Lhasa Apso - big dog in a small body

Lhasa Apso - big dog in a small body

The Lhasa Apso, although diminutive in size, is considered by its admirers to be a big dog in a small body, which speaks volumes for the breed’s character and personality. He is ‘Mr Personality Plus’, and is certainly a breed with a mind of his own, which makes the Lhasa Apso all the more endearing. 


The breed hails from Tibet, the land known as 'The Roof of the World', a mystical country with a barren landscape at high altitude. If they are to survive, inhabitants, both human and canine, must be able to deal with extremes of temperature and fiercely bright light. The Tibetans are a stalwart race, and truly typical Apsos carry many traits similar to those of their original owners.   


The Lhasa Apso is said to have existed since 800 BC, but there is no tangible evidence of this as written historical records in Tibet were not kept until around AD 639. 


Lhasa Apsos have sometimes been said to be sacred animals. They were indeed kept in monasteries, primarily to give a warning bark to the monks if intruders or uninvited guests managed to get past the enormous Tibetan Mastiffs tethered outside. The breed was certainly held in high esteem and was historically never sold but presented only a gift, for Lhasa Apsos are believed to carry the souls of monks who erred in their previous lives. These dogs were also given as tribute gifts for safe passage from Tibet to China, a long journey by caravan which took eight to ten months.  


The Lhasa Apso is said to have existed since 800 BC, but there is no tangible evidence of this as written historical records in Tibet were not kept until around AD 639. Buddhism spread from India into Tibet during the seventh century and in this faith the lion, in its various mythological forms, plays an important part.


It is the snow lion, though, which is considered the king of animals and it is with this white, mythological beast that the Lhasa Apso is most closely connected. The snow lion is believed to be so powerful that when it roars seven dragons fall out of the sky.