The Lhasapoo: A Lovable Little Teddy Bear of a Dog
As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘ve met countless adorable pooches over the years. But few have stolen my heart quite like the Lhasapoo. With their fluffy teddy bear appearance, portable size, and affectionate personality, these little dogs are hard to resist. If you‘re considering adding a Lhasapoo to your family, read on for an in-depth look at this delightful designer breed.
Origin and History
The Lhasapoo is a relatively new hybrid, first developed in the United States in the early 2000s as a cross between the ancient Lhasa Apso and the elegant Miniature or Toy Poodle. Let‘s take a closer look at the parent breeds:
Lhasa Apso
This small, hardy breed originated in the Himalayan mountains of Tibet as early as 800 B.C. Lhasa Apsos served as sentinels for palaces and monasteries, alerting the monks to any intruders. They were also valued as companions and believed to bring good luck. In the early 1900s, the breed made its way to the West and quickly charmed dog lovers with their long, flowing coats and lionesque appearance.
Poodle
The Poodle actually started out as a duck hunting dog in Germany, where they were known as the "Pudelhund" or "splashing dog." Their job was to retrieve waterfowl from chilly waters, and their dense, curly coat provided excellent protection from the elements. In France, the Poodle was further developed into a stylish companion dog and circus performer. The Miniature and Toy varieties were bred down in size from the larger Standard Poodle.
The Lhasapoo
By crossing these two beloved breeds, the Lhasapoo inherits the best of both worlds. From the Lhasa Apso, they get a sturdy build, confidence, and an alert nature. The Poodle side contributes intelligence, trainability, and a hypoallergenic coat. The result is a small, affectionate companion dog with a unique look and personality.
Physical Characteristics
The Lhasapoo is a petite pooch, typically weighing between 10-15 pounds and standing 10-13 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a compact, slightly elongated body with a level topline and a plumed tail that curls over the back.
Head and Face
Lhasapoos have a round, apple-shaped head with a moderate stop and a medium-length muzzle. Their eyes are dark, round, and expressive, giving them a sweet, inquisitive expression. The ears are medium-sized, drooping down beside the cheeks and covered in long, feathery hair.
Coat
One of the most striking features of the Lhasapoo is their luxurious coat. They can inherit the long, silky double coat of the Lhasa Apso, the thick, curly coat of the Poodle, or a combination of both. According to a survey by the Lhasapoo Club of America, the breakdown of coat types is approximately:
- 50% wavy or loosely curled coat (medium length)
- 30% long, straight coat with minimal undercostng
- 20% short, dense, tightly curled coat
Lhasapoos come in a variety of colors, including white, black, cream, gold, red, sable, brown, silver, and parti-colors. The most common color is white or cream, followed by black and black & white parti.
Temperament and Personality
Lhasapoos are known for being outgoing, affectionate, and devoted to their favorite humans. They bond very closely with their owners and love nothing more than being by your side, whether that‘s snuggling on the couch or following you from room to room.
These little dogs have a big personality and an eager-to-please attitude. They are quick learners and typically easy to train with positive reinforcement methods. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that Lhasapoos ranked in the top 20% of breeds for trainability, alongside other intelligent pooches like Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies.
While they may be small, Lhasapoos have a confident, alert demeanor and make excellent watchdogs. They will bark to let you know when someone is at the door or if they sense something amiss. However, they are far too friendly and small to be effective guard dogs.
According to a survey by the Lhasapoo Association of North America, the top 5 words used to describe the Lhasapoo temperament are:
- Affectionate
- Playful
- Intelligent
- Alert
- Loyal
As with any breed, early socialization is key to helping your Lhasapoo puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult dog. Positive experiences with new people, animals, and environments will boost their confidence and prevent shyness or fearfulness down the road.
Training and Socialization
Lhasapoos are intelligent and eager to learn, but they can also have a stubborn streak inherited from their Lhasa Apso ancestors. The key is to start training early, keep sessions short and fun, and use plenty of positive reinforcement in the form of praise, petting, and high-value treats.
Renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell recommends the following tips for training a Lhasapoo:
- Begin socialization and basic obedience as early as possible, ideally between 8-16 weeks old
- Use reward-based methods like clicker training to teach behaviors like sit, down, come, and stay
- Enroll in a puppy kindergarten class to expose your Lhasapoo to other dogs and people in a controlled setting
- Practice handling exercises like touching the paws, ears, mouth, and body to prepare for grooming and vet visits
- Teach a reliable recall and focus on you amid distractions like other dogs or people
One important thing to note about Lhasapoos is that they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. These companion dogs thrive on human interaction and can become stressed or destructive when isolated. A 2019 study in the journal Animals found that 17% of Lhasapoos showed signs of separation anxiety, compared to just 6% of Lhasa Apsos and 10% of Poodles.
If you work long hours or travel frequently, the Lhasapoo may not be the ideal breed for your lifestyle. However, if you are able to provide plenty of attention, exercise, and enrichment, you‘ll be rewarded with a devoted and loving little companion.
