TheLhasa

Heralding from the "Top of the World" a loyal
guardian, to a loyal companion

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF LHASA!
With Permission by Dorthy Kendall

   Having lived with and enjoyed Lhasa Apsos for almost 30 years, you might think I
would be prejudiced about their character. You would be right, of course, because
there is nothing like spending time with dogs to get to know them better -- but I must
add in my defense that I've been associated with a lot of breeds over the years as an
all-breed professional handler, groomer and breeder.
   What makes the Lhasa Apso different? Most medium and small dogs (and I don't
mean toy size) have the tendency to be busy, anxious and dependent on their owners
for reassurance and lots of attention. Some dog lovers like this, and need the
constant demonstration of their pets undying adoration. Others prefer a companion
that isn't alway clinging, climbing on them or pushing for attention.

Lhasa Personality
   Lhasas with their typical Oriental inscrutability, seem to be observers as much as
participants in their daily routines. But don't let them fool you -- they know exactly what
is going on and seldom miss a cue. They are quiet and very clean in their habits,
being easy to housebreak, even as young puppies. They are also quickly licked into
routine and dislike disruption of daily habits. Being of a suspicious nature by virtue of
their origins, Lhasas tend to question your motives and can be rather stubborn about
their likes and dislikes. Crediting you with the common sense any good Lhasa has,
they consider you their equal, unless you are so foolish as to demand (what they
consider) something unreasonable from them; they you may have a battle of wills on
your hands. They is why it is so important to determine who is the "leader of the pack"
in the early months of your Lhasa's life. They are quick to learn, and have long
memories. You must establish dominance at a very early age or you might become
just another pack member subservient to their demands!
   Lhasas have gotten a bad rap from the veterinarian and grooming shop community
today. They forget that many of their clients came from pet shop, where temperament
was probably not considered a priority? This breed does not adapt itself well to kennel
confinement. They need close human contact, and most serious breeders today have
made a concerted effort to eliminate any hint of aggressiveness from their breeding
animals. Lhasa puppies are adorable, and should love people, even strangers; avoid
a puppy that hides or cowers under things, urinated when picked up or jumps out of
its skin when touched.

The new puppy at home
   Starting with a puppy gives you an opportunity to teach him respect from the
beginning -- respect for your wishes, and respect for other people. There are excellent
"Kinder Puppy Training" classes in many areas, a wealth of written material on
behavioral training available, and the advice of the breed from whom you get your
puppy. Harsh or painful methods of training just don't work on the Lhasa. They will
rebel and fight back; but love and consistent discipline will earn undying adoration.
Take the time to learn how to train your puppy, and you will be rewarded for years to
come, for they are a very long lived breed.

Grooming the Lhasa
   Like any long-coated dog, Lhasas require grooming, a task that requires discipline
on your part -- a commitment to groom on a weekly basis, even when you don't feel
like it. There is no magic formula of shampoos, detanglers, or special equipment
needed; just the determination to keep ahead of tangling and matting. A large pin
brush, small cushioned slicker brush and a wide-toothed metal comb are the basics.
A table dryer speeds up the job but a had dryer can be used. "People" shampoos are
the wrong pH for dogs, and any shampoo should be mild, never a harsh detergent.
Avoid heavy, sticky conditioners which can gum up the coat. Less is better than more.
Once a week too much? There are many attractive clips that offer the convenience of
wash-and-wear comfort for you little shaggy friend.
   Nothing is more disgusting, and even dangerous to your Lhasa's health, than a
dirty, matted coat over numerous skin problems. Mats are caused by scratching, and
scratching is caused by an itch.
   What causes the itch? As Shakespeare said, "Therein lies the rub!" You must find
and eliminate the itch if you are to have a beautiful coat on your Lhasa, and this is not
always an easy task. Fleas are a major source of problems, but are easily identified,
and can be eliminated, no matter where you live, you can have a flea-free environment,
regardless of what you've been told.
   Bacteria and fungi are another source of itches, but the Sarcoptic Mange, rarely
presents a problem unless the animal is debilitated and has poor immune response.
Allergies are usually the response to flea infestations or poor diet, but may tend to run
in certain bloodlines. These can be difficult and expensive to treat. It's important that
breeders strive for correct straight and hard coats that are easily managed, and
buyers should look for puppies with flat, sleek coats than the fluffy little puff-balls.

The Lhasa Look
   My perception of the Lhasa Apso is that of a silhouette first (because of the beautiful
coat draped from head to toe), and then the balance of length of body to leg length,
and then to tail set, and head carriage. The head is unique, and very important to
correct type. The head should never be long-nosed or terrier in type, and must be free
of coarseness in skull. Big round eyes are as incorrect as small, beady, slitted eyes.
The mouth should be level, or slightly undershot with a Jaw wide enough to hold full
dentition. A scissors bite is not correct for this breed. The Lhasa should have a "soft"
expression -- not down faced or snippy -- with one third muzzle to two-thirds skull.
This is not a long-backed breed, just longer than tall, and should not appear "dumpy"
or low to the ground. Their size is ideal for family life -- 11 inches in height at the
withers, and about 14 to 18 pounds is the normal weight. We don't want to get them
too large to fit under our arm, but never toyish or fragile and subject to bone and joint
problems. All in all, a moderate little dog with a sturdy constitution ,and a intelligent
friend of the family!