Purchasing a Lhasa Apso Puppy

Posted in Buying a puppy | By: Camille Goldin | 16 Jul 2010 1:06 pm    

The Lhasa Apso is a dog breed with a long and noble history. They were originally developed and bred in Tibet. In Tibet the only people that could own them were nobles and religious leaders.

The Lhasa Apso is a friendly and energetic breed. This makes it a good choice for a pet. What do you need to know when purchasing one of these cute dogs as a pet?

For starters, consider the commitment involved in owning a dog. A Lhaso Apso will typically live for 15 years. Will your lifestyle allow you to take on such a long term responsibility?

Another big factor in dog ownership is the cost. All dogs need separate food and water bowls, adequate housing, and veterinary care. Meeting these needs is not a choice to be ignored. In much of the world, the law considers neglecting an animal to be the same as abuse. A pet owner who doesn’t meet these requirements may be legally liable.

After deciding that dog ownership is right for you, where do you find a puppy?

You’ll want to avoid buying a puppy at a pet store. Puppies found at pet stores may have come from what are known as puppy mills. This is a term that’s applied to disreputable breeders who have many litters at one time. The dogs are kept in crowded, unclean conditions. The puppy’s parents often won’t receive the medical attention that they need.

Instead of a pet store, look at an individual breeder. A good individual breeder breeds dogs because he’s interested in dogs, not just money. You can look online or in the phone book for breeders in your area. Veterinarians can be another good source of information about breeders.

When selecting a breeder it’s important that you do a little research before seeing any puppies. Ask the breeder for the dog’s pedigree. This is the dog’s “family tree”. The thing that you want to check for is if there is any inbreeding. Inbreeding tends to pass genetic defects from one generation of dog to the next.

Hip dysplasia, eye problems and kidney problems are the most common genetic defects. Ask the breeder if the puppies have been checked for these diseases. Avoid any puppies that have not.

If the puppy’s pedigree isn’t available, ask for the parent’s pedigree. If the breeder refuses to email you or fax you the pedigree, it may be because of inbreeding.

After you’re satisfied about the puppy’s blood lines, ask to see the breeder’s facility. A good breeder will have a clean, well maintained operation.

Ask to see the puppy’s parents. Watch the parent and see how it reacts when around the breeder. A well adjusted dog will be friendly and outgoing around the breeder. A Lhasa Apso that’s fearful or anxious may be abused or diseased.

A responsible breeder will be as interested in checking you out as you are with them. They want their puppies to go to responsible, caring owners.

When you’re satisfied with the breeder, it’s just a matter of picking the puppy that appeals to you. With a little bit of patience and the right puppy training, you’ll have a great dog companion for years to come.

About the Author

Camille Goldin, a long time dog enthusiast, addresses speicifc points that you should consider before purchasing a new Lhasa Apso puppy. Visit TrainPetDog.com for learn all about puppy training.