Lhasa Apso
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Lhasa Apso. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney disease (familial renal dysplasia) | moderate | Inherited kidney malformation appears in some lines; ask breeders about history. |
| Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) | moderate | Inadequate tear production requires lifelong drops; watch for dull, red eyes. |
| Patellar luxation | moderate | Kneecap slippage occurs at typical small-breed rates. |
| Cherry eye | moderate | Prolapsed tear gland appears in the breed; surgically correctable. |
| Hip dysplasia | low | Reported at low rates for the size; screening still recommended. |
Pet insurance for a Lhasa Apso
Insurers price a Lhasa Apso from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Lhasa Apso is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 12–18 lbs and a grooming score of 4/5, the Lhasa Apso sits well above the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso guarded Tibetan monasteries for over a thousand years, which explains its split personality: comical, affectionate, and playful with its own people, but genuinely wary of strangers — a sentinel, not a social butterfly. It is long-lived, low-shedding, and needs only moderate exercise, fitting apartments well. The long coat needs either regular professional clipping or serious home brushing. Training requires patience with an independent mind, and laps are offered on the dog's terms. Suits calm households wanting a devoted, long-lived companion.
Origin: Tibet
Temperament
Related reading for Lhasa Apso owners
Lhasa Apso FAQ
How long do Lhasa Apsos live?
The typical Lhasa Apso lifespan is 12–15 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Lhasa Apso?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Lhasa Apso carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Lhasa Apso a good apartment dog?
Yes. With an energy level of 3/5 and a small build, the Lhasa Apso adapts well to apartment living provided it gets daily walks.
What health problems are Lhasa Apsos prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Kidney disease (familial renal dysplasia), Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), Patellar luxation. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.