Though Lhasa Apsos may look sweet and innocent, they are fiercely protective of their ‘hoomans’. This is largely due to the ancient custom of this breed guarding the home and family. However, these dogs will never react aggressively and can be trained from the early stages to react kindly to strangers. This loyalty does mean that these pooches love to share their lives with humans and will always bring joy and long-lasting friendship. This breed has a unique ability to reason and take charge, so it’s vital they are trained correctly – unless you want to be manipulated by a 10-inch-tall dog! The Lhasa Apso sometimes enjoys doing things on their own and doesn't necessarily always need to please you, so if you want an obedient dog, this mischievous minx probably isn’t for you! These dogs aren’t prone to separation anxiety and can be left on their own for reasonable periods of time.

Not many dogs can say they were named after a Holy City, but the Lhasa Apso definitely can! For many, many years these pups were bred solely for Nobility and Monks, acting as guard dogs and protectors of the Monasteries in the City of Lhasa in China. This particular breed was considered good luck and it was thought that when their owner died, the human soul entered the body of their dog. They were so sacred that they were never allowed to leave the country unless given as gifts by the Dalai Lama. They were eventually given as a gift by the 13th Dalai Lama to an American World Traveller in 1933, where the breed finally began to grow internationally! Because this breed has a long, thick coat, it requires a lot of maintenance. It’s probably best to note it’s going to cost you upwards of £40 a month to keep that coat looking pristine.