The Lhasa Apso Breed The following is a description of the Lhasa Apso breed as stated at AKC.org. History Beyond the northern boundary of India, where the mighty Mount Everest stands like a guardian sentinel, is the mysterious land of Tibet, a country where conditions are hard on man and beast because of the intense cold and great heat. This is the home of the Lhasa Apso, known in that land as Abso Seng Kye, the "Bark Lion Sentinel Dog". Small wonder, then, that these members of dogdom should be of such hardy and vigorous constitution. Since danger threatened from without and within in this strange land, a huge Mastiff was chained to a post beside the outer door to prevent intruders from entering, while Lhasa Apsos were kept as special guards inside the dwellings. For this work, the little dogs were peculiarly adapted by their intelligence, quick hearing, and finely developed instinct for distinguishing intimates from strangers. The Lhasa Apso, from the lamaseries and villages around the sacred city of Lhasa, is one of three breeds native to Tibet that are in the Non-Sporting Group. The others are the Tibetan Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel. Of the three, the Lhasa was the first admitted to AKC registration - in 1935. It was originally shown in the Terrier Group, then reassigned to the Non-Sporting in 1959. Breed Standard Character Gay and assertive, but chary of strangers. Size Variable, but about 10 inches or 11 inches at shoulder for dogs, bitches slightly smaller. Color All colors equally acceptable with or without dark tips to ears and beard. Body Shape The length from point of shoulders to point of buttocks longer than height at withers, well ribbed up, strong loin, well-developed quarters and thighs. Coat Heavy, straight, hard, not woolly nor silky, of good length, and very dense. Mouth and Muzzle The preferred bite is either level or slightly undershot. Muzzle of medium length; a square muzzle is objectionable. Head Heavy head furnishings with good fall over eyes, good whiskers and beard; skull narrow, falling away behind the eyes in a marked degree, not quite flat, but not domed or apple-shaped; straight foreface of fair length. Nose black, the length from tip of nose to eye to be roughly about one-third of the total length from nose to back of skull. Eyes Dark brown, neither very large and full, nor very small and sunk. Ears Pendant, heavily feathered. Legs Forelegs straight; both forelegs and hind legs heavily furnished with hair. Feet Well feathered, should be round and catlike, with good pads. Tail and Carriage Well feathered, should be carried well over back in a screw; there may be a kink at the end. A low carriage of stern is a serious fault. Show Coat

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