Before you consider buying a Lhasa Apso, you should research the breed to determine if the Lhasa Apso is the right breed for you. Although personalities of each individual of the breed differ, most have the following characteristics to one extent or another. Keep in mind that what you read below are only generalizations about the Lhasa Apso temperament, albeit generalizations written by the author who has owned many Lhasa Apsos since she began showing them the early 1970's.

Independent/Stubborn: Cat owners will understand a Lhasa personality since Lhasas have a cat-like tendency to be rather independent and sometimes stubborn. When you ask them to "come," they often take their own sweet time about it or look at you, very regally, as if to say, "Who? Me? Come to you? Whatever for?"

Sensitive: Lhasas hate strict discipline and are best trained using a reward system. If you correct a Lhasa harshly, expect some future retaliation! However, high praise and rewards (especially yummy treats) yield great results.

Devoted: A Lhasa is loyal to those he loves and those who love him in return. When we have placed adult Lhasas in pet homes, they have easily transferred that loyalty to their new owners. The same is true for our show dogs who have left us for brief periods for a sojourn with professional handlers. Lhasas grow to love those they are with, who feed and care for and love them in return. Lhasas are devoted to family and home and, although content to be with and play with all family members, will often chose one "favorite" family member.

Playful, frisky, fun-loving, clownish, spirited, happy: You get the picture! Most Lhasas love life and have an exuberant attitude that shows it. Many have a sense of humor and you'd swear they were grinning after pulling one of their little pranks! Some are "rough and tumble" types, and many Lhasa owners enjoy training these dogs for agility and rally competitions. Other Lhasas tend to be more regal and expect to be waited on hand and foot. Most retain their exuberance and happy attitude to the end of their lives, their spirit hampered only by the ravages of time on their bodies.

Alert: Remember the breed was originally bred to be an interior watchdog. They have keen hearing and will bark when they think an alert is necessary. Some even bark when there seems to be nothing to bark about. Lhasas are vocal, but not yappy, dogs.

Suspicious of strangers: Again, their heritage calls for them to be suspicious. The descriptor "chary" in the Standard refers to the Lhasa's aloofness around strangers. Lhasas like to size up a stranger before accepting him/her as a friend. They do not like people who come on too strong when they first meet. The proper way to greet a Lhasa is to let him come to you. Do not swoop down upon him, no matter how cute or cuddly he seems. Your welcome will not be appreciated! (Of course, some Lhasas have not read the Standard and have never met a stranger!) If you visit the home of a Lhasa owner, and the Lhasa seems shy and reluctant to greet you, ignore him. Chat with the owner, hold a friendly hand out to the dog when he approaches to check you out. He'll let you know when he is ready for a pat on the head.

Smart: Lhasas are thinkers and planners. (I've had Lhasas that are smart enough not to show how smart they are!) Lhasas remember people, places, and events. They understand what you say to them. If they could talk, they would carry on quite a conversation!

Independent: Lhasas do not need constant companionship. Yes, they enjoy being with their people but they are also happy to entertain themselves. They love toys and chew bones. They appreciate walks and exercise outside but, unless you happen to own one that is "high energy," do not need a great deal of exercise.

Superior: Most Lhasas know they come from an ancient heritage where they were highly prized. They know they are special, and they expect you to know it too! They may present a regal or aloof attitude.

Not lap dogs! While their cute expressive faces and lovely coats tend to make people think Lhasas are lap dogs, their looks are deceiving. Those who expect their Lhasa to sit on a pillow and look pretty are in for a surprise. The breed is hardy and independent; dignified and aloof; inquisitive and intelligent; active and interested in the world around them. Most prefer being with you rather than being held (for long periods of time) by you. They want to be your companions and certainly enjoy their share of hugs and cuddles, but make no mistake, the Lhasa Apso is not an ornament or a lap dog and should not be treated as such.