Characteristics and description of the breed
Height at withers: 25-28 cm,
Weight: 4-7 kg.
Acceptable color:
- sand;
- honey;
- gold;
- smoky;
- dark gray with gray streaks;
- black;
- party color;
- white;
- brown.
Additional characteristics: a small dog with long and thick hair that flows smoothly from the body to the surface of the floor.
The Apso has a well-balanced, strong body. The head is covered with voluminous hair that covers the eyes. The muzzle is straight, about 4 cm long, decorated with a rich mustache and beard. The ears droop and have long, thick hair, reminiscent of a woman's hairstyle with straight hair.
The eyes of the Lhasa Apso are dark in color, expressive, with long eyelashes. Please note that the white of the eye should not be visible from either the top or bottom of the eyeball.
The paws are straight, parallel to each other, overgrown, and the high-set tail looks like a “plume” due to the long hair hanging from it. The dog's movements are light and free.
Breed Features
Appearance. The ideal height for a male is 25-28 centimeters, for females a little less. Weight – 5.9-6.8 kg. The coat is straight, hard, not silky. The color is sandy, slate, honey yellow or black speckled.
Dogs of this breed have a dark beard and mustache, and the hair cascades over the eyes. According to Tibetan beliefs, by looking into a person's eyes, an apso can read his thoughts. The muzzle is of medium length, the eyes are small, deep-set, dark in color.
The neck and tail are covered with particularly long hair, the tail is curled into a ring and thrown over the back. The paws are large, with tightly fitting toes, and densely covered with hair. Despite the long hair on their heads, dogs of this breed have unusually sensitive hearing, so they are excellent guards for the home.
Lhasa Apso dogs is very independent and proud, but at the same time they are very devoted to their owner and his family.
Alert and self-confident, these dogs are very distrustful of strangers, so they are excellent watchdogs.
It is worth noting that the Lhasa Apso should not be left with small children, since if a child accidentally offends this dog, it may respond with a bite.
Of the small dog breeds, the Lhasa Apso breed is the most faithful and affectionate to its owner; there are cases where, after parting, the dog died of melancholy.
History of the Lhasa Apso breed
Thousands of years ago, the ancestors of modern Lhasa Apsos appeared in distant Tibet. The breed was developed by Tibetan monks , who believed that the small apso was a talisman warning owners of impending danger. They lived in temples, where only sacred animals . Tibetans believed that dogs were sometimes possessed by the souls of dead people.
Puppies of this dog breed were not previously sold; they could only be received as a gift from Tibetan monks, as a sign of extreme respect and good attitude towards humans.
The breed first crossed the borders of European countries at the end of the 19th century. Opinions differ about who first brought Lhasa to Europe. According to one version, the dog came to the British Isles thanks to the Baileys.
The first description was made by Lionel Jacobs in 1901. And the Lhasa Apso came to an exhibition in London in 1929
Only a few representatives of the breed came to Russia at the beginning of the 20th century, but almost no breeding was done.
Note that the standard of the Lhasa Apso has remained virtually unchanged throughout the entire existence of the breed, which is more than one thousand years, since the first mentions of these dogs date back to the 1st-2nd centuries BC. e .
How to choose a puppy
You can buy a Tibetan Terrier puppy only in a nursery or from breeders who are specifically engaged in breeding this breed. Therefore, many private advertisements can turn out to be a real deception , and instead of the coveted puppy of this breed, you can get someone unknown for the same money.
Before purchasing, you should study the documents for the puppy and parents. They must be issued in accordance with international standards. The veterinary passport must contain information about vaccination and worming. Also evaluate the conditions of detention . This should be a bright and clean room or a spacious enclosure in which both mother and puppies feel cozy and comfortable.
When examining the puppy itself, pay attention to the fact that it should be strongly built and moderately well-fed . Tibetan Apsos are very active and curious . Therefore, you should not pay attention to a puppy who sits modestly on the side and is afraid to approach you. This can be a sign of both psychological and health problems.
Character and temperament
Apso is a unique and contradictory dog. According to the breeders, despite its small size, it has the soul and heart of a large dog. They are cheerful and funny, independent friends, but at the same time they require increased attention, special patience, and they need strict discipline.
Pros:
- patience;
- friendliness towards owners and family members;
- vigilance and caution;
- playfulness and energy;
- self confidence;
- fearlessness;
- attachment to people.
But representatives of this breed also have disadvantages :
- Lhasa are wayward;
- the dog requires attention and a subtle understanding of its nature;
- don't like to be alone.
Character
The Shih Tzu is an amazing breed. The dogs are very friendly and sociable. They give love to all family members without becoming attached to one person. They love outdoor games, but can be patient if necessary. A calm disposition and good manners do not allow pets to bother their owners while they are busy.
