In the New Year, never forget to thank your past years because they enabled you to reach today! Without the stairs of the past, you cannot arrive at the future. ~ Mehmet Murat IIdan
Hello! And Happy New Year! I am looking forward to a better, less stressful, and less costly year than 2025 was. I guess they all have their highs and lows and always will.
Thanks to all who sent Christmas/Holiday greetings by sending cards, emails, texts, and calls. Also thanks for the photos and stories that will make up the bulk of this blog.
We are looking forward to our first dog show of the year. Haven went to a training class last week and I am pleased to say that she has not forgotten how to behave in the show ring.
In December I invited readers to send stories and to complete a "what I love about Lhasas..." sentence. I got more than a sentence from many and that is okay! Many thanks for your contributions. I know that we are all great fans of our breed, and I hope that should someone who does not know the breed but is curious about it happens across this blog and reads your comments. We need more Lhasa Lovers in this world!
Kathy G sent this picture of Sophie on Sophie's 10th birthday.
Marilyn sent photos of Maci (11 years) and Hunter (8 years)
Jan, Rick, & Nick sent a card featuring Sophie & Zoey with Santa.
Stacey reported on their two Lhasas, Lola and Enzo: "Lola had her 6 mo. vet check up and bloodwork (all ok!) on Thursday. The vet is impressed by how well she’s doing given that she will be 15 in Feb.
Her eyesight and hearing aren’t great and she’s slowed down but she still plays with Enzo and enjoys her food and short walks. Enzo is silly, sensitive and affectionate."
Debi wrote about her Lacey: "Lacey is doing well! She is as cute as ever! There is not one day that goes by where she doesn't make us laugh. She loves to be right by our side and loves to be comfy. She loves to lay on anything soft and cushy! She still loves to play catch with her toys (her toys have to have a squeaky in it that she can squeak herself). "She still gets the zoomies where she runs back and forth purposely crashing into the sliding glass door. We still have a piece of cardboard in front of the glass so she doesn't hurt herself or the window, lol. She still takes her treats and amuses herself by throwing them up in the air a few times before eating them, just like she and the other puppies did the day we came to meet her. We can't believe she is four years old already!"
Stories
Lynn K sent a stories about Autumn: "Autumn is so very precious and I love having time to be with and love her every day… sometimes at the expense of my getting other important things done. But oh, well…. I have my priorities. Autumn sometimes sleeps in my bed now! She has the option. Each night you might find her in her crate, her bed or "big bed.“ She knows what she wants!! I tell her often that she is beautiful, that she is the sweetest girl in the world, and that she is such a good girl. She gets kisses from Lynnie on her head and I get Lovies from Autumn on my hand. I didn’t think I could be closer to a dog than I was to Abby and Bradley. (2020-2014). But Autumn is like my soul mate." Lynn also wrote: "Autumn continues to provide me with so much joy. ..sweetest girl in the world. I’ve come to marvel at how she communicates non-verbally! She knows where we keep treats. She’ll stand near the drawers and then stare at me til I’m looking her in the eye. Then she’ll move her eyes or her head and eyes directly focused on where the treats are. Such a smart little girl she is... on weekends she now leads me towards the house where her friend Olie lives ... If we don’t see him, she’ll pause at the intersection looking both ways from which he might come walking from or then back home with his dad.I am so grateful for Autumn."
Debi's Story about Lacey: "We had to get rid of our rolling kitchen chairs because Lacey would move them so she could get up on the table. Well, a few days ago, I forgot to push in my chair when I got up to get something quick. When I came back, she was on the table licking her chops because she ate my fried eggs, but only the yolks because she doesn't like the white part, lol. I attached a picture."
From Judy G: "The girls love the snow. I don't have to shovel the patio as they forge their own paths. We don't show until mid-January, but we practice our 'stay' daily. Winter isn't happy when I walk away from her. She is a character, and is becoming my heart dog...Winter turns 7 today. I can't believe it. It was only yesterday Greg and I were at your house picking her up. Now she is in Rally Excellent and this spring will pick up the final two Canine Good Citizen titles. When Winny got his last 2 Good Citizen titles we had to walk through a crowded area, so we got permission to walk through a wedding reception! The groom loved it, the bride not so much."
From Michelle about Sunny: "Our boy Sunny thinks he’s Super Sunny and can fly! On Christmas Day he decided to jump from my lap to the floor and luckily while he could have been badly hurt, a visit to the vet showed no broken bones and no soft tissue damage from the exam. Joyce said his Grandsire Connor liked to jump also, so I think he gets it from him! Here are pictures of Sunny and Connor letting their hair fly! He has most definitely changed my life for the better, giving me more confidence to do things I never would have before..."
Grandpa Connor:
From Nanda: The Pandas
Ty - 5 years old / Gigi – 3 years old:"Our family has always had dogs and fostered dogs. English Bulldogs, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Havaneses, Beagles, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Australian Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Pomeranians, Pointers and Mutts. They all brought us the
immediate joys that come with sharing our lives with companion animals.
