All About The Lapso Apso

The Lhasa Apso, raised and honored by the Dalai Lama, is one of the oldest of the three breeds of dog from Tibet. 

Please join us on a walk, as we unravel the fascinating story of the incredible Lhasa Apso. 

There are references to the Lhasa Apso breed of art and literature tht go back at least two thousand years. They were given to nobles and monks in China to protect and guard. 

For many generations, it was not possible to have a Lhasa Apso unless given as a gift from the Dalai Lama! 

They were valued both as a good luck symbol and as a sacred animal in the Buddhist religion. 

Many holy men believed that ghosts of monks who could not reach Nirvana were reincarnated in Lhasa Apso dogs. 

The strong watchful and protective nature of the Lhasa Apso, combined with their beautiful coats and loyal nature makes them a true companion dog, and loving pets. 

Tibet CONNECTION 

The Lhasa Apso breed emerged over two thousand years ago in the high, mountainous country of Tibet. 

These small dogs were bred and kept in the Potala palace and monastery of the Dalai Lama and the surrounding monasteries. The dogs were kept exclusively for the nobility and holy men. Lhasa Apsos were prized for their temperament, beautiful coats, and their loyal and loving disposition. 

The Lhasa Apso was not only appreciated as a companion dog, but also as a watchdog. 

Nobility valued the small dogs for their intelligence, and regarded them not just as pets, but even more important as protectors and spectators for their palaces and homes. They were also rated as a good luck talisman to keep evil away from home. When the nobleman or holy man died, it was felt that his soul into the Lhasa Apso, if it were not for Nirvana. 

Dalai Lama and other holy men carefully managed Lhasa Apso breed, and it was not possible to buy a Lhasa Apsos dog in Tibet, but they had to be received as a gift from the Dalai Lama. 

This ritual began as early as 1583 in the Manchurian dynasty and was honored to the beginning of the 1900s. Emperor of China and other nobility were sent dogs as a blessing from the Dalai Lama. 

Lhasa Apso dog was never given as individual dogs. The Dalai Lama presented with pairs of dogs to visit foreign diplomats and leaders. These dogs were then taken around the world and their popularity grew. 

Lhasa Apsos seen as a sacred blessing and is believed to bring good luck to the owner. 

The first Lhasa Apso The pair were seen in Britain in the 1920s and the first couple in the U.S. was in 1935. In 1960, Australia records the first Lhasa Apsos arrive. 

NAME

Most historians agree that the first part of the name, Lhasa, coming from the area of the Potala, near the holy city of Lhasa. 

Apso, the second part of the name is a bit less clear. One group believes that the name is actually a misinterpretation of the word "raspo" which means goat-like. The coat of Apso, if not groomed, begins to resemble hairs found on Tibetan goats. Another group believes that the term Apso comes from the word "absolute Seng Kye", which translates into "Barking Lion Sentinel Dog". 

Since the long hair of this breed does not resemble the mane of the lion, and the strong protective instinct is there, it may be that Apso is simply an error of opinion "absolute". 

Lhasa Apso dogs are clearly lionish habit of pawing the ground with front feet and a square position, where she threatened. They really do not look like little lions and are excellent watchdogs and guardians. 

The Manjuri Buddha, God, learning is often presented in art and literature in the company of a Lhasa Apso, who changes into a lion when danger threatens Manjuri Buddha. 

Take time to find out more about Lhasa puppy. The investment in time that you make will be very valuable. 

It's all in the amazing history of Lhasa Apso.