The Adorable Kimola: A Comprehensive Guide to This Charming American Eskimo Dog & Lhasa Apso Mix

Are you looking for a loyal, lovable canine companion that‘s a little out of the ordinary? Meet the Kimola—a delightful cross between an American Eskimo Dog and a Lhasa Apso. With their fluffy white coats, expressive faces, and sunny dispositions, these pint-sized charmers are quickly winning hearts. But is a Kimola the right dog for you and your family?

In this in-depth guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about these captivating canines, including their history, traits, care requirements, and more. By the end, you‘ll have a clear picture of whether a cute Kimola would make the perfect addition to your household. Let‘s dive in!

The History of the Kimola

The Kimola is a relatively new mixed breed or "designer dog" developed by crossing an American Eskimo Dog with a Lhasa Apso. The breed‘s origins can likely be traced back to the United States sometime in the 1990s, when these planned cross-breedings of purebreds started becoming trendy.

However, to really understand the Kimola, it helps to know a bit about their fascinating parent breeds:

The American Eskimo Dog

Contrary to what their name suggests, American Eskimo Dogs actually originated in Germany, not Alaska or any other arctic region. Originally called the German Spitz, these bright, agile dogs were popular circus performers in the late 19th century, dazzling audiences with their ability to learn tricks.

In fact, an American Eskimo Dog named Stout‘s Pal Pierre was the first canine to ever walk a tightrope! After World War I, the breed was renamed the "American Eskimo Dog" as anti-German sentiment grew in the United States.

The Lhasa Apso

Hailing from the city of Lhasa in Tibet, Lhasa Apsos have a rich history going back over a thousand years to 800 A.D. Highly prized by Tibetan nobility and Buddhist monks, these small lion-like dogs served as interior sentinels of palaces and monasteries.

They would lie on elevated perches and bark to alert residents of any intruders. Lhasa Apsos were also believed to incorporate the souls of reincarnated Buddhist Lamas, so they were never sold but only given as gifts by the Dalai Lama to esteemed visitors.

So when you gaze into your Kimola‘s soulful eyes, remember—you may be looking at the spirit of an ancient Tibetan sage!

Appearance and Physical Characteristics

Since the Kimola is a mix of two different breeds, their appearance can vary quite a bit depending on which parent they take after more. In general though, you can expect an adult Kimola to be on the small side, typically weighing between 15-30 pounds and standing 12-15 inches tall at the shoulder.

Most Kimolas inherit the thick, fluffy white double coat of the American Eskimo Dog, which serves as a built-in jacket to keep them warm. They usually have the rounded, wedge-shaped head and prick ears of an Eskie as well. However, some may have the Lhasa Apso‘s flatter face, wider-set eyes, and drop ears.

Eye colors range from dark brown to blue, and noses are typically black. The body is compact and sturdy with a plumed tail carried over the back. Some individuals may have a wavy or curly coat like a Lhasa Apso rather than a straight one.

Kimola Temperament and Personality

As you might expect from their performance pedigree, Kimolas are intelligent, curious, and quick learners. They are also affectionate with their families and make devoted companions. Most Kimolas are friendly and outgoing with people, if sometimes a bit reserved or cautious with strangers.

Like the Lhasa Apso and Eskimo Dog, the Kimola has an independent streak and a mind of its own. They‘re certainly eager to please, but can sometimes be a little stubborn, especially if they don‘t understand what‘s being asked of them. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with this sensitive breed.

While not typically aggressive, some Kimolas may bark to alert you of anything unusual, a trait inherited from their Lhasa Apso ancestors. Due to their loyal nature, they can sometimes become overprotective or territorial, another remnant of their guard dog past.

With their high spirits and clownish personalities, Kimolas are sure to keep you laughing with their antics. They make lively, fun-loving companions that adore being the center of attention. This probably isn‘t the right breed for you though if you work long hours or travel a lot, as Kimolas crave lots of interaction and togetherness.

Training and Exercise Needs

Despite their small stature, Kimolas have impressive stamina and energy to burn. Expect to provide at least 45-60 minutes per day of walks and active play sessions. Mental stimulation is key too—puzzle toys that reward them with treats are a great way to challenge their bright minds.

As mentioned, reward-based training using praise, playtime, and yummy morsels yields the best results. Kimolas can definitely be trained to a high level, competing in such dog sports as agility, rally, and obedience. The key is to start socialization and training early, keep sessions short and fun, and be patient with their occasional obstinate moments.

