The Lhasa Apso Breed Standard (and also Puppy Pictures)

"What is a "Standard?" 
 
"Knowledge of any purebred dog, ring champion or pet, begins with its standard, a written description of the ideal specimen of a breed. Standards describe perfect type, structure, gait, and temperament. Rarely does a dog measure up to every specification of its breed standard. Indeed, the standard is a conceptualization—much like the Platonic forms—that guides the imaginations of those seriously interested in the breeding, exhibition, and performance of purebred dogs."~ Bud Boccone. "Proud to be Purebred: Breed Standard, the Breeder’s Blueprint."

So, a breed Standard is a picture in words. Those of you who own books about the breed can find the current Lhasa Apso Standard (revised in 1978) in those books. A common complaint from new exhibitors and breeders (and judges) throughout the years since 1978 has been that the Standard did not go far enough in describing the whole dog. That led to the Breed Standard Committee of the American Lhasa Apso Club (ALAC), the breed’s Parent Club, writing the Annotated Guide to the Standard. From that came the Illustrated Guide to the Standard, which as its name implies, used words and photos to describe the ideal. From that came the Judges’ Education Seminar materials. All are available for viewing by selecting "Judges Corner" on the website of the American Lhasa Apso Club at www.lhasaapso.org.

Fast forward to 2016 when a motion was made in mid-December of that year to have the Breed Standard Committee work on revisions to the current Standard that used the educational materials from the various Guides to complete the "picture in words" and describe all aspects of the Lhasa Apso. Needless to say, now that the document is finished, having the blessing of AKC, and being up for vote of approval (or not) by members of ALAC, there is some controversy about whether or not the revisions should be approved. Persuasive letters are being written by those on both sides of the issue. Persuasive Facebook postings abound. And, of course, some people are mud slinging, calling names, and making unfounded accusations. Welcome to Facebook, right?

By the way, as a member of the Breed Standard Committee, I am (of course!) in favor of the changes. I believe the proposed Standard offers descriptions of the breed that will be a helpful guide to future breeders, as well as to judges who must compare the exhibits in their ring to the ideal represented in the Standard.

We will know the outcome of the balloting by the end of June. I’ll let you know what happens.

For those who may be interested here is a side-by-side comparison of the current Standard and the proposed Standard. (If you are not interested, just scroll until you get to the puppy pictures!

Note: If you click on the image, it will be enlarged and become easier to read.

 

If you are still with me on this issue, you might be interested in reading the first Standard, from which all others has come. As is pointed out in the ALAC Judges’ Education materials, "The earliest standard for the breed was written at the end of the 19th century and is found in the book Dogs of All Nations which was compiled by a Belgian dog fancier. Word for word, it is also the longest Standard for the breed and remained in effect for over 30 years. The British revised their Standard in 1934. Without alteration, this updated British standard was accepted as the AKC Standard for Lhasa Apsos in 1935. In 1978, the American Standard was revised...and again shortened...the most significant change being the removal of a preference list for color."

And Now To The Puppies!

The following pictures are of the Josh and Bekka puppies that were born at the end of March. They are now 7 weeks old. The weeks have sped by and I am sure all those who are buying them are eagerly awaiting the day when they can come to pick them up. Note that all 7 of these puppies have been reserved.

Trinket - 7 weeks

Millie - 7 weeks

Izzy - 7 weeks

Xena - 7 weeks

Gracie 7 - weeks

Gus - 7 weeks

Jampa - 7 weeks

Pictured below are the four-week-old puppies from the Breaker and Onyx litter. All but two females from this litter have been reserved. Since people have not yet selected the female puppies, I cannot tell you which two are still available. That is yet to be determined.

Cooper on the left, Eddie on the right, age 4 weeks

Iris, age 4 weeks

Lexi on the left, Pearl on the right, age 4 weeks

Pippi on the left, Rosie on the right, age 4 weeks

I am very proud of all the puppies. They are active, happy, and lovely.

Joyce