Great Dogs for Apartment Living: Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is one of those dogs for apartment residents that has proven to make a great pet. You couldn’t ask for a better dog to share your smaller quarters with. He stands approximately under a foot tall (25 to 28 cm.) and weighs in at about 13 pounds (5.9 kg.) He’s one of those small breeds of dogs that’s naturally affectionate with his master. Not only that, he has a bettter than fine sense of hearing and doesn’t mind travel. So, if you enjoy making excursions to various destinations now and then, you won’t find a better traveling companion to share your adventures with. Even if your idea of travel is escaping by means of a good book, this dog will enjoy merely spending time with you.

To get a more definitive description of the canine, though, it’s good to investigate the various aspects of his personality and what it takes to add this canine as a member of your household. The following information should give you a more concise understanding as to why this hardy and happy dog is so well adapted to live in an apartment and why he may be just the pet to include in yours as well.

Grooming

The Lhasa Apso has a long durable coat. Popular colors include such shades and hues as honey and cream, although the dog also can be colored smoke as well as brown, white, and black. The Lhasa Apso is an average shedder; however, many owners minimize this particular aspect by having their dog clipped. Using a dry shampoo a couple times a month is good for those dogs who sport the longer coat. It’s important to brush the dog every day if he hasn’t been clipped in order to prevent matting. Nevertheless, the dog responds well to grooming as he is naturally affectionate.

Temperment

The Lhasa Apso makes an excellent pet because he’s a highly devoted animal. He responds well to motivational training. However, it’s important that owners demonstrate assertiveness and set limits. Otherwise, the Lhasa Apso can exhibit behavioral problems such as willful and loud barking, separation anxiety, and mistrust of humans and other dogs. As long as you make the dog aware who is boss, you could not ask for a more obedient and intelligent dog.

Exercise

The Lhasa Apso is the dog for small spaces as he does fine without a yard. Like all dogs though, he does need daily scheduled walks.

Health

Generally, the Lhasa Apso, if well cared for, is a very healthy pet to own. However, the breed is known to suffer on occasion from such ailments as ulcers, eye problems, hip dysplasia, and kidney problems. Nevertheless, all ailments aside, the dog has been known to live more than 18 years.

Maintenance

Besides brushing, it’s important to clean the dog’s eyes and ears to make sure he stays in top notch condition. Also, check the feet for matting as well as any foreign debris. Expenses with regards to feeding the dog are minimal too. He does well with a standard diet of dry dog food with some canned food mixed in for good measure.

In a nutshell, he’s simply a great little dog to own.