suited with keen intelligence, acute hearing, and instincts for identifying friends from strangers.
Appearance
Lhasa Apsos are about 10 to 11 inches at the withers and weigh about 14-18 pounds. Bitches are slightly smaller, and weigh between 12-14lbs. The breed standard requires dark brown eyes, with black pigmentation on eye rims and a black nose. Texture of the coat is hard, straight, dense, not woolly or silky. It is often referred to as "moppy". It is of good length, and comes in a variety of colors. All colors are equally acceptable, with or without black tippings. The tail should be carried in a tight screw over the back.
Temperament
Having been bred to be sentinel or watch dogs, Lhasa Apsos tend to be alert and have a keen sense of hearing with a rich, sonorous bark that belies their size (some are known as "singers"). Most Lhasa Apsos will often bark when something is out of the ordinary, such as if someone is at the door.
The Lhasa Apso is a low-shedding breed. While not completely hypo-allergenic, it comes very close. It is cleanest if regularly groomed. If properly raised it will come to appreciate bathing, hair combing and cutting. The Lhasa Apso is a long-lived breed, with some living in good health into their early 20s.