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The Lhasa Apso is a small Tibetan guardian with a strong character who approaches each trip with astonishing assurance for its size. Born in Tibetan monasteries at over 4000 meters altitude, it possesses unsuspected robustness and remarkable cold tolerance. Its natural independence makes it less subject to separation anxiety than many small breeds, a precious advantage while traveling. Its long dense coat requires regular maintenance but gives it natural protection against the elements. With this companion with a proud gaze and lofty bearing, you will discover a discreet traveler always attentive to its environment.
Atouts en voyage
- Rare independence among small breeds reducing separation anxiety while traveling
- Robustness inherited from its Himalayan origins allowing moderate hikes
- Natural vigilance as a temple guard dog discreetly alerting in case of intruders
- Excellent cold and altitude tolerance thanks to its Tibetan genes
Defis a anticiper
- Instinctive mistrust of strangers that can generate defensive barking in accommodation
- Very long coat tangling quickly in vegetation and collecting natural debris
- Stubborn character making recall uncertain in open unsecured spaces
Profil voyage
Se deplacer avec votre Lhasa
The Lhasa Apso weighs between 5 and 8 kg, placing it at the limit of the free fare depending on companies. Weigh your dog with its transport bag to determine the applicable fare. Its guardian character can lead it to growl at passengers who approach too closely, keep it in its bag in closed position. Once settled, it generally shows calm and stoic during journeys, faithful to its monastic heritage.
The Lhasa Apso travels well by car installed in a secured basket where it can observe without being disturbed. Its independence makes it less demanding of attention than other small breeds during journeys. Protect its eyes from wind if windows are open as ocular dryness is frequent in this breed. Regular breaks to stretch its legs suffice, it does not need long exercise sessions at each stop.
The Lhasa Apso is eligible for cabin air travel with a weight generally below 8 kg including bag. Its high-altitude origins give it good tolerance to cabin pressure variations. Choose a transport bag where it can lie down comfortably and add a garment carrying your scent to reassure it. Its natural calm and habit of Tibetan confinement make it a surprisingly serene air passenger.
Sante en voyage
Risques specifiques
- Chronic eye problems including dryness and corneal ulcers aggravated by wind and dust
- Skin infections under dense coat favored by humidity and heat during travel
- Hereditary kidney problems that can be aggravated by insufficient hydration while traveling
Precautions
The Lhasa Apso requires particular attention to its eyes which are vulnerable to foreign bodies and dryness. Clean its eyes morning and evening with sterile eye drops, especially in dusty or windy environments. Regularly check the skin condition under the coat to detect redness or hot spots. Maintain constant hydration as its kidneys are a weak point of the breed.
Tolerance chaleur
The Lhasa Apso tolerates heat better than one thinks thanks to its coat which forms an insulating barrier. However, beyond 28 degrees, heat accumulated under its dense coat can become problematic. A moderate summer cut lightens the coat without removing sun protection. Permanent access to fresh water and shade is sufficient for most summer situations in France.
Pharmacie de voyage
- Lubricating eye drops for its eyes naturally prone to dryness
- Gentle eye wipes for cleaning colored tears under the eyes
- Antifungal spray for areas of stagnant moisture under long coat
- Functional treats for kidney support adapted to small breeds
Equipement indispensable
Canine eye protection Doggles-type glasses
The Lhasa Apso's eyes are particularly exposed to wind and debris due to its flat face and drooping hairs, protective glasses prevent corneal ulcers during hiking
Ventilated semi-rigid transport bag
The Lhasa Apso appreciates a closed and secured space recalling the alcoves of Tibetan monasteries, a semi-rigid bag offers comfort and sense of protection during travel
Rotating teeth comb
The Lhasa's coat has a dense undercoat that forms deep knots, a rotating comb detangles without painfully pulling, making daily travel maintenance bearable for the dog
Bandana or ear-protecting snood
The Lhasa's long hairy ears dip in the bowl and collect debris, a snood keeps them clean during meals and nature walks
5-meter retractable leash with brake
The Lhasa's independent character leads it to explore at will, a retractable leash offers it freedom while allowing reliable recall given its sometimes selective obedience
Ou partir avec votre Lhasa ?
The Lhasa Apso, heir to the Tibetan high plateaus, thrives in altitude regions and temperate environments. Mountain villages, Aubrac trails, Auvergne lodges and regional natural parks offer the ideal setting for this contemplative small guardian.
Le saviez-vous ?
The Lhasa Apso guarded Tibetan monasteries for over 2000 years, alerting monks to any intrusion while Tibetan Mastiffs ensured physical defense outside
In Tibet, offering a Lhasa Apso was considered a sacred gesture bringing luck, and the Dalai Lama traditionally offered them to foreign dignitaries as a symbol of spiritual protection
The name Apso means goat beard in Tibetan, reference to its long silky coat that protects it from glacial Himalayan winds blowing over 100 km/h on passes
Questions frequentes
Can the Lhasa Apso hike in the mountains?
The Lhasa Apso is surprisingly enduring for its size thanks to its Himalayan origins. It can cover 5 to 8 km on moderate trails without difficulty, even more if progressively trained. Altitude poses no problem unlike many breeds. Protect its eyes from altitude wind and monitor that its coat does not catch in brambles.
Does the Lhasa Apso bark too much for accommodation?
The Lhasa Apso is an alert dog that naturally barks at the slightest suspicious noise, a heritage from its temple guardian functions. In accommodation, hallway noises or neighbors can trigger its alerts. Tire it before night with a good walk and place its bedding away from the door. A firm stop word followed by a reward for silence is effective with this intelligent but stubborn breed.
Can you let a Lhasa Apso off leash during walks?
The Lhasa Apso has an independent character and sometimes uncertain recall that make off-leash delicate. In unfenced space, use a 5 to 10 meter long line rather than total freedom. Its guard instinct can lead it to pursue a suspicious noise or movement without obeying recall. Fenced parks and secured beaches are the only places where off-leash is reasonably safe.
How to maintain the Lhasa Apso's coat on vacation?
Plan 15 to 20 minutes of daily brushing with a rotating teeth comb and detangling spray. Start at the extremities and gradually work up to the root to avoid breaking hairs. After nature walks, immediately remove twigs and seeds that catch in the coat. A grooming cut before departure considerably simplifies coat management during vacation.
Does the Lhasa Apso get along with other dogs while traveling?
The Lhasa Apso has a dominant character despite its small size and can show distance or even confrontation with unfamiliar dogs. Introductions must be made on neutral ground, calmly and on leash. Once it has accepted a fellow, it can show playful and tolerant. Avoid overcrowded dog play areas that can stress it and provoke defensive reactions disproportionate to its size.
