The Lhasa Apso originated many centuries ago in isolated regions of the Himalayas as a companion and sentinel in Buddhist monasteries and houses of Tibetan nobility. They arrived in the U.S. in 1933 as gifts from the 13th Dalai Lama. They retain their status and companion and guardian today and are appreciated for their cheerful but independent natures and zest for activities such as agility that challenge their sharp minds and engage their athleticism. Apartment living can suit them just fine as long as they get regular exercise. They make excellent family pets but are naturally protective and do best in a family with older children. Their beautiful mantle of hair comes in a wide range of colors and needs frequent brushing and maintenance unless kept in a lower maintenance “puppy cut”.
Each AKC approved purebred breed has its own national club. The mission of these “parent breed clubs” is to improve and preserve a particular breed by advancing knowledge about its history, its health and care requirements and by assuring that the breed’s form and function remain true to its historical physical type and character: A Dalmatian, for instance, should be athletic and have a natural affinity for working with horses. A Fox Terrier should have the right body size and shape, and a drive to go after vermin.
Pet owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and others with a special love for a breed, join the parent breed club to meet like-minded enthusiasts and to support the club’s mission.
The national parent breed club is the first place for the public to go to learn about a breed or find a knowledgeable, experienced breeder.
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
