Fluff and Flair: The Lhasa Apso’s Guide to Being Fabulous.
Welcome to the world of the Lhasa Apso, where elegance meets fluff! This blog dives into the breed standard of these pint-sized divas, known for their luxurious coats and confident strut. Discover why their heads are always in the clouds (thanks to those fabulous hairdos) and how their tails curl with just the right amount of sass. Whether you’re a seasoned dog show enthusiast or just here for the cute pics, get ready to be charmed by the quirks and qualities that make the Lhasa Apso the ultimate canine aristocrat.
Laura Lhasafam
8/27/20241 min read
The Dog Show Diva
General Appearance:
Think of a fluffy, well-balanced marshmallow on legs – sturdy but not overstuffed.
Characteristics:
Always ready to party and strut its stuff with confidence.
Temperament:
Ever-vigilant, cool as a cucumber, but might give strangers the side-eye.
Head and Skull:
Rocking a fabulous hairdo that covers the eyes but doesn’t block the view, with a stylish beard and whiskers. The head is sleek, not too flat or round, with a straight nose and a black button at the end. The muzzle is just the right length – not too long, not too short.
Eyes:
Dark and mysterious, medium-sized, and perfectly oval – no bug eyes or sunken sockets here.
Ears:
Dangling like fancy earrings, adorned with luxurious feathers.
Mouth:
Teeth that meet in a reverse scissor bite, lined up like soldiers. A full set of pearly whites is preferred.
Neck:
Strong and gracefully arched, like a swan.
Forequarters:
Shoulders laid back like they’re lounging, with straight, hairy legs.
Body:
Longer than it is tall, with ribs that go way back. The back is level, the loin strong, and the overall look is compact and balanced.
Hindquarters:
Muscular and well-angled, with legs covered in hair. Hocks are parallel and not too close together.
Feet:
Round and cat-like, with firm pads and a good feathering.
Tail:
Set high and carried over the back like a jaunty flag, often with a quirky kink at the end.
Gait/Movement:
Moves with a free and jaunty stride, like it’s always on a mission.
Coat:
Long, heavy, and straight, with a hard texture – not woolly or silky. The undercoat is moderate, and the coat never gets in the way.
Colour:
Comes in a rainbow of shades – golden, sandy, honey, dark grizzle, slate, smoke, parti-colour, black, white, or brown. All are equally fabulous.
Size:
Ideal height for dogs is 25 cm (10 ins) at the shoulders; bitches are slightly smaller.
Faults:
Any deviation from these points is a fault, and the severity depends on how it affects the dog’s health, welfare, and ability to perform its traditional work.