The Lhasapoo is one of the cutest dogs out there. He is, after all, a cross between a Miniature Poodle and the popular Tibetan breed, Lhasa Apso, so why wouldn’t he be… right?
But be warned…
The Lhasapoo is an amiable and affectionate creature. If you happen to find yourself in a room with a few available for adoption, there is a perfect chance you’ll end up being the proud new owner of one, which, in most cases, will be a great thing! But, like all dog breeds, some dogs are better suited for some owners and vice versa. This is why, in this article, we wanted to take a moment and discuss what it might be like to own one of these little guys. This way, you won’t have any regrets if you adopt a Lhasapoo puppy or a Lhasapoo rescue dog.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Lhasapoo Dog Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: United States
Original Purpose: Companionship
Height: Varies
Weight: 10 to 20 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Hybrid dog, not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Origin of the Lhasapoo
The Lhasapoo is an example of a growing trend in which folks intentionally interbreed two dog breeds to create a new “desirable” hybrid dog. While some folks frown upon this idea, when appropriately done, interbreeding certain dog breeds that have been overbred in the past isn’t such a bad idea.
And when it comes…
MMixing Lhasa Apso with a Miniature Poodle is an excellent idea because both breeds tend to suffer from many recessive genetic disorders, which, by crossbreeding, tends to decrease their risk of appearing. And when crossbred, they create SUPER CUTE puppies, to boot! You should know that when you cross-breed two dog breeds, the resulting litter can take on many shapes and sizes. This is why, rather than talk about what a Lhasapoo will look like, let’s take a moment and discuss what they could look like.
Physical Characteristics
The Lhasapoo is generally a tiny dog and weighing in between 10 and 20 pounds. Even the adult dog of this breed is lightweight enough for you to carry him around. But he is also quite sturdy and has a robust build. His height can vary from 10 to 14 inches. And because the Lhasapoo is a crossbreed, there is no way to tell if he will look more like a Poodle or a Lhasa Apso. He can, for example, have the straight coat of Lhasa Apso’s. But there is also a chance that he could have a curly coat, much like a poodle.
Their coat color…
It can also vary and can be:
- White,
- Black,
- Brown,
- Tan,
Heck… you never know! However, one thing you can count on is that this dog will shed heavily, which is why his coat must be brushed daily.
This variability is also probably why…
The Lhasapoo is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as it is not a purebred dog. Now, he is recognized by other Kennel Clubs such as the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, Inc., and International Designer Canine Registry. This leads us to believe that it is only a matter of time until the AKC finally begins to notice some of these great designer or hybrid dog breeds that have been created recently.
Personality and Temperament
The Lhasapoo is a cheerful dog, which they will like to be reminded of with its chirpy little voice. They’re also always on the move, running everywhere and following you everywhere. He looks so adorable when he does this. Plus, we should point out that these dogs get really attached to their human family and love them dearly. He is very loyal and sensitive, too – he knows when you’re feeling down and does everything he can to cheer you up with his hilarious antics!
He is only a tiny dog…
Even the adult dog of this breed is of a height of 10 to 14 inches or less. But he thinks he is much bigger than he is. He also considers himself to be your watchdog and is always on the lookout for strangers. If you hear him yapping, it’s probably because you have a visitor.
Lhasapoo’s…
They are also one of those dog breeds that prefer human company to that of other dogs. He feels most comfortable with his human family and would rather be with you than with any other dog. He is not the sort of dog that requires a lot of exercise. He is not the outdoorsy type. He is happy to snuggle on the couch as you watch Netflix. Also, on a side note, never give him more dog food than he needs, as this little guy tends to overeat and become too fat for his own good.
Potential Health Concerns
Because the Lhasapoo is a hybrid dog, “technically,” they will be susceptible to all genetic disorders common to the Lhasa Apso and Miniature Poodle dog. Fortunately, most genetic conditions affecting these breeds tend to be “recessive, “significantly reducing the risk of a Lhasapoo developing them.
That said, however…
Lhasapoos still tend to be at medium risk for developing:
This is why you’ll want to be sure and know the family history of any puppy you are considering adopting. And while many of these conditions may not be life-threatening, they can become quite expensive, particularly if they become recurring issues. This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now, will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
Hi there,
Good summary. But just a couple of points to make. My lhasapoo is now 22 pounds in weight and still growing. His brother of the same litter is about 25 pounds and stands about 2 feet tall. Basically, you can get throwbacks to standard poodle in the pups.
Oh, and because neither lhasa apsos nor poodles shed fur, the lhasapoo doesn’t either. They are sought-after often because of this trait as it means people who are normally allergic to dogs can often have this crossbreed without problems. They’re also easy to clean up after. They do however, like their parents, need lots of grooming: we find this the biggest expense having one.