Lhasa Apso

Do Lhasa Apsos shed?

No — Lhasa Apsos shed very little. This is one of their most appealing traits for people who'd rather not hoover twice a day. They're also considered hypoallergenic, making them a good option for people with mild dog allergies. You'll still want to brush them regularly to keep their coat healthy, but you won't find hair on every surface you own.

Are Lhasa Apsos good with kids?

Lhasa Apsos can be hit or miss with young children. They tend to do better with older kids (8+) who know how to approach dogs calmly. They can be wonderful companions — but early socialisation and teaching children how to interact with dogs properly is essential.

Are Lhasa Apsos good with cats?

Lhasa Apsos have a strong prey drive and will often chase cats. It\'s not impossible to have a Lhasa Apso and a cat together, but it takes careful management — separate spaces, slow introductions over weeks, and never leaving them unsupervised until you're absolutely certain they're safe together. Some Lhasa Apsos raised with cats from puppyhood learn to coexist, but the prey drive is rarely fully extinguished.

Are Lhasa Apsos easy to train?

Lhasa Apsos are honest work to train — they have an independent streak and won't follow a command unless they understand why it benefits them. Patience and consistency are non-negotiable. Short sessions with high-value treats (think chicken, not dry kibble) get better results than long frustrating drills. Puppy classes are strongly recommended — not because they need it more than other breeds, but because early foundations make life significantly easier.

Do Lhasa Apsos bark a lot?

Lhasa Apsos bark at a moderate level — they'll alert you to strangers or unusual sounds, but won't bark continuously for no reason. Separation anxiety can increase barking in any breed. If left alone too long, a Lhasa Apso may become vocal — something to factor in if you work long hours. With consistent training ("quiet" command + reward), most Lhasa Apsos can be taught when barking is and isn't appropriate.

Are Lhasa Apsos hypoallergenic?

Lhasa Apsos are considered hypoallergenic — they produce significantly less dander than most breeds. No dog is 100% allergen-free (the allergen is a protein in saliva and skin, not just hair), but Lhasa Apsos are much better tolerated by people with dog allergies. If allergies are a concern, spend time with a Lhasa Apso before committing. Visit a breeder or a friend who owns one — if you're fine after an hour, you'll likely be fine long-term.

How much exercise does a Lhasa Apso need?

Lhasa Apsos need 60–90 min/day of exercise daily. A couple of decent walks per day plus some off-lead time in a park will keep them happy. They're active enough to enjoy longer adventures at weekends, but calm enough to cope with normal weekday routines.

Mental exercise matters as much as physical. A Lhasa Apso with a bored brain will find its own entertainment — usually involving your sofa or your shoes. Training sessions, puzzle feeders, and nose-work games all count.

Lhasa Apso health problems

Like all breeds, Lhasa Apsos are prone to certain conditions. Knowing about them upfront means earlier detection, better outcomes, and fewer surprise vet bills.

• Dental disease. Smaller breeds have crowded teeth and are prone to periodontal issues. Brush teeth regularly.
• Luxating patella. Kneecap slipping, especially common in small breeds.
• Obesity. The most preventable health problem across all dog breeds. Keep them at a healthy weight.
• Annual vet checks. Catching problems early makes all the difference.

How long do Lhasa Apsos live?

Lhasa Apsos typically live 12–15 years. Smaller breeds generally live longer — one of the genuine advantages of a small dog.

Lifespan is heavily influenced by weight management, exercise, genetics, and access to regular vet care. A Lhasa Apso at a healthy weight, with good genetics and regular check-ups, will typically live toward the top of that range.

How much does a Lhasa Apso cost in the UK?

A Lhasa Apso puppy from a reputable KC-registered UK breeder typically costs £700–£1 800.

If you see a Lhasa Apso puppy advertised for significantly less than £700, be very cautious. Low prices are the most common red flag for puppy farms.

The purchase price is just the start. First-year costs typically include:

• Vaccinations: ~£80–120
• Neutering/spaying: £200–400 depending on size and vet
• Microchipping (mandatory in UK): ~£20–30
• Bed, crate, leads, collar: £100–250
• Food (per year): £400–£1,200+ depending on size and diet
• Pet insurance: £20–£45/month (see below)
• Routine vet visits: £50–200/year

Total first-year cost beyond the puppy price: typically £1,500–£3,000.

Lhasa Apso pet insurance

Pet insurance for a Lhasa Apso in the UK typically costs £20–£45/month for comprehensive lifetime cover.

Lifetime cover is strongly recommended over cheaper time-limited or maximum-benefit policies. Once a condition is diagnosed and treated, lifetime cover continues to pay for it every year. Time-limited policies exclude it after 12 months — exactly when chronic conditions become expensive.

Compare quotes from Petplan, ManyPets, Waggel, and Animal Friends — all have strong reputations for actually paying out claims. Always check the annual limit (aim for £7,000+ per condition) and whether hereditary conditions are covered.