Lhasa Apso

Size: Between 10 or 11 inches at shoulder for dogs, bitches slightly smaller. Well-muscled, strong, sturdy little dog. Ranging 13-16 pounds but there can be some large ones, i.e., up to 22 pounds.

Coat/Color: Hard, straight, double coated, dense (not silky or cottony); comes in all colors, including blue and liver; however, generally does not have the head blaze, white-tipped tail or back color "saddle" that a Tzu will have. Poorly bred dogs will have thin, silky or cottony coats that mat very easily; some seen with a curl.

Head/Eyes: Head not quite flat, but not domed or apple-headed (as with a Tzu); dark brown eyes with almond shape unlike the Tzu who has larger, rounder eyes with a kind of bug- or pop-eyed appearance; heavy head furnishings.

Ears: Pendant, heavily feathered; set somewhat back on head and about level with the eyes.

Mouth/Muzzle: Bite level or slightly undershot; muzzle of medium length, not square, should taper slightly towards the nose. From tip of nose to inside corner of eye, approximately 1.5 inches. Poor breeding can result in extreme underbites.

Body shape: Rectangular with oval shaped ribs (not barrel shaped); level topline.

Tail: Carried well over the back in a screw; may be a kink at the end; well feathered. May be carried down when shy/frightened/unsure of surroundings.

Leg: Front legs should be straight, although the front feet may turn out slightly; well feathered.

Feet: Round and cat-like with good pads; well feathered. They feel large in comparison with a Tzu, who will have narrower, smaller feet.

Temperament: Gay and assertive, naturally wary of strangers. Independent, alert; not a "yappy" breed, will bark a warning. Slow to mature, retaining puppy-like qualities. Very alpha oriented; known biters in situations involving small children given the right dog and situation.; not a breed recommended for first-time dog owners or those with young children (less than 12-years old). Can be dog/food aggressive; can be snappish/nippy if startled or peeved (also when under extreme stress, i.e., kennel environment). Lhasas have a natural affinity to be a hearing dog. They are the “bark dog sentinels”, alert and protective of the family and hearth.

Medical problems: Renal dysplasia (RD); "dry eye" (KCS); progressive retinal atrophy (PRA); cherry eye; food and inhalant allergies; sebaceous adenitis; distichiasis; hypothyroidism; inguinal hernia; patella luxation; hyperacidity stomach (vomit bile or yellow foam).

Links:

Information provided by Vickie with some help from Lhasa friends
ALAC Rescue ~ Colorado
Boulder ST Rescue