We currently own a duo of Black and White Lhasa Apsos, whom we call The Pandas. Owning Lhasa Apsos has been a heightened experience. The love, the bond, the connection, the fun are intensified, enhanced, elevated. Everything seems more vivid, impactful and memorable.
The nickname [Panda] is purely based on their coat’s color characteristics. Unlike real panda bears, there’s absolutely nothing clumsy about Ty and Gigi. They are both elegant and regal. As if they have attended charm school. We cannot take credit as it is all in their DNA. We are far from Alpha owners, and we focus on basic and essential commands only. It’s their natural born demeanor. I wish you could see how Ty chews toys with class. He sits upright and holds his toys in a very sophisticated pose. They are both playful, funny, loving, protective, healthy, and strong dogs. They absolutely love to cuddle, and YES folks…they are lap dogs. That’s right, you heard it here first: two Lhasa Apsos who are lap dogs.
Their sibling’s dynamic as brother and sister involves deep bonding and partnership. They are an inseparable harmonious pair. Ty is a cool dude. There is no drama. His personality offers all of us a sense of security. When Gigi gets scared she seeks his comfort and protection. Gigi is a supervisor, rule enforcer. If we give Ty a command, she makes sure he’s following it. She is constantly poking the back of our legs with her wet nose to remind us of mealtimes or potty breaks. They are always happy, and their happiness brightens our days. So, I guess you can say that what we love about Lhasas is the learned experience that there’s nothing better once you’ve had THE BEST."
I got my first Lhasa by accident. I didn't even know she was a Lhasa. I am embarrassed to admit I was young, in a pet store, and saw the cutest puppy I've ever seen (even up to this day.) The boy there told me she was a Peke-a-poo. I did'nt care. I just wanted to snuggle that blond bit of fluff and take it home.
The next day I took her to my groomer, who was sort of an expert with dogs. She looked at her, picked her up, and said, "This is not a Peke-a-poo. It's a purebred Lhasa Apso. You're lucky. They're wonderful and full of personality." That turned out to be an understatement.
Muffin was as bright as any dog I've ever had, learning many words, and constantly challenging me with new ideas. I found out she loved babies (of all kinds - she brought a baby bird into the house.) So I took her to schools to introduce children to dogs, show them how to pet them and behave around them. She loved it. She greeted every child, did one of her many tricks and kissed each one before they walked away. Likewise, she raised every puppy I got after her, but she was the alpha dog and maintained order as our canine group grew to four. She was always firm but fair, and never once veered into aggression.She was smart and friendly, and became the perfect hostess whenever I had company or a party. She gaily interacted with everyone and welcomed them into her home.
Muffin was as bright as any dog I've ever had, learning many words, and constantly challenging me with new ideas. I found out she loved babies (of all kinds - she brought a baby bird into the house.) So I took her to schools to introduce children to dogs, show them how to pet them and behave around them. She loved it. She greeted every child, did one of her many tricks and kissed each one before they walked away. Likewise, she raised every puppy I got after her, but she was the alpha dog and maintained order as our canine group grew to four. She was always firm but fair, and never once veered into aggression.She was smart and friendly, and became the perfect hostess whenever I had company or a party. She gaily interacted with everyone and welcomed them into her home.
When she died I was devastated. This soul who had supported me was gone and I just could not cope. I went looking for another Lhasa. I found a breeder in Georgia and bought a tiny black puppy. Jasmine was different from Muffin, in that while she was
friendly, she was not such an extravert. She too was good with guests and family, but she was not into performing tricks or entertaining people. She was smart and quickly learned my habits and needs. She was always with me when I was at home, affectionately supporting me.
Once again, I was lost when my Lhasa died. I contacted breeders all over the eastern half of the country (because this wonderful breed is getting harder to find.) I found a Breeder of Merit in Illinois through the AKC and drove to get the puppy. Far removed from the way Muffin came into my life.
Cinder is more like Muffin. She's very smart and verbal, with a huge vocabulary. She's also funny and mischievous, making up games and tasks for me to figure out. Once she gets to know a guest, they become family to her and she even knows them by name. And she is a constant affectionate companion to me like Jasmine so I never lack for care...Lhasas have ideas and make up games. Muffin did it with activities and tricks. Jasmine did it with supervising Rose, her Scottie sister.
Cinder has already made many routines. You know about her love affair with Aflac, but she also comes to me right after she finishes eating and puts her paws on my thigh. That’s my signal to ask “Did you have a good dinner? Was it really a good dinner? Was it yummy. yummy, yummy?” With that I’m supposed to run my hand down her spine, squeezing on yummy. I have to do the whole thing several times and then she goes away – satisfied."
(Note from Joyce: Cinder is one of Breaker's daughters and a litter sister to Josh. She was the only black puppy in the litter. The others were gold. Cinder tried to be a show dog--see 2nd photo--but it was 'just not her thing'. Although, that photo was taken after she was awarded 'Winners Bitch'.' Her then owner asked me to take her and find a new home for her. Janice and Gigi drove all the way from Georgia to get her and the rest is history!)
