Who would think that the Lhasa Apso bred to be the companion of Tibetan monks, would become so popular around the world? It has a loud bark, a very sharp sense of smell, and is an alert little guy. They are fearless and very loyal to their families. They can be amusing, very caring, quite entertaining. They live a long time for a dog and can go into their twenties if you care for them properly.

These dogs do prefer a quiet atmosphere and are not often considered a family dog. They are absolutely the perfect lapdog, because they love attention and the comfort of someone's warm lap. Seniors and those with physical disabilities, will find these dogs a perfect friend to have. They do have a loud bark, so if you live close to neighbours in an apartment for instance, they may not be entirely suitable.

These dogs have mop-like hair and it can be so long that it drags on the ground. This makes a lot of grooming quite necessary so you can avoid knotting, mats, and particles which are picked
up -- just like a mop would! Train puppies early for grooming and they will anticipate it. Although they are small dogs, they require a lot of mental and physical exercise. Keep them busy with plenty of toys and nice long walks.

If you don't socialise these dogs with others when they're quite young, they can be aggressive. You might think the small dog like this would not make a good watchdog, but to the contrary, they are excellent. Their barks are allowed and do not indicate their small size, and they have a very sharp sense of hearing. The Lhasa Apso will deter intruders into your house, and it can make a long-term and loyal pet.

Of course, any dog wants nutritious, natural, and good tasting food. They do not want food that we eat, or dry food, processed food, or overly cooked food. Contrary to what some people think, commercially available dog food is not the be-all and end-all for your dog's diet. Anyone who is a serious pet owner, should take the time necessary to learn about their dogs dietary needs, and this wonderful little dog deserves the very best.

So, even if you're not particularly contemplative like the original breeders of this dog were, and you're looking for a wonderful companion animal, then a Lhasa Apso could turn out to be the perfect dog for you.