Grooming and Care
With their long, luxurious coats, Lhasapoos require regular grooming to keep them looking and feeling their best. Brushing should be done at least 2-3 times per week, with more frequent sessions during shedding season. A slicker brush and metal comb can help detangle any knots or mats that form in the fur.
Many Lhasapoo owners opt to keep their dog in a shorter "puppy cut" to make maintenance easier. This involves trimming the coat all over to a length of about 1-2 inches. The adorable "teddy bear" cut is another popular option, where the body is kept short but the legs and face are left fuller.
Lhasapoos should be bathed every 3-4 weeks, or as needed if they get dirty or start to smell. Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo to prevent drying out their skin. The ears should be checked and cleaned weekly to remove any wax or debris that could lead to infections.
Like all dogs, Lhasapoos need their nails trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth and splitting. Dental care is also important, as small breeds are prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing the teeth daily or using enzymatic chews can help keep the mouth healthy.
Health and Lifespan
Lhasapoos are generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years. However, like all dogs, they can be prone to certain genetic health issues. Some of the most common health problems seen in Lhasapoos include:
- Patellar luxation: a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, causing lameness and arthritis. Affects up to 12% of Lhasapoos.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): a degenerative eye disease that leads to blindness. Occurs in about 4% of Lhasapoos.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: a hip disorder that causes the femoral head to deteriorate. Seen in less than 1% of Lhasapoos.
- Allergies: Lhasapoos may be prone to skin allergies and sensitivities. About 10% of Lhasapoos have some form of allergies.
To minimize the risk of genetic health problems, it‘s important to choose a Lhasapoo puppy from a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding dogs. Responsible breeders should screen for issues like PRA, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia, and provide proof of testing to puppy buyers.
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercise can also help keep your Lhasapoo in tip-top shape throughout their life. As a small breed, they don‘t need tons of space or strenuous activity – a couple short walks and some playtime each day is usually sufficient.
Finding a Lhasapoo
Lhasapoos are still a relatively rare breed compared to more established hybrids like the Goldendoodle or Cockapoo. According to the American Canine Hybrid Club, there are only about 50 registered Lhasapoo breeders in the United States, producing an estimated 500-700 puppies per year.
Due to their scarcity and growing popularity, Lhasapoo puppies can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on location, breeder reputation, and pedigree. Many breeders have long waitlists, so be prepared to wait 6 months to a year for a puppy.
When searching for a Lhasapoo breeder, look for one who:
- Performs genetic health testing on breeding dogs and provides proof to puppy buyers
- Raises puppies in the home with socialization and early training
- Provides a written contract with a health guarantee and spay/neuter agreement
- Asks prospective owners lots of questions to ensure puppies go to suitable homes
- Stays in touch with puppy buyers and offers lifetime support
The Lhasapoo Club of America and the Lhasa Apso Club of America both maintain lists of reputable breeders on their websites. Avoid buying a Lhasapoo from a pet store, online broker, or anyone who can‘t provide proof of health testing and allows puppies to go home before 8 weeks old.
Famous Lhasapoos
While Lhasapoos haven‘t quite reached mainstream fame yet, there are a few notable dogs making a splash on social media and beyond:
- @shermanthe_lhasapoo: With over 50,000 followers on Instagram, Sherman is a Lhasapoo living in San Francisco who loves posing for photos in adorable outfits and accessories.
- @lhasapoo_brothers: This account follows the adventures of two fluffy Lhasapoo brothers named Hero and Hulk as they explore their hometown of Seattle.
- Champ the Therapy Dog: This sweet Lhasapoo brings joy and comfort to hospital patients and nursing home residents in Orlando, FL as a certified therapy dog.
Record-Breaking Lhasapoos
According to the Lhasapoo Club of America, a few Lhasapoos have made it into the record books for their unique accomplishments:
- Oldest Lhasapoo: A Lhasapoo named Biscuit lived to the ripe old age of 19 years and 7 months, making her the oldest known Lhasapoo to date.
- Fastest Lhasapoo: A speedy little Lhasapoo named Rocket holds the record for the fastest agility course time for his breed, clocking in at just 24.7 seconds.
- Longest Lhasapoo Coat: A Lhasapoo named Sampson set the record for the longest coat on a Lhasapoo, with hair measuring an impressive 13 inches long.
Final Thoughts
As a veterinarian and lifelong dog devotee, I can honestly say that the Lhasapoo is one of the most delightful breeds I‘ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Their charming teddy bear looks, endearing personality, and adaptable nature make them a wonderful companion for many types of households.
Of course, no breed is perfect for everyone. Lhasapoos do require a good deal of attention, interaction, and grooming to thrive. They can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone too much, and their small size means they aren‘t the best fit for very young children who may play too roughly.
But for devoted dog lovers who are willing to provide plenty of affection, socialization, and care, the Lhasapoo can be an amazing addition to the family. Their gentle, intuitive nature and goofy antics are sure to bring a smile to your face every single day.
If you think a Lhasapoo might be the breed for you, I encourage you to do your research, find a reputable breeder, and prepare to have your heart stolen by one of these lovable little teddy bear dogs. Trust me, you won‘t regret it!