And yet, left alone with themselves, without human attention, Shih Tzus begin to get bored and sad. Therefore, they literally follow the owner on his heels. Even a soundly sleeping pet will instantly get up and follow the owner wherever he goes.
Adult Shih Tzus do not usually bark loudly. But when left alone, they can whine quite long and loudly. Communication and constant emotional contact are necessary for pets like air. Affectionate, inquisitive and trusting dogs easily make contact even with strangers. Therefore, it will not be possible to train them to be guards. An overly friendly character and small size are not the best qualities for a bodyguard.
Shih Tzus are very playful. They enjoy spending time with children. Although parents need to be vigilant. A dog may mistake a child for his “relative” and not show him due respect. You definitely shouldn’t leave your child and pet alone.
Man and dog
Apso gets along well with children and tolerates their mischief and tricks for the time being. Feels great in a crowded company.
Despite its “decorative” appearance, it easily guides its owners on hikes and travels and tolerates the road well. Apso is energetic , so lying on his knees endlessly is not suitable for him. This is an excellent companion dog.
Due to its stubborn and capricious nature, the Apso does not get along with other dogs and cats - it is better to take the Lhasa to a family where there are no other pets.
Character and habits of Tibetan terriers
As noted above, Tibetan terriers do not belong to the terrier group of dogs. These dogs were named so by Europeans. Therefore, there are not many similarities between them and real terriers. In particular, there are significant differences in the character of Tibetan and true terriers. Tibetan dogs are just as active, but they are more friendly and “outgoing” than true terriers.
As you know, these terriers were previously used as shepherds. However, this did not negatively affect their character. Tibetan dogs are very soft and flexible. There is no aggression in them. Today they are considered one of the best companion dogs. The Tibetan Terrier can even live in families with small children. They get along great with them! Dogs love to be with family and get bored when left alone.
This breed also has several specific qualities:
- Puppies mature very slowly;
- Tibetan Terriers cannot concentrate on one thing for long;
- They are often self-willed.
In this regard, terriers have a rather stubborn, willful character. If a puppy is not trained from an early age, he will become practically uncontrollable. Training these dogs also requires an individual approach. It is necessary to take into account that the dog quickly loses interest in exercises and change one task to another in time. These dogs love dynamic, short activities.
A feature of the breed is its sharp intelligence. Tibetan Terriers have the ability to quickly remember new information and accurately follow the commands of their owner. They are headstrong, but with proper upbringing, they will not show disobedience. Also, such terriers are very sensitive, vulnerable and remember evil for a long time. For this reason, it is strictly prohibited to apply harsh educational measures to them.
Maintenance and care
Place the bed in the apartment in a calm and cozy place, protected from strong drafts. Lhasa love to sleep on soft surfaces , so it is quite possible to buy a dog sofa or lay out a large pillow for them. Apsos should only be kept indoors - their beautiful fur will deteriorate outside.
You need to walk at least 2-3 times a day, and one walk should be long and include active games.
This dog eats little; the diet should include all the basic components necessary for any breed. Avoid fatty and spicy foods, as well as any food from your table. It is best to accustom your pet to premium dry food. But do not overfeed your dog - Lhasa dogs are prone to excess weight.
The pride of this small breed is its luxurious flowing coat, which requires daily care .
The dog is combed with a special brush and comb for 30-40 minutes , unraveling tangles and straightening the fur. By the way, it practically does not get wet and does not get dirty in wet weather.
After eating, you should wash the dog's face, and after walks, the paws and genital area. As the dog grows, the hair between its toes is trimmed.
Teeth are brushed weekly with a small brush, ears are also cleaned once a week.
The eyes are a vulnerable part of the body; they must be wiped daily with a damp swab.
Training
The Lhasa Apso is a dog breed that requires strict, step-by-step training. They are smart, but obstinate , and the pet always needs to be explained “what is good and what is bad.” Avoid harsh methods and shouting at the animal.
A dog can be stubborn, but if the owner builds a harmonious relationship with it, it will obey the owner unquestioningly.
Apso is not suitable for inexperienced dog breeders and beginners in the field of cynology.
Education and training
Shih Tzus are very smart and intelligent. They are easy to train. Education needs to be done from an early age. Otherwise, a playful puppy will grow into a cocky dog. An ill-mannered pet causes a lot of problems for both its owners and those around them.
Immediately after the puppy appears in the house, you need to develop a clear line of behavior with your pets. Do not encourage inappropriate behavior and be sure to praise good habits. A situation should not be allowed where the same action of a pet causes affection from one person and a negative reaction from another.
A big role in education is played not only by socialization or the habit of following commands, but also by the daily routine. A small family member must be accustomed to the regime from the first days.
Breed photo
A selection of photos of dogs with luxurious hair.
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