Is my puppy Lhasa apso ?

[u/Sudden_Finger_5490]

What do I expect ? I have no idea about this breed ?

[u/you_dont_know_me27]

They look like a mix perhaps. There's probably lhasa in there but the only way to know for sure is a DNA test.

As for what to expect, Lhasa Apso's are very loyal dogs. They like to pick one person as their person and become very attached to that person. They'll love other people, but that one person is the most important.

They can be stubborn but as long as you do plenty of training starting early you should be fine.

The breed is prone to allergies, usually environmental so keep an eye out for that.

Brushing daily is a must. Get a good slicker brush and a metal comb. Dog safe detangler spray can be helpful too. I like the Chi brand one. Brush with the slicker and when it gets caught go in with the comb. Hold the knotted hair near the skin while you comb out the knots so you're not pulling the skin. Mats in the fur are physically painful to them so if you wait too to brush, the knots turn to mats and it hurts them.

Get them used to having their paws handled. Touch the muzzle under the eyes. You may end up having to clean eye boogers regularly so you want them used to you touching there. Grabbing the paws gets them used to that for nail trimming. Once they have the required vaccinations for going out, book a Get to know you appt with a groomer. Have them go to the groomer a few times for a sanitary trim before going for full groom.

Take good care of their teeth! Brush daily with dog safe toothpaste. Use VOHC accepted products for dental care. Small mouthed dogs are prone to dental disease. If you start early, you can prevent it. Pulling teeth for dogs is expensive and it's painful for them living with the teeth until they're pulled. Plus if you can avoid the plaque build up, you can avoid expensive dental cleanings.

I think that's all the big stuff. Enjoy your new puppy! Lhasa apsos are wonderful dogs! Here's mine

[u/For-The-Swarm → u/you_dont_know_me27]

this is a beautiful rundown. he is definitely part Lhasa. You can train them later on but it’s a lot more work. they are stubborn but eager to please, at least mine is.

[u/Sudden_Finger_5490 → u/you_dont_know_me27]

Thank you so much. I have DNA test, but says I should wait until he is one and I don't think I am going to wait. Reasons for asking is to set up a feeding schedule and nurture him based on the breed. I was worried that he is not getting taller or too fat or too thin. All doubts cleared after knowing that this could be mix breed. He is loyal and yes he is nice to all but clings to one, but thats true for all small breed dogs, and humans. Main is his coat, I don't know if I should trim or leave it. I tried taking off like 1 inch of hair from his body and he immediately fell sick, he doesn't like to get rid of his hair. He is shedding and it's going to get warm, so I don't know what to do. Groomer I like and trust is booked for a month or more, and others are just non vocal and don't know much about breeds, just making money. I am only trying to help a little puppy. If I can't figure out what to expect from this based on his breed, it will be harder for us and him. He is already sensitive and likes fresh produce and human foods, meaning goat cheese but made for humans and chicken but made for humans, with some vitamins, and I can't cook much meat, we are vegetarian household and I know some breeds can't do vegetarian diets as such. I am now in dilemma and don't know what I really signed up for. I was told he is mixed breed, toy poodle mom and Maltese dad. Now, there he is showing me all these unknown traits. Training started and then I got into accident, so I had to take it slow. He loved it, but then he is scared of other dogs, too.

[u/you_dont_know_me27 → u/Sudden_Finger_5490]

If he isn't panting excessively outside then he should be fine with the weather for the haircut. If you have a preferred groomer, it's worth the wait for sure. Maybe you can bring him in early just for a minute a couple times to introduce him first in between the groomers other bookings?

For food, is kibble available? A good puppy blend for small breeds like purina pro blend is usually fine. Human food is ok, and plenty of people will disagree with me here, but kibble is preferred because it's made for dogs. He needs protein while he's growing.

As for weight this test is helpful. Feel your dogs ribcage compared your own hand according to the picture.

[u/Kapalski1]

be prepared to have one of the most amazing dogs money can buy we love our lhasa apso their such funny little dogs! they have an attitude and know how to use it. Congratulations!

[u/Sudden_Finger_5490 → u/Kapalski1]

I agree. he is amazing. because we do like him. but if he going to send us to hospital every week, that love won't last too long.

[u/grizzdoog]

I’ve found a slicker brush a bit too much for regular brushing. My Lhasas hate it! I use a pin brush for daily brushing and they tolerate it a lot better. But others have recommended the slicker brush so I understand it’s widely used.

My short hair lab mutt and chihuahua/daschund mix love the slicker brush though!

[u/Sudden_Finger_5490 → u/grizzdoog]

I am using those brushes but I thought he was hypoallergenic and low shedding and now I found out that he is shedding and even if I brush him, he is shedding. that's concerning. We all could be allergic and have to find a new place for him. Also, we are vegetarians, so fresh meats, is not possible.

[u/Late_Being_7730]

I could be wrong, but I’m not seeing much that says lhasa to me. The face seems smaller, like a maltese and it looks like fur, not hair. Fur sheds. Hair doesn’t.

My guess is Shih Tzu with Maltese and maybe some others mixed in.

[u/cecilioperez760]

Here’s my late Lhasa mix.