Lhasa Apso is a self-sufficient intellectual, a devoted companion, and a creepy owner with the courage of a shepherd and the appearance of a soft toy. Sly and in many respects independent, this “Tibetan” will easily pick up the key to the master’s heart, and if allowed, he will gladly begin to lead all family members. However, if you do not delay and manage to besiege the shaggy usurper in time, relations with him can go according to another scenario – from properly educated Lhasa apso, wonderful watchmen, as well as no less sensitive human friends, turn out.
Lhasa Apso dogs originated in Tibet, where they lived and served monks in monasteries. Some also lived in the homes of lamas in the surrounding mountains. It is believed that the breed goes back as far as 800 B.C. The Tibetan origin led the Lhasa Apso to a variety of characteristics that we still see today.
The capital city of Tibet, Lhasa, is where a portion of the breed’s name came from. Apso Seng Ky is another name used to identify a Lhasa Apso. The translation means “Bearded Lion Dog.” Lions are symbols of royalty in Buddhist cultures, meaning that Lhasas Apsos are highly respected in the area of its namesake. Snow lions are also highly respected in Tibetan regions, as it is the image on the Tibetan flag.
Many Buddhists believe that Lhasa Apso dogs are reincarnated by the Dalai Lama. After the soul of the Dalai Lama passes from the human body, it is said to move to a Lhasa Apso. After the life of the Lhasa Apso has ended, it returns to the Dalai Lama. It is this cycle that keeps the breed upheld as highly important in Tibetan cultures and likely to remain that way.
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