Grooming the Lhasa Apso

Coat

The Lhasa Apso has a long, heavy double coat: a hard, somewhat coarse outer coat with softer undercoat beneath. The coat covers the entire body including the face, falling forward over the eyes and draping the sides. It is longer and heavier than the silky single coats of the Maltese or Havanese — the Lhasa coat has more substance and a harder texture that, when properly maintained, is somewhat self-protecting against dirt. All colors are permissible. Pet dogs are often maintained in a “puppy clip” or shorter trim for practicality; show dogs wear the full floor-length coat. Either presentation requires regular grooming — the full coat daily, the shorter clip every 4–6 weeks of scissoring plus weekly brushing.

Character

The Lhasa Apso is regal, alert, and surprisingly assertive for its size. Bred for centuries in Tibetan monasteries as a sentinel — the “bark lion sentinel dog” — the Lhasa is confident, loyal to its family, and naturally suspicious of strangers. It is not a submissive lap dog; the Lhasa has a strong personality and can be stubborn. They are intelligent and trainable but require consistent, respectful handling. They get along well with older children and other pets when properly socialized. A wonderful companion for someone who appreciates an independent, dignified small dog.

Recommended Cindra Products

• Moisturizing Shampoo — ideal for the heavy double coat; maintains coat hydration and manageability without softening the characteristic harder outer coat texture
• Moisture Plus Conditioner — after every bath; reduces tangling through the long coat and keeps the undercoat manageable
• Reconstructor — for coats with breakage, dryness, or mat damage; heavy repair-grade conditioner used as a monthly deep treatment
• Maxi Care — daily leave-in for between-bath maintenance; mist lightly before brushing to ease the comb through without breakage
• Super Coat — diluted 70/30 or 90/10; reduces static and flyaways; use as a light finishing mist after brushing

Problems & Solutions

Hands-On Grooming Guide

Brushing (Full Coat)

Brush daily, working in sections using a pin brush from the skin outward. Mist each section lightly with Maxi Care before brushing — never brush the Lhasa coat completely dry. Follow with a steel comb through the entire coat to confirm no tangles remain at the skin. Lay the dog on its side for body work; work from the belly up. Pay extra attention to the armpits, groin, behind the ears, and the neck where the collar sits — these areas mat fastest.

Bathing

Bathe every two to four weeks depending on coat length and lifestyle. Brush and de-mat fully before the bath — water sets mats and makes them nearly impossible to remove. Use Moisturizing Shampoo and follow with Moisture Plus Conditioner on every bath. Rinse completely. Dry thoroughly with a dryer — air drying leaves the undercoat damp and encourages matting. Brush through while drying.

The Headfall

The coat that falls forward over the eyes is a defining feature of the breed. For show dogs, it is left natural and often banded or tied back. For pet dogs, trimming the headfall to keep it clear of the eyes is practical and kind. Tear staining under the fall should be cleaned daily.

Shedding

The Lhasa Apso sheds more than its appearance suggests. Loose hair does not fall freely — it is caught in the long outer coat, which is why daily brushing is necessary. Without brushing, trapped shed hair creates mats. The breed does not have a dramatic seasonal coat blow, but regular removal of shed hair through brushing and bathing is essential to keep the coat healthy and tangle-free.

Puppy vs. Adult Coat

Quick Grooming Schedule

Resources

• American Lhasa Apso Club
• AKC Lhasa Apso Breed Information