From Mickey M: Biddy is 9 now, but is very spry. I recently mentioned to her groomer how old she was and she could not believe it. She is far more active at this age than the other Lhasa's we have owned. She will tear a cloth toy to bits so she gets tough toys. She will tear from window to window to follow the rabbits and squirrels around the house. She immediately checks the trees for squirrels when we go out. She has to be on a leash when we go out because our street is so busy now that development has headed our way. We put in an electric fence. HAHAHA....the jokes on them, Biddy will tear through that electric fence in a heart beat to chase a critter. The company thinks because Lhasa's have so much hair and hers is so thick she may not feel the full effect.When she gets near the fence it makes a buzzing noise she can hear to halt her on a walk, but if she is on a full run forget it.
(From Joyce again: The first part of that last sentence is so true. Lhasa owners all soon come to realize that, "Once is a habit." applies to Lhasas!!)
What Readers Love About Their Lhasas
Debi: "If I could name just one thing I love about a Lhasa Apso, it would their personality. How silly and playful they are even when they are older."
Michelle: "I love his [Sonny's] beautiful hair, his playful personality and his protective nature which he takes very seriously. We call the front window of the house his office and when it’s open he’s on guard duty!"
Judy G: "Pick a personality as Lhasa’s come in Heinz 57 assorted flavors. From the regal, stately Lhasa with the dignified walk and quiet demeanor to the wild child who steals your heart.
You will not need to buy a ringtone; your Lhasa will bark before anyone gets close to the front door.They are intelligent pups and will make their decisions. You must let them think it is their idea.
They picture themselves as equals. You will walk through life together. They follow you everywhere. You can silly dance with your dog and they love it. Sometimes they sense how you are feeling before you realize it. When they grow old and can no longer see and hear they still love to be cuddled in your arms. They know they are loved."
Lynn K wrote: "Having had four Lhasa’s over time, I can comfortably say I love their most cooperative demeanor with that bit of a stubborn streak to assert their rightful mindset! I think we call that “Lhasatude”, no? Yep, I love independent women!"
From Sally E: "Ginger is extremely intelligent and is basically in charge of most things. She has very very good hearing, and although that can cause her fear of big noises, she also is fabulous at letting me know if there is something around. Ginger has gorgeous brown eyes that melt my heart and loves to snuggle by me in my chair. She has a lot of independence, so knowing that she loves to snuggle with me makes me feel even happier. Ginger's intelligence is shown by her knowing the meaning of tons of words, she knows what we're going to do before we do it, and she knows what goes on at all times. She is an amazing dog.
Jaxon shares all of those things for sure. The difference I would say is that Jaxon likes to be snuggled against me all the time when we are home together. As I'm sitting here on the computer he is against me. He loves tummy rubs all the time and gives lots of kisses. And so the two of them bring me tons of love.
My 2 lhasas have great health and I am sure that is because I got them from a top breeder. Their personalities are perfect ~ everything about them is perfect. I tell them every day they are the most beautiful dogs and the smartest dogs in the world and that I love them more than anything. And so I could probably write forever and it would all be positive about my Lhasas."
From Stacey: "What we love about Lhasas… everything! They are complicated and quirky dogs with LOTS of personality!"
From Cherry: "I love my Lhasas because they want to please me so much. And they do crazy things to make me laugh."
From Heidi: "The loyal loving companionship."
From Catherine: "What I love about Lhasas is they love and adore their humans, very protective of their homes and humans, their faithful companionship, they are smart (sometimes sly and cunning tricksters) and in full coat they are gorgeous! we adore our 3 Joyslyn's Lhasas!"
From Pam: "What I love about Lhasas is their loyal companionship first and foremost. I also love the fact that they do not shed and don't have dander for someone like me with lots of allergies. My husband and I have 3 of Joyslyn's Lhasas and I am not bothered by any of them."
From Cyndy: "My favorite thing about a lhasa---loyalty. From the first day as a tiny puppy, Luther has been MY dog. He loves other family members and visitors, but he ADORES me! I'm the person of choice to sit with and hang out with. It's ME he welcomes home. It's ME he runs to and kisses."
From Gigi: So, what do I love about Lhasa Apsos? They are as bright and quick as any dog I've known (They would be wonderful on TV.) They are never boring, but use their minds to entice you and entertain you. They are also warm, loving companions with grand
personalities that fill up your life and your home and entertain you. Intelligent people who love dogs deserve Lhasa Apsos. (Not to mention they are the perfect companion for my Scottish terriers.)
From Courtney: What I love about Lhasas is that they are bold little problem solvers who are fearless in pursuit of what interests them (they know what they want) but they are also loving with their people and endearingly mischievous.
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"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us." ~ Hal Borland
Thanks for reading and special thanks to those who sent stories, photos, and notes to make this post special.
Joyce
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