This description,
for years considered the first standard written for Lhasa Apsos, was written in
1901 by Mr. Lionel Jacobs, of the Lhassa Terrier, an interesting little breed
formerly found under the inappropriate name of Bhuteer Terrier.
HEAD
Distinctly Terrier-like. Skull narrow, falling away behind the eyes in a marked
degree, not quite flat, but not domed or apple shaped. Fore face of fair
length, strong in front of the eyes, the nose large, prominent and pointed, not
depressed; a square muzzle is objectionable. The stop, size for size, about
that of a Skye Terrier.
MOUTH
Quite level, but of the two a slightly overshot mouth is preferable to an
undershot one. The teeth are somewhat smaller than would be expected in a
Terrier of the same size. In this respect, the breed seems to suffer to an
extraordinary degree from cankered teeth. I have never yet seen an imported
specimen with a sound mouth.
EARS
Set on low, and carried close to the cheeks, similar to the ears of a drop-eared
Skye.
EYES
Neither very large and full nor very small and sun, dark brown in colour.
LEGS AND FEET
The fore legs should be straight. In all short-legged breeds there is a
tendency to crookedness, but the straighter the legs the better. There should
be good bone. Owing to the heavy coat the legs look, and should look, very
heavy in bone, but in reality, the bone is not heavy. It should be round and of
good strength right down to the toes, the less ankle the better. The hocks
should be particularly well let down. Feet should be round and catlike, with
good pads.
BODY
There is a tendency in England to look for a level top and a short back. All
the best specimens have a slight arch at the loin and the back should not b e
too short; it should be considerably longer than the height at the withers. The
dog should be well ribbed up, with a strong loin and well developed quarters
and thighs.
STERN
Should be carried will over the back after the manner of the tail of the Chow.
All Thibetan dogs carry their tails in this way, and a low carriage of stern is
a sign of impure blood.
COAT
Should be heavy, of good length and very dense. There should be a strong growth
on the skull, falling on both sides. The legs should be well clothed right down
to the toes. On the body, the hair should not reach to the ground, as in a show
Yorkshire; there should be a certain amount of daylight. In general appearance
the hair should convey the idea of being much harder to the eye than it is to
the touch. It should look hard, straight and strong, when to the touch it is
soft, but not silky. The hair should be straight with no tendency to curl.
COLOUR
Black, dark grizzle, slate, sandy, or a mixture of these colours and white.
SIZE
About 10 in. or 11 in. height at shoulder for dogs, and 9 in. or 10 in. for
bitches.