LhasaFam Grooming Guide for the Lhasa Apso
A beautiful Lhasa coat doesn't happen by magic... although sometimes it feels that way. With a little patience, the right tools, and a sense of humour, grooming becomes a lovely bonding ritual rather than a wrestling match with a small, furry dragon.
One of the most common questions Lhasa owners hear is: "Do you brush and bathe that dog every day?" Thankfully, the answer is no. A well-maintained coat is all about consistency, not constant work. Think of it as regular self-care rather than emergency repairs.
Start Young, Stay Happy
The secret to an easy-to-groom adult Lhasa is a puppy who learns early that being brushed, combed, touched, and pampered is simply part of life.
When your puppy comes home:
Spend a few minutes each day handling paws, ears, and face.
Introduce brushes and combs gently.
Let grooming feel like cuddle time rather than military training.
Reward calm behaviour with praise and treats.
A puppy who grows up believing grooming is a normal part of life will save everyone a great deal of drama later on.
The LhasaFam Grooming Kit
These are the essentials you'll want in your grooming toolbox:
Pin brush with polished pins
Gentle slicker brush
Metal comb with both wide and fine teeth
Fine comb for eyes and face
Nail clippers
Ear powder
Coat scissors
Safety scissors for paw pads
Latex bands, bows or barrettes
Spray bottle
Hair dryer with adjustable temperatures
LhasaFam's Favourite Products
Over the years I've tried many products, but these are my personal favourites:
For bathing:
Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Shampoo
Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Conditioner
These are my go-to products for both weekly maintenance baths and show preparation baths. They help keep the coat clean, manageable and beautifully conditioned without weighing it down.
For brushing:
Crown Royale Magic Touch Grooming Spray Formula #2
I lightly mist the coat before brushing. It helps prevent breakage, reduces static and makes grooming much more pleasant for both the dog and the human holding the brush.
Brushing the Coat: The Real Secret
A Lhasa coat should never be brushed completely dry.
Instead:
Mist the coat lightly with brushing spray.
Have your dog lying comfortably on its side.
Work in layers, starting at the bottom.
Brush one small section at a time all the way to the skin.
Follow every section with a comb.
If the comb glides through easily, you've done a proper job.
If the comb says "absolutely not," keep working.
The Correct Order
Work methodically through:
Tail
Back legs
Front legs
Body
Chest
Neck
Ears
Head and face
Pay extra attention to the usual troublemakers:
Behind the ears
Armpits
Collar area
Inner thighs
Tail
Between the toes
These areas can produce mats faster than a toddler can create chaos in a clean house.
The Dreaded Mats
Let's be honest.
No Lhasa owner enjoys finding a mat.
No Lhasa enjoys having one removed.
And no mat has ever magically disappeared overnight.
If you find a tangle:
Spray it with grooming spray or conditioner.
Gently loosen it with your fingers.
Use the end of a comb to separate individual hairs.
Work slowly and patiently.
A Golden Rule
Never pull a mat out with force.
Your Lhasa will not appreciate it, and neither will the coat.
Patience always wins.
Bath Time
A clean coat is easier to brush, less likely to mat, and much healthier overall.
Before Bathing
Always brush and comb thoroughly before getting the coat wet.
Water tightens mats. What looks like a tiny knot before bathing can become a felted masterpiece afterwards.
During Bathing
Completely wet the coat with warm water.
Apply diluted shampoo.
Work with the flow of the coat.
Never scrub in circles like you're washing a car.
Rinse thoroughly.
Apply conditioner and distribute evenly through the coat.
Rinse the conditioner thoroughly.
The goal is silky clean, not tangled spaghetti.
Drying Without Creating New Problems
After the bath:
Gently squeeze water from the coat.
Pat dry using towels.
Never rub.
Rubbing creates tangles, and tangles create regrets.
When blow drying:
Use warm, comfortable air.
Brush in layers while drying.
Keep the airflow moving downward with the coat.
Dry all the way to the skin.
Pay special attention to:
Behind the ears
Armpits
Feet
Tail
Inner legs
A coat that feels dry on the outside can still be damp underneath.
Topknots: Practical and Adorable
The magnificent Lhasa hairfall is charming, but eventually your dog will need to see where they're going.
Topknots help keep the hair away from the eyes while looking stylish.
Options include:
Single topknot
Double topknots
Ponytail
Braids
Buns
Pigtails
Experiment until you find a style that suits your dog's head shape and personality.
Some Lhasas look like elegant Tibetan royalty.
Others look like tiny rock stars.
Both are perfectly acceptable.
Eye Care
A quick daily check goes a long way.
Remove any eye discharge with a damp cotton pad.
Use a fine comb if needed.
Keep the face clean.
Avoid trimming around the eyes.
The long facial furnishings actually help protect the eyes and should generally be preserved.
Ear Care
Once a week:
Check for redness, irritation or odour.
Clean with a suitable ear cleaner.
Remove excess hair if necessary.
Use ear powder to make removal easier.
Healthy ears should be clean, comfortable and free from unpleasant smells.
Feet and Nail Care
The feet work hard and deserve attention.
Paw Pads
Regularly trim excess hair between the pads.
This helps:
Prevent matting
Improve traction
Reduce dirt collection
Avoid snow and ice buildup in winter
Always use caution when trimming around the pads.
Nails
Check nails every week.
Don't forget the dewclaws, which don't wear down naturally and can become overgrown if ignored.
If you're unsure how much to trim, ask your breeder, groomer or veterinarian to demonstrate proper technique.
Long Coat or Pet Trim?
A full coat is undeniably breathtaking, but it requires commitment.
Expect:
Frequent brushing
Regular bathing
Continuous maintenance
Many owners choose a shorter pet trim, which is perfectly acceptable and often more practical for active family dogs.
Whatever length you choose, a healthy, well-maintained coat is always more important than a long one.
LhasaFam's Golden Rules
🐾 Start grooming young.
🐾 Never brush a dry coat.
🐾 Always brush all the way to the skin.
🐾 Follow brushing with a comb.
🐾 Deal with tangles early.
🐾 Keep feet, ears and nails maintained.
🐾 Fully dry the coat after bathing.
🐾 Make grooming a positive experience.
🐾 Remember: perfection is not required. Consistency is.
Most importantly, enjoy the process. Grooming is not just coat maintenance. It is one-on-one time with your Lhasa, a chance to check their health, build trust, and perhaps share a few treats. Over time, many Lhasas come to see grooming as their own special spa session.
And if they don't... at least they'll still look fabulous. ✨🐾
– LhasaFam Kennel
