How Long Do Lhasa Apsos Live? Understanding Their Lifespan

While brushing Poppy this morning, I noticed more grey hairs sprinkled through her muzzle than ever before. It’s that bittersweet reminder that our Lhasas won’t be with us forever, which got me thinking about the question I’ve pondered since bringing home that stubborn ball of fluff ten years ago: just how long do these remarkable little dogs typically stay with us?

If you’ve ever gazed into those knowing eyes beneath that signature fringe and wondered the same thing, you’re in the right place.

The Real Scoop on Lhasa Apso Lifespan

Lhasa Apsos typically live between 12 and 15 years, which puts them firmly in the “longer-lived” category of dog breeds. Many healthy Lhasas stretch well beyond that, reaching 16 or even 17 years.

That’s pretty impressive when you think about it. A decade and a half is a substantial commitment – they’ll be with you through house moves, relationship changes, and countless life milestones.

Poppy just celebrated her ninth birthday but shows few signs of slowing down. She still patrols the garden with the same determination she did as a youngster, though perhaps with slightly more dignified pauses along the way.

Why Lhasas Stick Around Longer Than Many Breeds

Having owned several different dog breeds over the years, I’ve noticed certain factors that seem to give Lhasas their staying power:

They’re Perfectly Sized for Longevity

It’s one of those odd quirks of canine biology – smaller dogs generally outlive larger ones. At about 6-7 kg, Lhasas hit the sweet spot for canine longevity.

Those smaller bodies mean less strain on the heart, slower aging at the cellular level, and later onset of age-related diseases compared to larger breeds. To think that when a Saint Bernard (for example) is considered geriatric at 7, Poppy was only just hitting her prime.

Their Ancient Heritage Built Resilience

Lhasas aren’t a modern creation. Their lineage stretches back thousands of years in Tibet, where they served as sentinel dogs for Buddhist monasteries in one of the world’s harshest environments.

This history matters. Dogs that survived those conditions passed on genes for hardiness, disease resistance, and longevity. Modern Lhasas still benefit from that tough genetic foundation.

When I took Poppy hiking last autumn, I was bundled in layers while she trotted along comfortably in nothing but her natural coat. Having said that, we do have a coat for her when the colder weather hits. That resilience runs deep.

They’re Built for the Long Haul

From their dense double coats to their sturdy bones, everything about Lhasas speaks to durability. Their physical traits haven’t been exaggerated to meet show standards at the expense of health, unlike some breeds.

Poppy’s vet often comments on her solid build and overall soundness. “These dogs were built to last,” she says, and I’m inclined to agree.

Health Challenges That Can Shorten a Lhasa’s Life

Not all Lhasas reach their full lifespan potential. Several health issues can affect how long these little lions stick around:

Eye Problems

If you’ve had a Lhasa for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with their eye issues. Common conditions include:

• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Cherry eye
• Dry eye syndrome

If you do see early signs of dry eye, contact your vet. With daily drops, you can keep it from progressing.

Regular eye checks are crucial, as early intervention can prevent these conditions from affecting both lifespan and quality of life. Keep up with your vet check ups.

Kidney Issues

As Lhasas age, kidney disease becomes increasingly common. It’s not unique to the breed, but many Lhasas develop some degree of kidney dysfunction in their later years.

Warning signs to watch for include:

• Drinking noticeably more water
• Urinating more frequently or having accidents
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual lethargy
• Weight loss despite normal eating

You can opt for yearly tests to check her kidney values, which helps catch any changes early when they’re most treatable.

Dental Disease: The Silent Life-Shortener

This is the sneaky one that catches many Lhasa owners off guard. Those adorable little mouths with their slightly undershot jaws are particularly prone to dental problems.

The consequences go far beyond bad breath. Dental disease creates chronic inflammation that can damage vital organs like the heart and kidneys, potentially shortening lifespan by years.

Book in for a professional cleaning and this will target the tartar buildup. Tooth brushing should become part of the nightly routine, and their dental health will improved dramatically.

Practical Ways to Add Years to Your Lhasa’s Life

Want to maximize your time with your furry companion? Here’s what actually works:

Keep Their Weight in Check

I’ve yet to meet a Lhasa that doesn’t perfect the “I’m starving” look, despite having just eaten. But maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors in extending your dog’s life.

