How to Identify a Lhasa Apso

Last Updated: January 18, 2021 References

Lhasa Apsos are famed for their floor-length, flat-hanging coat which is parted in the middle and drapes over either side of their body.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} The dog is a member of the non-sporting group, and is an ancient dog of Tibet who used to live in the Himalayan mountains.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} The Lhasa Apso shares some traits with other dogs, but by recognising their key traits it's easy to identify a Lhasa. This wikiHow will help you know whether or not a dog is a Lhasa Apso.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Recognising the Body Structure

1
Check the dog's size. The Lhasa Apso is a rather small breed of dog. They're only 10–11 inches (25.4–27.9 cm) tall, the females being slightly smaller, and they weigh 12–18 pounds (5.4–8.2 kg).^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
2
Notice the eyes. Lhasas have dark brown eyes, which are almond shaped.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Find the ears. A Lhasa Apso has heavily feathered ears that are set slightly higher than eye-level. The ears are carried close to the cheek^{[5]
X
Research source}
4
Look at the muzzle. Lhasa Apsos have straight muzzles which are about one third of their head's length, from the nose to the back of the head. They have a black nose, and a level or slightly undershot bite.^{[6]
X
Research source}
5
Inspect the tail. A Lhasa has a feathery tail that's set high enough for it to be carried over the back with a curl to the side. The tail may have a kink in the end.^{[7]
X
Research source}
6
View the overall structure. A Lhasa Apso's neck is medium in length and blends smoothly into their back, and the body looks rectangular when seen in profile. The elbows are close to the body, and the legs are heavily coated in hair and straight from the elbow downward. The feet are round and catlike on both the hind legs and front.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Taking Notice of the Coat

1
Check the coat's texture and appearance. The Lhasa Apso has a heavy, thick, dense coat. The coat is double coated, and generally straight and tough, not woolly or silky.^{[9]
X
Research source} Lhasa Apsos are considered allergy friendly, as they don't shed.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
2
Look at the coat's colour. Lhasa Apsos can be any colour, and all are equally acceptable.^{[11]
X
Research source} There are some colours which are seen more frequently, despite the fact that the dog can be any colour.
- The colours which are more standard, include: black, black and tan, cream, golden, grizzle, red, red gold and white.^{[12]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- Other lesser seen colours include: blue, charcoal, grey, liver and silver.^{[13]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
3
Look at the 'cut'. Some people choose to give their Lhasa Apsos specific haircuts, rather than leaving it the standard cut. Some of these may include: the Puppy cut, the Teddy Bear cut, the Show cut.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- The Puppy cut is seen as the same short length all over.^{[15]
  X
  Research source}
- The Teddy Bear cut appears as longer hair around the head and face.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}
- The show cut traditionally is seen as letting the hair grow to floor length, and cutting to show standards.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Temperament

1
Watch for suspicion. The Lhasa Apso can be very cautious and careful around strangers. They're very careful with their socialisation, and they may be suspicious of everyone, which can lead to biting.^{[18]
X
Research source}
2
Notice independence. Lhasas have their own mind, and a personality that is catlike in their independence.^{[19]
X
Research source} They'll often be wilful, obstinate, manipulative and bossy.^{[20]
X
Research source} This means that when you give the dog a command, they might not listen to you straight away.^{[21]
X
Research source}
3
Look for jealousy. Lhasa Apsos are very likely to become jealous of other pets, animals, or even children when the attention is on them. They won't like being teased, and can become quite possessive.^{[22]
X
Research source}^{[23]
X
Research source}
4
Pay attention to intelligence. The Lhasa Apso is rather intelligent, and they have their own mind. The dog will probably do best with reward based training, because they're smart enough to learn that there are reasons to do things.^{[24]
X
Research source}
5
Check if the dog is alright being left on their own. The Lhasa Apso won't mind being left on their own, and will happily entertain themself. They're very playful, and will find something to do whenever they're inside.^{[25]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Question

How do I know the dog's breed when it is puppy?

Linnie

Top Answerer

Puppies will still have the same physical traits, such as coat color and structure. Their temperament may be somewhat different as puppies are typically more energetic and playful, so it's best to rely on physical characteristics until they're a bit older.
Question

I have a lhasa apso and he fits all the descriptions of a purebred except the non-shedding part. Mine sheds quite a lot when his coat isn't trimmed. Why is this?

Linnie

Top Answerer

Some lhasa apso do shed but just at a very slow rate, so the breed is generally considered "non-shedding" for this reason. Your dog may be an exception to this when he has a natural coat. It's completely possible that this is just natural for your dog; however, there's also a possibility that his frequent shedding is either a result of a medical condition or a mix with another breed.