Lhasa Apsos 101

Non-Sporting

The Lhasa Apso may resemble the Shih Tzu, but the similarities don't go beyond small size and long coats. That's because the Lhasa isn't quite as easy-going as the Shih Tzu. The breed who used to guard Tibetan monasteries still takes life seriously and wants to be taken seriously by the world.

What we love about Lhasa Apsos

It's a Lhasa's world, but you can live in it

Energy level

25% energy level

Energy level: 25% (Low)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • As needed

Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively

Size

10 to 11 inches tall
Small breed size

Size: 10 to 11 inches tall. This is a Small sized Dog.

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Lifespan: 12 to 15 years average

Weight

12 to 18 lbs

Weight: 12 to 18 lbs typical range

Energy level
Low (25%)
Bark level
Talkative
Height
10 to 11 inches
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Weight
12 to 18 lbs

The Lhasa Apso stands 10 to 11 inches tall and weighs 12 to 18 lbs. Lhasa Apsos have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They are known for a low (25%) energy level and a talkative bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Lhasa Apsos get?
Lhasa Apsos stand 10 to 11 inches tall and typically weigh between 12 and 18 pounds.
How long do Lhasa Apsos live?
The average lifespan of a Lhasa Apso is 12 to 15 years.
Are Lhasa Apsos good for first-time dog owners?
Lhasa Apsos have lower energy levels and can be a good choice for first-time dog owners looking for a calmer companion.
Do Lhasa Apsos bark a lot?
Lhasa Apsos are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Lhasa Apso health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Lhasa Apso

6 years to 10 years

Risk level for common Lhasa Apso conditions

Mid-life Lhasa Apsos should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Urinary bladder stones and Diabetes mellitus are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Urinary bladder stones
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Diabetes mellitus
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Corneal (eye) ulcer
Above Average Risk

Senior Lhasa Apso

11+ years

Risk level for common Lhasa Apso conditions

Senior Lhasa Apsos face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Diabetes mellitus and Urinary bladder stones and Cushings disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Diabetes mellitus
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Urinary bladder stones
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Cushings disease
Very High Risk

Lhasa Apso puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Lhasa Apso conditions

Lhasa Apso puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Ear infection pose very high risk. Dental disease is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Dental disease
High Risk

Young adult Lhasa Apso

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Lhasa Apso conditions

As Lhasa Apsos grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
Very High Risk
40% on risk scale
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Lhasa Apso

6 years to 10 years

Risk level for common Lhasa Apso conditions

Mid-life Lhasa Apsos should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Urinary bladder stones and Diabetes mellitus are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Urinary bladder stones
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Diabetes mellitus
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Corneal (eye) ulcer
Above Average Risk

Senior Lhasa Apso

11+ years

Risk level for common Lhasa Apso conditions

Senior Lhasa Apsos face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Diabetes mellitus and Urinary bladder stones and Cushings disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Diabetes mellitus
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Urinary bladder stones
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Cushings disease
Very High Risk

Lhasa Apso puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Lhasa Apso conditions

Lhasa Apso puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Ear infection pose very high risk. Dental disease is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Dental disease
High Risk

Young adult Lhasa Apso

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Lhasa Apso conditions

As Lhasa Apsos grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
Very High Risk
40% on risk scale
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk
Lhasa Apso standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Lhasa Apso's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 6 months)
Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Ear infection: Very High Risk, Dental disease: High Risk
Young Adult (7 months to 5 years)
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid): Very High Risk, Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis: Above Average Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (6 years to 10 years)
Urinary bladder stones: High Risk, Diabetes mellitus: High Risk, Corneal (eye) ulcer: Above Average Risk
Senior (11+ years)
Diabetes mellitus: Very High Risk, Urinary bladder stones: Very High Risk, Cushings disease: Very High Risk
Lhasa Apso image

Dogs bred by the 13th Dalai Lama were key to the establishment of the Lhasa Apso in the United States.

Lhasa Apso coat care and colors

The long, silky coat of the Lhasa Apso tangles easily without daily combing and brushing. For that reason, most of these dogs are kept clipped short by a professional groomer.

Lhasa Apso exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

Although a little too big to be considered a toy breed, the Lhasa is small enough that regular walks will keep them happy and fit.

Trainability

Trainability

Lhasa Apsos loves their families, but aren't fond of strangers. Early socialization and consistent positive training will help this ancient breed adjust to modern life.

Lhasa Apso fun facts

Top girl names for Lhasa Apsos

100%

of Lhasa Apsos are female

0%

of Lhasa Apsos are male

Top boy names for Lhasa Apsos

Nationwide loves Lhasa Apsos of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Lhasa Apso gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Lhasa Apsos insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Lhasa Apso statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Lhasa Apsos

Best. Lhasa Apso insurance. Ever.SM

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