I have a Lhasa Apso and she is just the sweetest dog ever. She is not good with badly behaved kids, but the ones that let her sniff them before touching her, become her best friends. There is a lot to learn from a Lhasa Apso. She has taught me that it is important to respect oneself no matter how small one may be. And if someone treats her discourteously or takes her for granted just because she is small, well she speaks her mind! Wouldn't you?

I completely understand her and know exactly what sets her off and many times they are the exact same things that set me off too, so how can I be mad with her?

She is a great little dog. But definitely an adult 's dog.

Yes, Lhasa's have small bodies but they also have the personality of a large dog.  They can be tuff little dogs and if not given proper training they will try to dominate you.  As with all dogs, they need firm rules boundries and limitations.  So many people get small dogs and then proceed to baby them and then wonder why their little dog barks too much, or tries to bite them.  My Lhasa's don't bark their brains out or bite people, because I don't let them.  Lhasa's are smart and can learn to do what you ask of them and be very reliable about it.  Yes they can be stubborn, so you have to be smarter then they are and have patients and figure out how you are going to get them to do what you ask.  Uaully it's just a matter of being consistent and eventually they will get the idea.  Consistency is the key to training any dog.  Lhasa's are loveable and fun little companions.  They don't shed.  They don't smell unless the like to roll on things like one of mine does.  They are very long lived, some have been known to live to 30.  I've only had them live to be 18.  They age very slowly and gracefully.  They don't enjoy children who haven't been taught to respect animals and may snap.  I don't blame them.  Lhasa's can be aloof with strangers and take awhile to warm up. Lhasa's like to play and stay playful well into their teens.  I had a Lhasa that could stand at my feet and jump to hights well over my head and I'm almost 6 foot tall. I can't think of very many things that are negative about a Lhasa Apso.  Maybe the one thing to consider before getting one is the long hair.  If you don't brush them regularly or take them to groomer you will have problems.  If they get matted they can have a lot of really bad health problems, the worst of which is ulcers on their eyes.  Lhasa's look cute when trimmed so if yo don't like to brush a dog everyday, you could take it to a gromer and get it trimmed to a manageable doggy hairdo.  Although Lhasa's are small, they do require a little more exercise then some other small breeds.  They enjoy getting out side for a nice walk or a romp.  My Lhasa's love to get out and run as fast as they can.  Lhasa's like to be dogs, they don't like to be treated like human children and dressed up.  Let them be dogs and treat them right and you won't have a problem with them.

I have known many Lhasa's since one of my relatives is a breeder and rescuer and I would have to say that there are lines of these dogs that are mean... not they have mauled anyone (look at their size!) but they bite when annoyed rather than just growl, they bite children who aren't always picking up on the dog's signals, tend to be grumpy and are incredibly barky- at any noise, and stay barking long after they should stop. They can be sweet but you really need to watch their training and breeding AS WITH EVERY DOG. They were bred to be a guard dog by the monks in Tibet and they all take that bark at everything job a bit too seriously... Training is difficult as they tend to be stubborn, not stupid, just incredibly stubborn. It is possible to get through to them if you are more stubborn than the Lhasa. Overall an 'ok' dog but not to be trusted with children. If you want a cute little dog you can put bows in their hair and cute little sweaters on- get a Shi Tzu- much nicer personalities..

I have a west highland white terrier and a lahsa apso, for me all kinds of dogs are good if you are good to them, some of the morons on here, calling these dogs, stupid and ugly, all share one characteristic, there all sharing the same singular brain cell, the owner is stupid not the dog. It dosent matter if a dog is small or big, toy or terrier, sporting or working, they all share wonderful hearts, which only bad owners can destroy, just look at some of the stupid comments on this site and you'll see people who should NEVER have a dog.

I dont know what you people on the bottom are talking about. Lhasa Apso are very affectionate and nice to their family while its true they might not be so nice to young kids under 10 because kids at that age are very unpredictable. Lhasa were bred to protect and live in monestaries so they dont really appreciate crazy kids screaming and running around but my lahsa was socialized every since she was a pup and she is nive to EVERYONE.

Our family just lost our loved Lhasa Hunk after 15-1/2-yrs. I found the other posted reviews post on this site to be compelling, since every one, from great to terrible seemed true and accurate our of dog. He was loyal and very affectionate -- after you earned his trust. I often said he was sometimes like a cat in a dog's body, just like the terrible reviews below. But unlike a cat, he always wanted to be near us, even when this meant trying to move with severe hip dysplacia near the end. He loved to play and rough-house in the middle of the afternoon and in the evening, but not necessarily on-demand when some children arrived at the house. So, the comments about being an adult's dog rung true, as did the stubborn and tenancious comments, and the comments about not just loving everybody. The most amazing thing in hindsight for us, however, is how he endured the ailments that led to his demise without almost any complaint (I think our vet was somewhat amazed as well). Perhaps the Tibetan lineage? In all, just a wonderful creature that blessed our lives.

Excellent dog for experienced dog owner. Need a strong leader. If you would like a dog who is very intelligent, loving, extremely loyal, and protective, a Lhasa is a wonderful dog. I like the personality a Lhasa has .... doesn't automatically love everybody -- their trust needs to be earned. Unfortunately, too many people don't bother to read the breed description and chose a companion dog because it is cute -- then complain about their temperament. I find people put more time into chosing a new toaster than they do when chosing a lifelong companion. Sandy Brunelli LhasaLuv Dog Rescue, Inc.

I can't believe Lhasas are rated so low here. Has anyone ever been mauled (or killed) by a Lhasa Apso? We have owned one for 11 years now and have been in love with her since Day 1. Our Lhasa has been as playful, devoted, and friendly a dog you can ask for. They are adorable as well. I admit, they are an adult's dog and are not that fond of kids. Much of this has to do with their lineage. For 800 years, Lhasas lived in the Palaces of Tibet and were the Emporer's dog of choice (as well as being the sentinel dog within the inner sanctum of the palace). Their behavior reflects this royal upbringing.

It's sad this dog got such a low rating, My Mom has two Lhasa Apso's and they are cute and intelligent dogs. You will have to get the little boogers groomed often to keep all that hair out of their face. Did I mention they make a good watch dog, they have good senses and a barking dog is a good dog when someone you don't know is around your house snooping around.

These dogs are a most interesting breed. They are independent, stubborn and tenacious but very affectionate and calm.

I have a Lhasa Apso and theyre the cuttest dogs ive been told that over and over.I know they look like mops but mine I shave him in the summer time and he looks cute.

you call this a dog? Looks and acts more like a cat to me...

dont like the long haired type, else wonderful

I just can't get past their physical appearances to think much else.

my dog is crazy, but I love him!

You call this a dog? They are yelpers and look like a pile of hair that could be easily mistaken for a wig.

What's the point of these loud little things? Why not just get a cat?