Hamilton Farms As It is Today

The Hamilton Dogs

Today, Hamilton Farms is home to the US Equestrian Team, but in  the late 1930's thru the late 1970's it was home to the original Lhasa Apso.

In it's time Hamilton Farms was one of the most prestigious and renowned estates in the world. It's 5,000 acres spanned 3 counties and was home to many successful livestock breeding programs. Multiple breeds of horses,cattle, sheep and swine as well as poultry and dogs called Hamilton Farms home.  Many champions were produced in all lines of their livestock and their driving and coach horses took many World Championships.

Although photographs are scarce of the original dogs there are a few in existence.

Hamilton Dogs circa 1940

One of the early Cutting's Dogs

There were nine foundation Lhasa Dogs at Hamilton Farms. Seven came directly from Tibet. Two female Lhasa's were living in China at the time of their import and have became fuel for the "Great Lhasa Debate" that some of the Hamilton dogs were Shih Tzu.

Many breeders have bandied this about over the years. But there is overwhelming evidence that  given the background of the Cuttings, and the familiarity  they had with the Tibetan dogs  they could distinguish  the difference between a Tibetan Lhasa and a Chinese Shih Tzu. Still the debate goes on, and unless you are truly interested in starting your own breeding program  it matters not for the pet Lhasa.

Hamilton Lhasa's are still bred today by dedicated breeders across the  United States and Canada.  These handful of breeders have chosen to maintain the original lines brought to this country over 60 years ago.

Please take a moment to enjoy the imagery of the Hamilton Dogs. Move your cursor over an image to display the name of the dog.