The Great Lhasa Apso Coat Change: A Hair-Raising Adventure

The Coat Change Countdown

The coat change can happen anywhere between 9 to 14 months of age. But because every Lhasa is a unique little snowflake, some may start as early as 6 months, while others might hold off until 16 months. One thing is certain: unless your Lhasa has a really sparse coat, the coat change will happen. It's like puberty for puppies, but with more hair and fewer mood swings.

The Matting Menace

So, what's the big deal about the coat change? It's all about matting and grooming. Unlike most breeds, a Lhasa's coat doesn't shed. Instead, the softer puppy coat is replaced by a harsher-textured adult coat. As the adult coat comes in, the puppy coat "dies" and needs to be brushed out, or it will tangle and mat terribly. During this time, your puppy may need daily grooming to remove the soft, "dead" puppy coat. You'll be amazed at how much loose hair you can brush out. You might even wonder if your little Lhasa will have any coat left by the time you're done! Don't worry, if all you're getting out is dead, loose hair, there's no problem.

The Grooming Gauntlet

Grooming difficulties may vary depending on the amount and texture of your Lhasa's coat. But remember, the coat change is a natural part of a Lhasa's development. When it's over, your Lhasa's softer puppy coat will have given way to the harder-textured adult coat, which is usually much easier to take care of. Now that's something to look forward to!

Training for the Tangle Tango

Knowing what's going to happen is only part of "being prepared." The other part lies in training. Since getting through the coat change requires grooming, start by teaching your puppy to accept grooming as part of their routine. Train them to lie quietly on their back or sides while you comb and brush them. Prepare yourself by learning how to groom your Lhasa properly.

The Daily Brush-Off

When the coat change begins, don't get discouraged. It usually lasts less than a month. Set aside time every few days to groom your Lhasa. If you don't have time for a full grooming session, at least do some spot grooming in the troublesome areas (neck, insides of legs, behind the ears) few times a week, and do not forget to moisten the coat with some conditioning spray before the brushing. Those darn mats can surprise you – a puppy may not look matted, but their undercoat can be a real mess.

The Final Fur-ocious Advice

My best advice is to be aware of what will happen, be prepared for some heavy-duty grooming for about three weeks, train your puppy early to accept being groomed, and take care of tangles and mats as they appear. Don't put off grooming, thinking the mats will disappear by themselves (they won't!). Finally, don't be discouraged; just hang in there until it's over – the coat change period really does end!

So, buckle up and get ready for the great Lhasa Apso coat change. It's a hairy adventure, but with a little patience and a lot of brushing, you'll come out the other side with a beautiful, well-groomed Lhasa Apso. 🐾✂️