White Lhasapoo dog — The Lhasapoo is a cross between a Lhasa Apso and a Poodle
© Shutterstock

Everything you need to know about the Lhasapoo dog

By G. John Cole Content Writer

Updated on the 03/05/2022

The Lhasapoo, or Lhasa-poo, is a cross between the Poodle and the Lhasa Apso. They are small and playful, but pack a fearful bark if they sense their family is under threat! This is why they are so popular among the elderly, and among families with young children.

Origins and history of the Lhasapoo

Nobody knows much about the origins of the mixed breed. We know more about its parents, though.

The Lhasa Apso

lhasa apso running in grass — The Lhasa Apso ©Shutterstock

Lhasa Apsos are originally a Tibetan pet. They are intelligent and calm dogs. They have a terrific sense of humour and are very friendly with their family. The Lhasa Apso may, however, be more reserved around strangers, making socialisation of the utmost importance! Another thing to consider: their coat! If you want to keep it long, you'll need to comb through it every single day!

The Poodle

miniature brown poodle sitting in grass — The Miniature Poodle ©Shutterstock

Poodles are a centuries-old mix of European water dogs and the extinct African Barbet. Today, they come in three different sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Poodle is an intelligent, enthusiastic dog. It’s not nearly as ‘precious’ in its behaviour as it is portrayed in films and TV! It’s easy to train a Poodle, and you’ll find it friendly and eager to please. Poodles are also quite playful, though they can also have an independent side.

General information about the Lhasa Apso - Poodle mix

Life expectancy: 10-15 years
Personality: intelligent, playful, loyal
Size: small
Type of hair: From curly/thick to straight/long, it depends on the mix
Price: between £400 and £600
Category: Cross breed

Physical characteristics of the Lhasa Apso - Poodle cross

The Lhasapoo’s appearance depends greatly on the traits it inherits from its parents. One thing is for certain: they are small dogs. The legs are short, the tail is long, and the ears are also long without being truly floppy.

The Lhasapoo’s coat is unlikely to cause allergic reactions in humans. The fur will be a combination of white, black, brown, and tan. The length and curliness of the hair will depend on the balance of the breeds in each individual. Its eyes will probably be hazel-coloured.

Adult size: 9 - 13 inches
Weight: 10 - 20 pounds

Personality of the Lhasapoo

Like any crossbreed, the personality of a Lhasapoo will depend on the traits it inherits from its parents!

Both the Lhasa Apso and the Poodle tend to be proud and dignified creatures, so you can expect your Lhasapoo to be likewise. That pride can extend to stubbornness if the dog follows its Lhasa Apso side. It's important to start training and socialisation early! And here’s an unexpected Lhasapoo fact: they love to swim!

Health issues of the Lhasa Apso - Poodle mix

Llasapoos are quite healthy dogs, but may suffer from any of the ailments characteristic to Poodles or Lhasa Apsos.

Common illnesses that a Lhasapoo may inherit from one or both of its parent breeds include: allergies, patellar luxation, kidney problems, Addison’s disease, Cushings Disease, epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, Legg-Parthes Disease, Von Willebrand’s disease, and hip dysplasia.

Feeding guidelines

The Lhasapoo needs around one cup of dry dog food per day, divided over two meals. These dogs may struggle with meat, so dry dog food should make up most of their diet. You can keep things interesting for your Lhasapoo with occasional meat, fruits, and vegetables.

Grooming a Lhasapoo

The Lhasapoo does not really moult, so shedding is not an issue. Some owners prefer to have their dog clipped as it may make it easier to keep a Lhasapoo clean and hygienic. If you choose not to clip the coat, you should brush your Lhasapoo daily. If the hair has been clipped, a weekly brushing will do.

Trim the nails every fortnight, or if you hear its claws tap on the floor. You should brush the teeth daily if possible.

Training a Lhasa Apso - Poodle mix

The stubborn Lhasa Apso side of the Lhasapoo can make the creature a bit difficult to train. They are friendly dogs, but may resist your instructions. Be sure to use plenty of positive reinforcement when training your Lhasapoo, for example by stroking it or giving it snacks when it does what you ask.

Exercise requirements of the Lhasapoo

The Lhasapoo dog is not too demanding. They are happy to play at home and go for just a regular daily walk and occasional trip to the park (or the beach!). Thirty minutes to an hour of exercise a day should be enough to keep a healthy adult happy.

Lhasapoo puppies

Lhasapoo puppies aren’t very big, so they don’t need an enormous amount of space. However, they are more energetic than they look, so it’s worth keeping an eye on them to make sure they’re not getting into trouble. As with any young dog, you and your family need to put time aside to socialise the puppy so that it grows up into a warm and trusting dog.

The Lhasapoo seems, at first glance, to be a bit of a prince among dogs. But your Lhasa Apso - Poodle crossbreed will probably be a friendly and down-to-earth sort of a hound. Treat him well and be prepared for a unique mix of the two breeds, and you can lead a fine life with your Lhasapoo.

What did you think of the Lhasapoo? Check out these other mixed-breeds: