Dogs:  Llasa Apso

The Llasa Apso is an ancient breed which originated in Tibet. Llasa is the capital of Tibet.  Their history as a recognisable breed dates back to 800 years before Christ was born. Read more about the early history of dog breeds.

Tibetan monks kept Llasa apsos inside the monasteries to raise the alarm should strangers approach. They were once called "Apso Seng Kyi" which means "barking sentinel lion dog."    The dogs were never sold, but were given as gifts.                                                                                                                      

Apso means "long-haired or goatlike" and can be applied to the Tibetan terrier as well as the Llasa.

Llasas have long, thick hair which reaches the ground. It should not be cut, but left long. The coat needs daily brushing to prevent it matting. Long hair droops from head, cheeks, ears, back and from the tail, which curls over the back. The dense undercoat kept the dogs warm in the high mountains of Tibet (the Roof of the World) and the tough long topcoat gave more protection from the elements.

They make good house dogs and need little exercise, but they enjoy walking merrily on the lead for walks.

Llasa apsos are often confused with the Shih tzu, but  Llasa has a longer nose.

The Llasa Apso makes a good watch dog, and does not like strangers. They can be very fierce and aggressive!

They live long, so if you're over 90, don't buy a puppy!

Colour: Llasas come in many colours - golden, honey, black, grey, white, and parti-coloured.

Height: Males: 25.4 cms at shoulder, females can be slightly smaller.

Class: utility

	Pong, whose mother was called Ping, belongs to Mr & Mrs A Williams of Johannesburg. In the bottom pic, Eileen holds the dog while Mrs Williams takes the pic.   Pong's father was an international champion of champions.

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