| The Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet and is sometimes
known as the Tibetan Apso. It is a small, indoor
watchdog, possibly bred in the distant past from
the Tibetan Mastiff. The word apso means goat-like,
and the dog may have been so named because its coat
resembled that of the goats kept by Tibetan herders.
The breed was very highly regarded in its native land,
and kept in temples and palaces. The Lhasa is often
confused with the Shih Tzu from western China, but
there are a number of physical differences between
them, including the fact that the Lhasa Apso has
a longer nose and its nose-tip is placed lower.
However, in the past there seems to have been some
interbreeding between them outside their native lands.
The Lhasa Apso is happy, usually long lived,
adaptable, and good with children. It enjoys a good
romp outdoors, but it does require careful daily
grooming of its long coat.
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