Lhasa Apso

• Bathing: Bathe your dog once a month (or more often, if they happen to splash in a particularly muddy puddle). Use a dog-friendly shampoo for their long fur, and applying a conditioner (either regular or leave-in) after shampooing is a smart idea, too.  
• Brushing: Lhasa Apsos have a dense double coat, so they need to be brushed every day. Use a slicker brush daily to keep their coat shiny and shedding under control. A detangling kit can also be helpful.  
• Clipping: A Lhasa Apso could benefit from a monthly trip to the groomer for a haircut. Many pet parents give their Lhasa Apso short hair to make grooming easier, often in a cute “puppy cut,” which keeps the hair only 1–2 inches long.  
• Dental care: Lhasa Apsos tend to have an underbite, which can lead to issues, so it’s important to prioritize dental care. The best way you can keep your pup’s teeth in shape is by brushing them daily with a dog toothpaste. It’s a good idea to start when your Lhasa Apso puppy is young, if possible, so they get used to the experience.  
• Ear care: Check their ears every day. If there’s redness, swelling, debris, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection that needs veterinary attention. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to irritation or infections.  
• Nail care: Lhasa Apsos need their nails trimmed every two to three weeks. You’ll know it’s time for a doggy manicure when you can hear their nails tapping on hard surfaces. 

Start training Lhasa Apso puppies with basic cues like sit, stay, and come. Always use positive reinforcement methods, like treats, toys, and praise.  

These dogs are exceptionally bright and learn quickly, but they can get a little nervous when they’re unsure about themselves. Remember that raising your voice even just a little can send mixed signals and set back all their hard work. Instead, be proud of your pup and show them how much you support their training journey.  

Because Lhasa Apso puppies have a small bladder, housetraining can be challenging. If you’re having trouble, ask your vet for potty training tips. It’s helpful to take your Lhasa Apso out every few hours or immediately after having an accident—thishelps them learn to associate going outside with potty time. 

Crate training your dog can help with potty training and with reducing separation anxiety. Just make sure the crate is large enough for them to stand up in and turn around, and fill it with lots of cozy blankets and toys to make it extra comfy.

It’s also important to invest time in proper socialization, which involves exposing your Lhasa Apso to new people, places, and things in a positive manner. Socialization is important so your dog grows into their best self.   

Lhasa Apsos do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Choose a diet that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).  

Because Lhasa Apsos are such small pups, they may do best with a food made for small dogs. Ask your vet what they recommend. A dental-focused diet, like Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care Small Breed Dog Food, can also be a good option.  

Remember that treat calories count, too, and that treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.   

If the idea of a marathon makes you yawn, you’ve just met your perfect dog. The Lhasa Apso has no delusions about being an athlete. Perfectly content to be a lap dog, they’ll also enjoy a 15- to 30-minute walk once or twice a day.   

They’re playful enough that they’ll also enjoy playing with toys in the living room or fetching a toy outside, but they don’t have a ton of energy to exert in the same way that, say, a Beagle might.   

You don’t need a ton of space or even a yard to make a Lhasa Apso happy. The most important asset is a lap for them to snuggle in. 

Because they love cuddling, it’s nice if you let them accompany you on the sofa and bed. Make sure they have lots of options for cozy spots around the house. Tiny dogs often like places where they feel safe, like covered dog beds where they can come and go as they like.    

Many Lhasa Apsos will get along fine with other dogs and cats, and they can do well with children as long as both dog and child are taught how to interact with each other. Supervision is always needed during puppy-child playtime.  

If you happen to live somewhere with wild weather, be prepared to keep your Lhasa Apso in air-conditioning during summer hot spells and minimize the time they do spend outside, as this breed is most prone to breathing issues when the temperature spikes. You can also buy products to keep them cool and prevent heatstroke.  

Limit their time outside in cold winter temperatures as well, and invest in a new wardrobe of dog coats and dog sweaters.