Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Lhasa Apso is one of the world’s most ancient dog breeds, developed in the highlands of Tibet. For centuries, these dogs lived in monasteries and temples in the city of Lhasa, where they were considered sacred guardians and symbols of spiritual strength. Their role was to alert monks to approaching strangers and to protect the inner chambers. Thanks to their sharp hearing and natural vigilance, Lhasa Apsos became loyal companions of lamas and nobility. The breed remained isolated from the outside world for many generations, and dogs were rarely allowed to leave Tibet, often given only as highly valued gifts. The first Lhasa Apsos reached Europe in the early 20th century, quickly gaining recognition for their unique appearance and calm, intelligent temperament. Today, the breed is known as a devoted companion and a living link to the ancient traditions of the East.
General Appearance
The Lhasa Apso is a small, sturdy dog of rectangular build, slightly longer than tall, with a well-balanced, compact body. The breed’s hallmark is its abundant, long, straight coat, which falls evenly along the body and gives the dog an impression of dignity and grace. The head is proportionate to the body, covered with dense hair forming a beard, mustache, and forelock that partially shades the eyes. The back is strong and level, the loin short, and the chest deep and well developed. Legs are straight and parallel, and the tail is set high, carried over the back, richly furnished with long hair. The overall appearance reflects strength, endurance, and refinement combined with alert intelligence.
Important Proportions
The body of the Lhasa Apso is always slightly longer than the height at the withers, giving it an elongated but harmonious outline. The head is proportionate to the body; the muzzle takes about one-third of the total head length. The neck is medium in length, strong yet elegant, blending smoothly into the shoulders. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with well-curved ribs. The back is straight and firm, the loin short and muscular. The tail is proportionate to the body, carried high and covered in long, flowing hair. All proportions must emphasize the breed’s balance and sturdy elegance.
Temperament and Character
The Lhasa Apso is intelligent, independent, and even-tempered, with a natural instinct for guarding. For centuries, these dogs served as alert sentinels in Tibetan monasteries, which shaped their watchful and discerning nature. They tend to be reserved toward strangers but deeply loyal to their families. With loved ones, they are affectionate, playful, and often humorous. The breed is perceptive and thoughtful, with good memory and a strong sense of self. Despite its decorative appearance, the Lhasa Apso is resilient, agile, and full of life. Proper training and socialization bring out its balanced, devoted, and reliable personality.
Head
The head is proportionate to the body, solid and well-formed. The skull is moderately narrow and slightly rounded, with a distinct but not abrupt stop. The forehead is straight, covered with long hair forming the typical forelock. The beard and mustache enhance the breed’s distinctive and intelligent expression.
Muzzle
The muzzle is of medium length, straight, neither pointed nor overly short. The jaws are strong, with a complete set of teeth and a correct scissor or level bite. Lips are tight, dry, and well-pigmented. The nose is black, of medium size, with well-opened nostrils. The muzzle should blend smoothly with the head, giving a balanced, confident look.
Eyes
The eyes are oval, medium-sized, set straight and symmetrically. The expression is intelligent, alert, and slightly reserved. The iris is dark brown, the eyelids tight and edged in dark pigment. The whites of the eyes should not be visible when the dog is at rest. The eyes complete the breed’s harmonious and dignified expression.
Ears
The ears are pendant, of medium length, set level with or slightly below the eyes. They are narrow at the base with rounded tips, lying close to the head. Covered with long, silky hair, they blend smoothly into the head’s outline. When alert, the ears remain expressive but not lifted.
Neck
The neck is medium in length, strong, and slightly arched, harmoniously joining the head and body. It must be muscular enough to support the dense coat but not heavy. The abundant hair on the neck enhances the breed’s graceful outline.
Body
The body is elongated, compact, and muscular. The back is straight and level, the loin short and firm. The chest is deep, with well-sprung ribs, and the abdomen is slightly tucked up. The croup is broad and gently sloping. The structure conveys stability, endurance, and balance.
Tail
The tail is set high, medium in length, and carried boldly over the back or slightly to one side, richly furnished with long hair forming a plume. In motion, it assists with balance; at rest, it should not hang low. The tail completes the breed’s rectangular silhouette.
Forequarters
Forelegs are straight, parallel, and strong, with solid bone and good muscle tone. The shoulders are long, well laid back, allowing free movement. Elbows fit close to the body, pasterns short and slightly sloping. Feet are small, round, compact, with strong pads and arched toes.
Hindquarters
The hind legs are powerful and muscular, with correct angulation. Thighs are well developed, and hocks are strong and low-set. Metatarsi are short, straight, and vertical. The feet are compact and round. Hindquarters must give a firm push and balanced movement.
Movement
The gait is free, springy, and balanced. The front legs move straight forward, and the hind legs drive strongly from behind. The topline remains steady, and the tail is carried proudly. The movement reflects endurance, confidence, and smooth coordination.
Coat
The coat is long, dense, straight, and heavy, falling evenly on both sides. The texture is neither woolly nor silky. The undercoat is moderate, providing protection from cold and moisture. The abundant coat enhances the breed’s elegance and gives it a noble appearance.
Acceptable Colors
All coat colors are permitted. Common shades include gold, honey, sand, fawn, white, gray, smoke, and black, as well as brindled patterns and combinations. Black markings on the ears and muzzle and white patches on the chest, feet, or tail tip are allowed. The color should be clear, rich, and even.
Size
Males stand about 25–28 cm at the withers; females, 23–26 cm. Weight ranges from 5 to 8 kg, depending on sex and build. Males are generally stronger and more solid; females are more refined and elegant. The body is elongated yet compact, maintaining harmony and strength.
Faults
Faults include weak or coarse build, unbalanced proportions, overly short or long body, flat chest, soft pasterns, insufficient coat density, overly soft or wavy texture, light pigmentation, light or protruding eyes, incorrect bite, incomplete dentition, or poor tail carriage. Gait faults such as stiffness, short steps, or cow hocks also lower evaluation.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include aggression, excessive fearfulness, severe temperament disorders, overbite, underbite, jaw asymmetry, missing multiple teeth, blue or yellow eyes, total depigmentation of the nose or eyelids, short or curly coat, or lack of characteristic breed hair. Physical deformities, blindness, deafness, paralysis, or surgical alteration of appearance are disqualifying. Cryptorchidism, missing tail, or severe tail deformities also lead to disqualification.
Important Notes
Under the ICCF system, judges pay particular attention to the breed’s overall harmony, movement, and coat quality. Minor deviations are assessed according to severity and impact on health and breed type. Sexual dimorphism is considered: males are stronger, females more delicate. The breed’s natural wariness toward strangers is not a fault—it reflects its original guarding purpose. Artificial alterations such as trimming or dyeing are prohibited. The dog must be shown in its natural coat and condition.
Conclusion
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient decorative and guardian breed that preserves its historical features and distinctive expression. It combines elegance, intelligence, and independence with a loyal and affectionate temperament. The ICCF standard sets strict requirements for conformation, proportions, coat, and behavior. Only dogs that fully meet the standard and hold official ICCF documents confirming pedigree and type are permitted in shows and breeding. Evaluation considers not only exterior but also health, movement, and temperament. The Lhasa Apso remains a noble and timeless representative of Eastern heritage — a dignified, faithful, and intelligent companion.
