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Lhasa Apso: Puppies, Breeders, Adult Dogs And Adoption

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Published: June 25, 2007

Upon deciding to get a dog, the first thing to do is decide on a breed. It is important to realize that each breed of dog has its own tendencies and personality. The chihuahua is a trendy pick among heiresses, and the golden retriever is always a family favorite. While certainly popular choices, they may not be the best fit for some people. Future dog owners may want to consider a different breed: the Lhasa Apso.

Good breeders will have lots of questions for a potential adoption family, and the American Lhasa Apso Club recommends that those looking to adopt should also have questions for breeders, as this demonstrates preparation and knowledge of the breed. These questions help breeders and the prospective owners to understand if a family is prepared to own a Lhasa Apso, and if their home will be a good fit for the dog. It's important for reputable breeders to know that the dogs they sell are going to a good environment, and it's also important for a potential family to know exactly what they are getting themselves into.

As for Lhasa Apsos themselves, their individual personalities tend to vary. Most are independent and intelligent, which makes them a poor choice for a first dog or for a family that cannot put much time into training puppies. As with many dogs, it is important that an owner establish dominance over the Lhasa Apsos when they are puppies. By playing to the breed's pack mentality and proving that they are in charge, owners can help deter young puppies from turning into a disobedient adult dogs.

The Lhasa Apso also has a rather long life expectancy for a dog, generally living around 12-15 years and sometimes up to 20. Because of this, it takes around 3-4 years before a puppy becomes an adult, making those first few years vital to the development and healthy training of the dog. This does not mean that the Lhasa Apso is a bad breed by any means, just one that requires a little more patience and attention at an early age to ensure that both the owners and the adult dogs have a good relationship.

Besides being a bit independent, this breed makes very good watchdogs. The Lhasa Apso has a natural aversion to strangers and has a tendency be very protective of its home. This is a trait that could be very appealing for those in need of a dog that will bring a little security, but is still small and not very dangerous. If owners invest good amounts of time in making puppies acquainted with friends and family members, the dogs will be more comfortable around these familiar people. Another trait that make Lhasa Apsos a good fit for some families is it's ability to be home alone. Some dogs really do not deal well with being by themselves, but Lhasa Apsos generally tend to do very well on their own. This makes them a good fit for someone who finds themselves away from home for long periods of time.

When purchasing a Lhasa Apso, reputable breeders are always a good choice. Adoption is another good alternative, as long as families looking to adopt understand potential risks. A "rescued" dog may come from an abusive home or may have been poorly trained as a puppy, and, as a result,  destructive and even dangerous behavior might be exhibited. While love, consistent attention, and care can go a long way, these dogs are not always capable of being rehabilitated. Training schools can often help, especially if the dog is still young, but nothing is a sure-fire solution. With that in mind, adoption is still a very good and healthy way to bring a new dog into the family.

There really is no other breed quite like the Lhasa Apso. Its unique “mop-like” look and independent disposition can be very endearing and valuable addition to one's home. Though they can be a bit manipulative at times, the Lhasa Apso is generally an excellent watch dog and a very self sufficient pooch.


Sources:
Rupprecht, Kathleen. “Some thoughts on Training.” Kai-La-Shap: The Lhasa Apso Information Source. 19 June 2007.  http://www.lhasa-apso.org/articles/krup.htm
“The Aggressive Lhasa.” Kai-La-Shap: The Lhasa Apso Information Source. 19 June 2007.  http://www.lhasa-apso.org/articles/aggression.htm< br />Frequently Asked Questions. The American Lhasa Apso Club. 16 Sept. 2006. 19 June 2007.
http://www.lhasaapso.org/FAQ/FAQ.html
Johanson, Joyce. “What to Look for As You Search for A Reputable Lhasa Apso Breeder.” The American Lhasa Apso Club. 16 Sept. 2006. 19 June 2007. http://www.lhasaapso.org/BreedInfo/selectbreeder.h tml
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