PLEASE READ BELOW BREED DESCRIPTION CAREFULLY BEFORE INQUIRING ABOUT ONE OF ADOPTABLE LHASA APSOS:
WE DO NOT recommend Lhasa Apsos for FAMILIES WITH SMALL children. Many Lhasas are quick to react to teasing. Even the normal clumsiness that comes with small children (accidental squeezing of their ears or pulling of hair or stepping on their paw) will cause them to
nip. Many Lhasas are possessive of their food and toys and will defend these from all newcomers, including children.
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LHASA APSO BREED DESCRIPTION: The Lhasa Apso is a long haired dog, about 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing in at between 14-
and 18 pounds. They are well muscled and should not be excessively fat or thin. They are very lively dogs and slow to mature, but also can be stubborn and strong-willed.
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HISTORY OF THE LHASA APSO: This breed originated in Tibet where it was called the "Bark Lion Sentinel Dog." Their main purpose was to guard the inner quarters of monasteries and palaces. These dogs were not allowed to leave Tibet except as gifts from the Dalai Lamas. Today, the Lhasa Apso still barks to alert its owner of an approaching stranger. Because of their history most Lhasas like to sit on the back of a sofa or chair (the highest point in the house) to see all the comings and goings from a good vantage point.
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FUN THINGS TO DO WITH THE LHASA APSO: ALWAYS play gentle games with the Lhasa Apso (no tug of war with toys) as they can become aggressive. In addition, it is very important NEVER to HIT or discipline in a rough manner as the Lhasa does not respond well to negative reinforcement.
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WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THE LHASA APSO: The Lhasa Apso makes an excellent guard dog, alerting its owner to approaching strangers with its
bark. They are gay and assertive, yet naturally wary of strangers. They are a more independent breed, alert; not a "yappy" dog, but will bark a warning. They are VERY slow to mature and retain puppy-like qualities and their activeness into their teens. In addition, these dogs are very, very loyal companions. Lhasa Apsos dogs requires A LOT of training, and their beautiful coat requires DAILY grooming, which makes these dogs excellent pets for the a committed, experienced dog owner.
HEALTH RISKS OF THE LHASA APSO: Although this breed is generally rather healthy, it is still susceptible to kidney problems, skin conditions, allergies, and eye lacerations. Also, with their very exposed eyes, Lhasas are prone to corneal ulcers; therefore, keeping their hair trimmed out of the eyes or tied back is imperative (so the Lhasa can see where he is going and not poke his/her eye into a tree branch, bush, etc).
THINGS TO CONSIDER IN LHASA APSO BREED: Things to watch out for with this breed: This is not a dog for a novice owner. Lhasa Apsos > are not cuddly lapdogs and should not be spoiled or else they can become very demanding. They require a confident owner who can take charge. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say! There are times this dog will not follow commands and even guard its food or toys. If you need to physically chastise a Lhasa Apso, and you go beyond what THEY believe is a fair correction, they are more likely than other breeds to growl or snap/nip. Lhasa Apsos respond best to positive reinforcement training. In addition, this breed can be suspicious of strangers and jealous of other animals, so they should become accustomed to people and other pets as puppies. Without frequent brushing, Lhasa Apsos become a matted mess. If you
cannot commit to the brushing, you MUST to commit to frequent trimming to keep the coat short, neat, and healthy. The long coat tangles and catches burrs easily, and needs daily combing and grooming. Many
owners keep the dogs shaved to make coat care easier. The Lhasa Apso should be groomed every 8 weeks. Costs vary by location, but are typically approximately $30 per grooming.
ARE LHASA APSOS GOOD WITH CHILDREN: Unless raised with gentle older children, they are often not very good with them and can be snappish. Even if raised with children, they may accept their own family's children, but not the children's playmates. Lhasas typically will follow commands given by an adult, but not a child.
Who We Are
ALAC Rescue is a private rescue and foster care organization, created for the safe haven and permanent placement of homeless Lhasa Apso and Lhasa Apso mixes. We are NOT a shelter. Each dog is cared for in a home-environment, by foster homes who are familiar with the breed. Most of these dogs have been some rough times, so our goal is to to make them feel secure, safe, and loved ... so that when they are placed in their forever homes, they will stay there!
No Lhasa Apso is adopted from ALAC Rescueuntil it is been spayed or neutered. We treat these dogs as if they were our own, providing them with care, attention, a loving environment and rehabilitation, when necessary, to prepare them for their forever homes. We also do extensive temperament testing of the dogs to be sure to address any behavioral issues the dog may display.
The adoption fee for each Lhasa Apso goes directly back into our rescue fund to help with the expenses involved in preparing the dogs for adoption. This includes altering, grooming, de-worming, flea treatment, medical attention, prescriptions, vaccinations, and any other medical issues that need to be addressed and resolved when needed.
Our final goal is to adopt these homeless Lhasa Apsos to owners who know and love the breed. We look for owners who will give these little furkids a "forever" home. Many of these Lhasa Apsos have been carelessly discarded from uncaring owners. They are truly wonderful and loyal companions who deserve a second chance at a a great life!!