You should be able to feel your Lhasa’s ribs without having to press hard, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above. If your dog is starting to resemble a walking mop with no discernible shape, it’s time to adjust their portions.

Poppy gets weighed at every vet visit, and I adjust her food accordingly. When she fixes me with that heart-melting stare at dinnertime, I remind myself that saying “no” to extra treats is actually an act of love. Also, try to avoid the tempting human foods.

Make Dental Care Part of Your Routine

I mentioned dental health earlier, but it bears repeating. Daily tooth brushing makes a huge difference in extending Lhasa lifespan.

Start with dog-specific toothpaste (never use human toothpaste) and a soft brush. Even a minute a day provides benefits. Professional cleanings every year or two will handle what brushing misses.

Commit to Regular Vet Check-ups

Lhasas are masters at hiding discomfort. Their stoic nature means problems can progress significantly before showing obvious symptoms.

For adult Lhasas, annual check-ups are essential. Once they hit 10 years old, twice-yearly visits become important. These regular evaluations catch issues when they’re most treatable.

Keep Their Bodies and Minds Active

Despite their reputation as lap dogs, Lhasas need regular exercise to maintain muscle tone and healthy joints. They’re not marathon runners, but daily walks keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

Puzzle toys, training sessions, and new experiences also keep their minds sharp. Poppy still learns new tricks despite being well into her senior years – most recently mastering “spin” in both directions.

Feed Them Well

Quality nutrition makes a difference in how long your Lhasa lives. Look for foods where meat is the primary ingredient, and be wary of products with lots of fillers or artificial preservatives.

Some Lhasa owners swear by home-cooked diets, while others find high-quality commercial foods more convenient. Whichever route you choose, make sure it’s complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage.

The Twilight Years: What to Expect From an Aging Lhasa

Around 8-10 years, you’ll start noticing changes in your Lhasa:

Physical Signs

• Grey hairs, particularly around the muzzle
• Slightly decreased stamina on walks
• More deliberate movements when getting up
• Longer, deeper sleep periods
• Less interest in rough play

Poppy now takes a moment before jumping onto furniture, rather than launching herself with abandoned. She also sleeps more deeply – sometimes so soundly that I check to make sure she’s still breathing.

Behavioral Changes

Many Lhasas become more set in their ways as they age. They might:

• Become more attached to routines
• Be less tolerant of household changes
• Sleep more soundly
• Have stronger preferences about activities

As long as changes happen gradually, they’re usually just normal aging. Sudden shifts, however, might signal health problems.

Making Life Comfortable for Senior Lhasas

If your Lhasa is 12+ years old, these adjustments can help maintain their quality of life:

• Non-slip flooring or carpet runners on slippery surfaces
• Steps up to favourite furniture
• Raised food and water bowls to reduce neck strain
• Extra padding in resting areas
• Gentler but still regular exercise

These small changes help compensate for aging joints and muscles while allowing your Lhasa to maintain independence.

Quality Matters More Than Quantity

While we all want our Lhasas to break longevity records, what really matters is their quality of life. The goal isn’t just more years – it’s more good years.

As Poppy ages, I regularly assess her quality of life: Can she still enjoy her favourite activities? Is she comfortable? Does she still have that spark in her eyes? These questions matter more than the number of candles on her birthday treats.

The Bottom Line on Lhasa Lifespans

So, how long do Lhasa Apsos live? Typically 12-15 years, though many exceed that with good care and good genes. More importantly, they live with character, dignity, and a touch of stubborn determination that makes every one of those years memorable.

These ancient dogs from the Himalayas bring something special to our lives – a connection to thousands of years of history paired with devotion that feels intensely personal. Their relatively long lifespans mean they’ll be with you through thick and thin.

Poppy has changed my life in countless ways, from daily routines to major life decisions. The grey on her muzzle reminds me to appreciate every walk, every cuddle, and yes, even every bout of characteristic Lhasa stubbornness!

How has your Lhasa changed as they’ve aged? What tips do you have for keeping them healthy into their senior years? Share your experiences in the comments – we can all learn from each other’s Lhasa journeys.