Lhasa Apso History
The Lhasa Apso, or "Abso Seng Kye" (Bark Lion Sentinel Dog), is believed to be the ancestor of both the
Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. Because of his resemblance to the sacred lion, he was welcomed in the
Buddist monasteries and villages around the holy city of Lhasa from which he takes his name. Apparently since there
were'nt any lions in China in past centuries5, the Chinese painters made use of the Lhasa Apso as a model.
This breed has exceptionally good hearing, which made it a good fit as a watchdog for the Tibetan monks, who used to keep a Tibetan Mastiff outside and the Lhasa Apso indoors to keep watch while the slept at night.
Lhasa Apso Description
Their coat partly obscures their eyes, so their sight is somewhat restricted. However their keen sense of hearing compensates for this.
Lhasa Apsos' height is usually 10 to 11 inches (25,4 to 28 cm.).
It has a narrow head with a prominent nose. Straight long hard hair, not
silky. Colors for his coat are golden or lionlike colors, or black, dark gray, or
dark grizzle.