Lhasa Apso Forum:
Lhasas and Kids

I am doing some research on this breed. We want to get a small dog for out 6 year old daughter. We have 2 younger girls as well, 3 and 1. We have been looking for a while so that we find the perfect puppy for our family. We found a female Lhasa a couple days ago, and my daughter fell in love with her, she is very sweet and mellow. The problem is, I have heard that they are really not good with small children and that they are snappy. I am also worried about the gooming, I do not have much time for that. My girls are loving and gentle, but they are young. I want to make a good decision,any information would be helpful. Thank-you, Angela

You will most likely get a variety of answers on this.

All dogs of any breed have different personalities. Some will be good with kids, some wont. I have never had a problem with any of my Lhasas and kids for over 12 years. Except my current female who is very shy around people she doesnt know. The usual qucik grabby motions of children make her retreat, if the child persits she will growl. If the child is carefull to approach her slowly, and /or get down on her level, such as sitting, then she wil go up to them and sniff and gradully will let them pet her. May male, her dad, is typical of all the other Lhasas I have had. Go right up to anybody and climb in their lap.The main key is socialization, and a pup with an even temperment to start. Make sure the children understand that this is a living animal and not a play toy.