Lhasa Apso: A Famous Pet Dog from Tibet

As a Buddhist, I have learned how to possess the ability to take responsibility for what I think, do and say, and to make our lives in compassion. And perform those acts of body, speech and mind that lead to happiness and peace.

As an animal lover with the Buddha’s practical teaching, I have full responsibility for the welfare of animals and hopefully I can be a human rights and animal rights activist.

Today I'm using my arena to talk about the famous pet dog in Tibet.

Introduction

The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed based in Lhasa, the capital and sacred city of Tibet. The name of Lhasa Apso literally means “Terrier of Tibet” or “Long-haired Lhasa Dog”. These breeds are always affectionate and friendly with people; therefore they are called indoor guards. They always stay alert and devoted to their owners. Because of their loyal, intelligent and playful nature, the people of Tibet consider them as good luck symbols and sacred spiritual lion dogs of Tibet. This report will cover origin, description and characters of the Lhasa Apso.

History

The Lhasa Apso breeds originated over two thousand years ago in the high attitude of Tibet. They remained solely bred and they were previously kept in the Potala, the Winter palace of successive Dalai Lama and surrounding monasteries as well as noble families in Lhasa.  The people of Tibet considered them sacred and also believed that they were reincarnations of holy Lamas.  (Vetwest, n.d.)  

The Lhasa Apso breeds were hard to buy. They were spread throughout the world as the most precious gifts by high-ranking lamas or nobles. The first pair of Lhasa Apsos were seen in Britain in the 1920’s and the first pair in the United States in 1935, later came to Australia in the 1960’s. (Vetwest, n.d.) (Petbarn, 2014) (Purina, n.d.)

Appearance

The Lhasa Apso generally is a small size with long thick coat of hair. The coat grows all over the body, even between the toes and covering the eyes, which keep the dog warm in winter and cool in summer. Lhasa Apsos appear in a variety of colors, including black, dark grizzle, gold, white, brown and grey. (Purina, n.d.)

The Lhasa Apso looks cute, smart and sturdy; usually grows to around 25-28cm high and its adult weight varies from 5-7kgs.  Some male breeds have a slightly longer body. These breeds carry the head too high and the tail curved over the back. (Vetwest, n.d.) (Petbarn, 2014)

Temperament

The Lhasa Apsos are attentive and alert all the time, especially with strangers. With their acute sense of hearings, they can distinguish who is a family member and who is a stranger. They are strong-willed, assertive and loyal companions. They like to be treated with respect and always enjoy spending time with their families and other different type of dogs. (Vetwest, n.d.)

The Lhasa Apsos are lively and playful indoors; they always keep themselves busy with entertaining the family members. They have characteristics of keen watchfulness and a hardy nature. (Vetwest, n.d.) (Petbarn, 2014)

Average of Lifespan & Health

The Lhasa Apsos have a long lifespan with the 12 to 17 years on average.  Some of them can live until 20 years or more. The oldest Lhasa Apso on record lived for 29 years and died in 1939. The breeds are fairly healthy, but they have some health conditions, including various eye problems, skin rash; and fatal kidney disease. (Vetwest, n.d.)

Conclusion

The Lhasa Apsos have a long history in Tibet and considered sacred in their county of origin. They are positively affecting human’s livelihood and deeply honored by the people of Tibet.  They are always loyal toward their owners. Today, the Lhasa Apsos are well known as a popular pet dog breed all over the world, but the report shows that they have become rare breeds in native Tibet. The aim of this report has covered origin, description and characters of the Lhasa Apso.

References

Anon., n.d. Lhasa Apso. [Online]
Available at: https://www.purina.com.au/dogs/breeds/lhasa-apso
[Accessed 16 October 2018].

Anon., n.d. Lhasa Apso. [Online]
Available at: https://www.petbarn.com.au/petspot/dog/dog-breeds/lhasa-apso/
[Accessed 16 October 2018].

Anon., n.d. LHASA APSO. [Online]
Available at: https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/lhasa-apso
[Accessed 16 October 2018].