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The Lhasa Apso dog breed is known to come from Tibet. Dogs appeared in these places about 2 thousand years ago. The character of the pet is playful and mischievous, and the appearance is pretty. The unusual name of the dog is translated from the language of the Tibetan peoples as "mountain goat." This pet received its nickname because of its hostile skill to freely pass mountain ranges, as well as an unusual long-haired fur coat.
In the modern world, this type of dog is considered quite popular among dog breeders. The four-legged pet is an active participant in many international competitions around the world. Many dog lovers are eager to get these cute pets. At the same time, in the CIS countries this breed has not snuggled up very well. Puppies of this breed are difficult to find today, as they are bred in only a few nurseries in Russia. That is why it is not easy to buy dogs of this species, and not all animal lovers can afford the cost. The price of such a dog can start from $ 350 and go up to $ 2,000.
The history of the breed
This small breed of dog appeared in Tibet due to the natural selection of the harsh climate here. Dogs of this species in ancient times were very popular among the local nobility in Tibet. They were presented to representatives of the royal family and called the Tibetan talisman, which brings good luck. That is why many Tibetans wanted to become the owners of these dogs and bring grace to their home. The monks of Tibet deified these animals and considered them sacred. The small size of these dogs did not prevent them from being good guard dogs. The priests of the Tibetan temples used these pets to protect the monastery possessions.
Europeans first learned about a small pet from Tibet only at the end of the 19th century. This happened thanks to the scientific work of dog handler Jacobs, who wrote an article about Tibetan dogs in the early 20th century. He outlined the characteristics of this breed in his articles. At the same time, the British became acquainted with the Lhasa Apso breed only three years later. This happened after a publication about an unusual Tibetan dog appeared in a local publishing house.
Breed characteristics
The sizes of these dogs are quite small. Moreover, the dog has a very strong physique. The average height of the animal can fluctuate within 23 centimeters, and the weight can reach up to 8 kilograms. The four-legged pet has a long-haired fur coat of various colors: from beige to black. By dog standards, Tibetan dogs live quite a long time, on average, up to 14 years of age. However, with proper care, a four-legged pet can live up to 20 years.
These dogs are considered good companions and guards. By nature, they are freedom-loving and independent. To dogs of this breed were more obedient, it is better to teach puppies to discipline from an early age. This will help pets feel free in society and understand the owner’s commands.
It is generally known that dogs of this species are naturally endowed with great intelligence. Due to this feature, dogs are free to teach teams, so they are easier to train. During training, it is better to use the creative method of raising pets. Thanks to the game form, dogs will more quickly adapt and memorize the science of training.
Fact! These dogs find common language with babies and are friends with other four-legged pets on their territory.
Nature endowed the dogs of this species with a great flair.Therefore, good hearing and sense of smell allow Tibetan dogs to guard their possessions. Dogs are wary of strangers. However, if the owner becomes more hospitable to the stranger, the dog immediately begins to show goodwill and cordiality.
These dogs respect each member of the family, but recognize only one owner. The owner can count on the unconditional execution of all commands and complete obedience. These dogs do not really like long walks and do not need strong physical training. Tibetan dogs can be good companions for people who are not active, with a calm lifestyle. If you properly organize the leisure of these dogs, then they can do without walking for up to several weeks.
Tibetan dogs have a strong, well-established psyche. They easily endure stressful situations and can travel a lot. In addition, dogs are calm about relocating, provided that the owner is nearby. The fact is that these pets have a very great affection for people. Therefore, the owners should not abandon the dogs all alone. Sometimes these animals can be idle and lazy. They can lie for hours on a rug without movement, until they are disturbed by the owner.
These dogs love to be in the limelight. Even in adulthood, these pets can babe like puppies. That is why owners need to stock up on a lot of toys for dogs.
Tibetan dogs do not need to take a separate place in the apartment, as they will sit perfectly on the couch or bed of their owners. Dogs love to sleep next to family members. In this case, the dogs are fairly clean.
