Lhasa Apso anyone? I'd like info about a new puppy

[A Yuppie Puppie]

Lhasas are not barky dogs by nature. They are, however, agressive dogs, yet true "coach potatoes". Lhasas were bred to be inside guard dogs for the Tibetian Monasteries. They learned to lay quitely in the doorways of the monastery and to let out a single warning bark to alert of an intruder. Then the Tibetian Mastiffs were unleased to attack the intruder.

In particular, Lhasas have extremely sensitive and accute hearing and primarily don't do well with small children due to the high pitch noises from children. The Lhasas' hearing is the best in the dog world.

As with all dogs, BYBs have made the Lhasas much more agressive than they originally were, and although most consider my Lhasas to have the sweetest temperments around, I still would not sell a Lhasa to anyone with a child under the age of 10 and then only after evaluating the child.

I strongly recommend another breed for a 14 month old.

[KathyinCali]

My girlfriend has one (a female-"Lucky") and she would have no other dog. She has a grandson 3 years old and a new granddaughter crawling and that dog is the sweetest with those children it's wonderful to watch Best of luck with your decision.

[yorkiegirl83]

I have a lhasa/bichon mix (although she looks 100% lhasa). She has the most charachter of all of my dogs . She is always into something, super playful, has never met a stranger, sweet as can be.

She does bark and howl at times -- but I wouldn't say any more than the rest of my furbabies.

I would DEFINTELY have another lhasa some day. Their hair is major major upkeep though. Tallulah goes to the groomer every 3 weeks and still gets major mats even with daily brushing.

Here's a pic of her as a baby and recently

[A Yuppie Puppie]

Now don't get me wrong -- I love Lhasas. After all , they were my breed for almost 30 years and I am certainly attached to the breed. I don't have bad things to say about them, EXCEPT that, in my opinion, they are not a good breed for young children which is the original question, I believe.

Having been deeply involved in breeding, showing, raising, selling, etc. Lhasas and knowing all of the top Lhasa breeders, this is something that we all firmly believe. There are so many other breeds that do so much better with young children.

I'm sure that many people have Lhasas and or know people that have Lhasas and they are a wonderful breed, but they are not the best choice for toddlers.

[connie777]

Thanks everyone for your input on Lhasa Apsos. And special thanks to A Yuppie Puppie for her posts. It's good to get her opinions on these dogs.