History of the Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is an adorable lap dog that loves to spend time with his family.  many are accustomed to being pampered - perhaps because they are considered sacred in their country of origin.  Here are more interesting facts about th Lhasa Apso:

1.  This is an Ancient Breed

The Lhasa Apso has a long history in his country of origin, Tibet.  They have existed at least since the year 800 A.D. and for centuries they lived in isolation with Tibetan Buddhists in the Himalayan Mountains.

2.  Their Western Name Comes From the Tibetan Capital

Lhasa is actually the capital of Tibet.  Why the word "apso" is included in the breed's name is less clear.  It could just be a misspelling of the work"abso", which is part of the breed's original Tibetan name, "Abso Seng Kye".  There is also a theory that "apso" is derived from the Tibetan word for goat, "rapso", so-named because the dog's coat is woolly and goat-like.

3.  Their Tibetan Name Means "Bark Lion Sentinel Dog"

In Tibet, the Lhasa Apso goes by his original name, Abso Seng Kye, which means Bark Lion Sentinel Dog.  Lhasas guarded Tibetan dwelling from the inside - while Mastiffs guarded outside - and would bark to alert the humans of any potential intruders.  the Lhasa Apso was also associated with the mythical Snow Lion, which Tibetans believe to be a guardian of their country.

4.  They Are a Sacred Part of the Reincarnation Process

Tibetan Buddhists believe in reincarnation, and they believe that in the stages of reincarnation, a dog often comes right before a human.  According to their religion, the souls of lams, or priests, are frequently reborn as Lhasa Apsos just before they are reborn as humans.

5.  They Were Highly Prized Gifts

Lhasa Apsos were often given as gifts in Tibet.  If you received a Lhasa as a gift, you could consider it a sign of good fortune.  The spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, even gave Lhasa Apsos to the emperor of China many centuries ago (this is the predominant theory of how the Shih Tzu breed came about).  Though they were often gifted, Lhasa Apsos were hardly ever sold.

6.  They Came to the U.S. as Gifts From the Dalai Lama

The first Lhasas to come to the Untited States were also gifts from the Dalai Lama.  A Well connected traveller, named Charles Suydam Cutting, visited Tibet in the 1930s with his wife and they returned to the United States with two Lhasa Apsos from the 13th Dalai Lama.  The Cuttings would go on to import more dogs and establish the breed in the U.S.

7.  They Live Extremely Long Lives

Although the average lifespan of a Lhasa Apso is 12 - 15 years old, many can live to their late teens, and some beyond 20.  In fact, the oldest Lhasa Apso lived to be 29 years old.

8.  Many Celebs Have Lhasa Apsos

Lhasa Apsos are very popular as family pets, and many 20th and 21st century celebs have owned them, including Liberace, Elizabeth Taylor, Kurt Vonnegut, Ellen DeGeneres, Jane Lynch, and Gwen Stefani.

Sited from AKC.org

Dam Bella and Sire Edward are expecting a litter on March 28, 2019.  We are excited to meet these new little babies.  Please contact us to be added to an email list to receive photos of the new little ones.

Q.  When can I take my puppy home?

A.  When the puppy is 8 weeks old.

Q.  What do I feed my new puppy?

A.  Your puppy will come with a sample of the food they are already eating.  Adding warm water to the puppy food will soften it and make it more digestible.

Q.  When should I spay/neuter my puppy?

A.  Veterinarians recommend you spay/neuter your puppy around 6 months of age.

Q.  Can I breed my puppy?

A.  No.  Our puppies are only for the purposes of being pets.  Purchasers will have to sign a non-breeding agreement before being able to take your puppy home.  As well the puppy will not be able to be registered until proof of spay/neuter signed by a veterinarian is provided.

Q.  Will my puppy be Registered?

A.  Your puppy will be able to be registered through the AKC after proof of spay/neuter is provided to the Breeder.

Q.  How do I house train my puppy?

A.  I recommend using the kennel method to house train your new puppy.