Proper Dog Care
These pets are naturally endowed with a beautiful shaggy fur coat. At the same time, dog hair needs constant care. After all, these dogs are very fond of running, climbing into impenetrable thickets, and studying unfamiliar subjects. Therefore, the four-legged pet should be combed out every time after returning home from the street. To comb the dog, the owners will need a convenient brush to care for dog hair.
Dog grooming can take up to half an hour. It is necessary to comb the hair of pets strictly along the hairline, starting from the root. Dogs also need to wash their paws and lower abdomen after each walk. It is better to accustom the dog to such water procedures from the earliest days of his stay in the master's house.
Despite the long coat, this breed of dogs lacks molting. That is why it is recommended that such dogs even be given to allergy sufferers who suffer from intolerance to animal hair. To keep the dog's coat healthy, it needs to be trimmed once a season.
Once within seven days it is recommended to brush the dog’s teeth using a special dental tool for animals. It is also important to clean the dog’s ears with a cotton swab and wipe the pet’s eyes every day.
Due to the not-so-active lifestyle, the animal’s claws cannot grind on their own. That is why they should be cut with special scissors. After the meal, you should clean the dog's face and wash his mustache, freeing from food debris. Woolen growths on the paws, you need to trim as they grow. Water procedures for pets are recommended no more than two to three times a week. When bathing dogs, owners should use animal shampoos. Special cosmetics for dogs are needed in order to avoid the appearance of allergic reactions on the body. Dogs of this breed are very prone to problems associated with skin dermatitis.
Going for a walk with four-legged pets during heavy rains is not recommended. Yes, and often these dogs are not advised to bathe, however, leaving the pet without care, with dirty wool is impossible. If the dog’s coat gets tangled and sticks together, it will be difficult to untangle the tangles. In this case, the pet will have to be cut short.
The body of these dogs very easily perceives temperature changes, so the cold conditions for him nothing. However, it is not recommended to abuse low temperatures, so in the winter it is better for the dog to live indoors in comfortable warm conditions. With the onset of summer, the dog can be moved to the yard and put it in a special booth. It is known that these dogs take root very well under various conditions. They can live both in a house in the country and in their own apartment.
A competent diet
Tibetan tetrapods are considered very demanding in nutrition. In order to stay healthy and strong, dogs need good nutrition. Establishing a healthy diet for dogs is not easy, so experts advise owners to buy dry food of the highest class.
Fresh water for the dog should always be in the dishes. It is recommended to change the fluid up to two times during the day. If the dog's body feels a lack of fluid, then the dog may form kidney stones. Subsequently, this can cause the dog some complex illnesses that can shorten the life of the pet.
If the owners decide to feed the dog a natural cuisine, then it is better for pets to give lean meat to eat. Poultry fillet is good. Giving fried meat to these dogs is strictly prohibited. Pieces of meat should be stewed or boiled in water. Also, sour milk products with a small percentage of fat content are suitable for Tibetan dogs. You can diversify the menu of Lhasa apso with low-fat cottage cheese and milk.
Pets can also be given eggs, but it is recommended to use them only once or twice a week. Eating fish is best avoided. At the same time, the daily diet of the pet should be supplemented with useful cereals: barley and rice. It is good for the dog to eat boiled and fresh vegetables. Carrots, potatoes, corn, fresh cucumbers and greens are perfect.
You can also feed your pets fruit. An exception are citrus fruits. To keep the coat of animals healthy and shiny, healthy vitamins and supplements for dogs should be added to the daily diet.
Proper education
During dog training it is better to train in the form of a game. At the same time, if the puppy does not immediately obey the owner, do not intimidate him, grab him and scream at him. If the pet begins to indulge and behaves disobediently, then it is enough to point out the dog in a strict manner. You cannot beat and shout at the beast, because dogs of this species are quite sensitive to the mood of a person. Tibetan dogs should be introduced to a leash and a collar from an early age and taken for a walk. Also, owners can teach the pet to be on hand. Delicious dog treats can be a good incentive for training and better memorization of teams.
Video: Lhasa Apso dog breed
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