Housetraining may require extra vigilance and consistency. Some Kimolas can be notoriously difficult to potty train, a trait sometimes seen in their Lhasa Apso relatives. Crate training is recommended to prevent accidents when you can‘t supervise. Just don‘t overuse the crate, as Kimolas can develop separation anxiety if left alone too much.

Coat Care and Grooming

With their plush, snowy-white coats, Kimolas are certainly dazzling to look at, but be prepared to put in time to keep them looking their best. Daily brushing is a must to prevent tangles and mats, especially in longer-coated individuals.

A full grooming session with bath, nail trim, ear cleaning, and haircut every 4-6 weeks is recommended for most Kimolas. If you‘re not confident in your ability to properly trim a double-coated breed, it‘s best to see a professional groomer.

Kimolas are moderate to heavy shedders, with heavier shedding during seasonal coat-blowing periods. Regular brushing and a high-quality diet can help reduce the tumbleweeds of fluff floating around your home, but a Kimola is probably not the best choice if you‘re fastidious about dog hair.

Potential Health Issues

Kimolas are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 12-16 years, according to AKC breed data. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions. The most common health issues seen in Kimolas include:

• Patellar luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap causing lameness
• Hip dysplasia: Abnormal development of the hip joint resulting in arthritis
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): Degenerative eye disorder leading to vision loss
• Legg-Perthes Disease: Deterioration of the hip joint in puppies
• Skin problems and allergies: Often due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors
• Dental issues: Like many small breeds, Kimolas are prone to early tartar buildup and gum disease

Of course, not every Kimola will develop these problems, but it‘s important to be aware of them. When looking for a Kimola puppy, choose a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding stock for common genetic disorders.

Proper dental hygiene with daily toothbrushing, feeding a high-quality diet, keeping vaccines current, and regular vet check-ups also go a long way in preventing many health issues. Fortunately, Kimolas tend to be resilient little dogs that bounce back well from illnesses.

Are Kimolas Good With Kids and Other Pets?

Kimolas can make excellent family companions, including in households with respectful children over 6 years old. They are affectionate and playful with kids, enjoying a good game of fetch or cuddling up for story time.

Very young children should always be supervised around them though, as Kimolas may snap or nip if handled roughly. Some can be nervous around loud noises and sudden movements, so a home with active toddlers may not be the best fit.

Most Kimolas adore their fellow four-legged friends too, including other dogs and cats they‘re raised with. They tend to do well in multi-pet households, as long as they receive plenty of attention and aren‘t left to compete for resources like toys and treats. Some Kimolas have a high prey drive though, so they may give chase to smaller furry pets like rabbits and guinea pigs.

Socialization from a young age is important to ensure your Kimola puppy grows up to be a well-adjusted adult at ease with new people, animals, and situations. Puppy classes are a great way for them to learn social skills in a safe, structured setting.

Finding a Kimola Breeder

Ready to welcome a Kimola into your life? Take the time to find an ethical breeder who produces healthy, well-rounded pups. Avoid pet stores or online ads with super cheap prices—these could be fronts for puppy mills. A good breeder will be transparent about their breeding practices and knowledgeable about the breed.

Make sure to visit the breeder in person to meet the parents and see the conditions the puppies are raised in. The dogs should be cheerful, social, and kept in clean, spacious quarters. All puppies should appear well-fed and free of illness at the time of purchase.

Expect the breeder to ask you lots of questions too about your lifestyle and why you want a Kimola. They will likely make you sign a contract agreeing to spay/neuter, keep up with vet care, and return the pup to them should you be unable to keep it.

The best breeders care where their pups end up! Be prepared to spend anywhere from $500 to $1500 for a Kimola puppy, with prices depending on parent pedigrees, geographical location, gender, and other factors. You can also check local animal shelters and rescue groups, as sometimes Kimola mixes end up there needing new homes.

The Bottom Line

Cute, cuddly, and charismatic, Kimolas pack a lot of personality into their compact bodies. They make loyal, loving companions for many different types of households and can easily adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise.

Kimolas do require plenty of grooming and can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training. They also shouldn‘t be left alone for long periods, as they thrive on human companionship. But if you can meet their needs, you‘ll have an adorable, devoted friend for life!

While more research is needed to fully assess the health of this fairly new mixed breed, all signs point to Kimolas being hardy little dogs. If you think this charming Eskimo Dog/Lhasa Apso mix would be a great fit for your family, start your search for a knowledgeable breeder today to find your new best friend.