HISTORY
The Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet, where documentation on the breed exists from as far back as 800 B.C.
They were, and still are, valued as a companion and watch dog. Originally,
the dogs were kept as good luck talismans and were never sold but given
away as gifts to those who the lamas held in high esteem.
The Lhasa Apso was
recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1975.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Lhasa Apso is a small, very
hardy breed with a well developed body. A long, dense coat enhances the
beauty of the breed. A well-balanced dog is the ideal.
CHARACTERISTICS
The Lhasa Apso is gay and
assertive, but cautious of strangers.
HEAD
The narrow skull falls away
behind the eyes in a marked degree. It is not flat, but on the other hand
is not domed nor apple-shaped. The foreface is straight and of a fair
length. The length, measured from the tip of the nose to the eyes, is
roughly about one-third of the total length of the head, measured from the nose to the
back of the skull. The muzzle is of medium length. The teeth must not show
when the mouth is closed.
Fault: Square
muzzle.
TEETH
A full
complement of strong, white teeth meet in a level or slightly undershot
bite.
EYES
The eyes are
dark brown in color. They are neither very large and full nor very small
and sunken.
NOSE
The nose is
black. When viewed from the front, the nose is level with, or very
slightly below, the lower eye rims.
EARS
The pendant type
ears are heavily feathered.
FOREQUARTERS
The forequarters are well
developed.
FORELEGS
The upper
arm allows for the desired chest width and depth. The forelegs are not
bowed. When viewed from the front, the forelegs are straight and parallel,
the elbows are well under the body, and the pasterns are straight and
firm. When viewed from the side, there is a slight deviation from the
perpendicular. Dewclaws need not be removed from the forelegs.
BODY
The backline is level. The length of
the body, measured from the point of the shoulders to the point of the
buttocks, is longer than the height, measured from the withers to the
ground. The chest is well-ribbed-up. The slightly curved ribs extend well
back along the body but do not extend down below the elbows. The firmly
muscled loin is of medium length. The angle of the croup is not more than
30 degrees from the horizontal.
HINDQUARTERS
The hindquarters are well-developed and in balance with the forequarters.
HIND LEGS
The thighs
are well-developed. When viewed from the rear, the hocks are strong and
the rear pasterns are straight and parallel. When viewed from the side,
they are perpendicular to the ground and not stretched out beyond the
rump. The stifle is moderately bent.
FEET
The round,
cat-like feet have good pads and are well feathered. The hair between the
pads may be trimmed. The nails are black, but in light- or parti-colored
dogs, light paws and nails are permitted.
TAIL
The well-feathered tail is
carried over the back in a screw; there may be a kink at the end.
Serious fault:
Low tail carriage.
COAT
The heavy, very dense, hard
coat is straight and of good length. The head furnishings are very heavy,
with a good fall over the eyes, good whiskers and a beard. Legs,
forequarters, hindquarters and neck are heavily furnished.
Faults: Woolly
coat. Silky coat.
COLOR
All colors are acceptable.
Dark tips on the ears and beard may or may not be present.
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT
Heights are variable, but the
desired height is about ten (10) or eleven (11) inches for males, with
bitches being slightly smaller. Height is measured at the withers.
GAIT
An easy-moving, free-flowing
trot is the normal gait and shows the capacity for movement the best of
all gaits. There is a good reach of the forelegs balanced by a strong
drive from the rear.
DISQUALIFICATIONS
Unilateral or
bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism.