The Lhasa Apso originates from Tibet where it has been bred since 800 BC as an indoor guard dog. It was also used as a sentinel in the temples and monasteries, announcing strangers or intruders with a keen bark. Lhasa was the capital of Tibet, and "apso" is thought to come from a term originally meaning "barking-lion sentinel dog". These dogs, considered to be vessels of good luck, were never bought and sold but were given freely as gifts or tokens of appreciation. It is in this manner that the Lhasa Apso slowly found its way around the world; in fact the first Lhasa Apsos to appear in the States were gifts presented by the Dalai Lama to American friends.

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". The Lhasa Apso is of good length. The tail should be carried in a tight screw over the back.

Character
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.

Lhasa Apsos are very intelligent dogs with big personalities. They are bright and outgoing, and although they may tend to be wary of strangers, it is a discerning attitude and not aggressiveness. However, many Lhasa Apsos are quite friendly from the first introduction. Lhasa Apsos have a very good memory. They enjoy being spoken to and are capable of learning and understanding hundreds of words. The Lhasa Apsos are very affectionate but can also be very possessive and independent little dogs.

Many Lhasa Apsos are content with indoor living, and are playful. Some love being taken for a walk, while others are content indoors. They are perfect for apartment/condo living.

The Lhasa Apso is a long-lived breed, with some living in good health into their early 20s.
 

Temperament
Bred as an indoor watchdog for over 2000 years, the Lhasa Apso by nature is wary of strangers but is friendly and open with those he knows and loves. The Lhasa Apso is keen, alert, and loyal.

Exercise/Training
The Lhasa Apso is an active dog, but its relatively small size makes it possible to meet its energy needs either with short walks or vigorous play sessions in the yard, or even home. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 15 minutes obedience and playing with your Lhasa Apso will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The Lhasa Apso comes in a variety of colors. All colors are equally acceptable, with or without black tippings.

Grooming
The long coat of the Lhasa Apso needs brushing and combing every other day. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Lhasa Apso as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Lhasa Apso should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.