10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Lhasalier
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If you are a fan of designer dog breeds and prefer smaller dogs to large ones, then one breed of dog you might consider is the Lhasalier. It is a breed with many positive features that is suitable for living in various types of households. Despite the many benefits of having a Lhasalier, it is always a good idea to find out what you can about a breed so that you can make an informed decision about whether they are the best breed for you. Here are 10 things you might not know about the Lhasalier to help you decide.
1. One Parent is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
One of the Lhasalier’s parents is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which is a small dog breed that the American Kennel Club has classed in its toy group. Although the breed originated in the UK, it is now the 19th most popular breed in the United States. They have a moderate-length, smooth and silky coat that is either ruby, tricolor, black and tan, or chestnut and white. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has some distinctive features, including floppy ears, a blunt nose, and large, round eyes. In the past, this breed was used for hunting. However, their loyal nature and placid temperament mean they are perfect family companion dogs.
2. The Other Parent is a Lhasa Apso
A Lhasalier’s other parent is a Lhasa Apso. Lhasa is the capital of Tibet, while the word ‘Apso’ means to guard. As its name suggests, the Lhasa Apso is a non-sporting dog breed that originates from Tibet, and they were traditionally used as indoor guard dogs. Now, they are a popular companion dog in many countries globally. They are a small dog breed with a long coat that is either straight or wavy and comes in many colors.
3. It Is a Small Dog Breed
The Lhasalier is classed as a small dog breed, says Pet Guide, and both parents are also small breeds. The average height range for this designer dog is between 12 and 16 inches, and males are usually slightly taller than females. A healthy weight range for the Lhasalier is between 13 and 16 pounds. You should take great care to avoid your Lhasalier becoming overweight, as this can lead to serious health conditions. Not only should you feed your dog a healthy and balanced diet, but you must also ensure they get enough exercise.
4. The Lhasalier is a Fantastic Family Pet
Those who have children should think extra carefully about which dog breed they invite into their home, as it is essential to choose a breed with the right personality traits for family life. The Lhasalier is a good option as they are friendly, loyal, playful, and enjoy spending time with their families. Also, they are not known to have an aggressive streak, which is particularly important if a dog is living in a household with children.
5. They Are Suitable for Apartment Living
If you live in an apartment, you must think very carefully about the dog breed you choose, as not all breeds are suitable for apartment living. However, the Lhasalier is a good choice for those who live in an apartment. Their small size means they do not need a large house with a big backyard, and they have relatively low physical needs in terms of exercise. However, it is vital to remember that all dogs need exercise to maintain health, so you will still need to take your Lhasalier for a short walk every day.
6. Lhasaliers Are Prone to Separation Anxiety
Some of the plus points of the Lhasalier are that it is loyal and loves spending time with its family. While this is a positive feature of the designer breed’s character, there is also a downside, as the Lhasalier can suffer from separation anxiety if their family is out for long periods and leaves them home alone. Therefore, these dogs are best suited to a household where there is at least one member of the family at home most of the time.
7. Lhasaliers Need a Lot of Grooming
According to Pet Guide, the coat of a Lhasssalier can vary depending on which physical traits it inherits from which parent. Although the coat is always long and flowing, it can be straight or wavy. There are also variations in the color, with some of the most common colors including white with black or brown markings, fawn, honey, cream, and tan. As they have a long coat, the Lhasalier needs regular grooming to prevent their coat from becoming matted and tangled. They also need regular bathing to keep their coat and skin in tip-top condition.
8. They Are Easy to Train
Lhasaliers are easy dogs to train, as they are intelligent and eager to please. As with most dogs, the Lhasalier is most successfully trained with positive reinforcement and benefits from early socialization. It is a good idea to add cage training to your training program, as this can help to reduce the likelihood of your Lhasalier suffering from separation anxiety when they are older.
9. There Are Some Health Conditions Associated with the Breed
Like all dog breeds, there are some health conditions that are associated with the Lhasalier. Some health conditions to which they are more prone include allergies, skin conditions, eye problems, syringomyelia, mitral valve disease, kneecap dislocation, hip dysplasia, and episodic falling. The average lifespan of a healthy Lhasalier is between 12 and 15 years.
10. They Are Not Recognized by Major Kennel Organizations
Like most designer dog breeds, the Lhasalier is not recognized by the major kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club. Unfortunately, this means that the Lhasalier cannot register with the organizations or enter any of the competitions or events they host. However, there are some designer dog breed registries that accept the Lhasalier.
