Dogs From The Roof of the World

Tibet - an old land... Geographically one of the most remote, inaccessible, demanding countries on earth. It was formed from the rough terrain that was once  India and is bordered on three sides by the Himalaya Mountains.

The climate is just as formidable with temperature ranging from well below zero in the winter time to well above the hundred degree mark in the summer months. With it's hot winds sandblasting through the canyons and scorching droughts Tibet might very well be one of the grimmest places on planet earth for a human to live.

Tibet is a devoutly Buddhist country with the Tibetan monks finding time between work, meditation and prayer to develop several breeds of dogs.  Tibet can be credited with the development of three breeds of dogs that have found their way into the studbooks of the modern AKC. Today the American Kennel Club recognizes the Tibetan Spaniel, the Tibetan Terrier and the Lhasa Apso.

The monks believe that these dogs are the reincarnates of souls passing through this world on their way to nirvana. Thus the dogs were bred not only for protection but for companionship as well. The monks considered it their duty to care for the dogs in hopes of the soul obtaining a higher birth in the next life. Lhasa's were never sold but given as gifts by the monks. To receive the gift of a Lhasa was thought to be a great honor.

Like so many of the ancient breeds the exact history is not recorded anywhere. Many modern writers believe the Lhasa came into existence 800 years ago; while other historians believe the hardy little dog with the long dense coat, keen sense of hearing and sharp waring bark has been in existence for more then 1300 years. Notwithstanding when exactly the Lhasa came to be, it's development took place over many years and  in the harsh environments of this mountain region of the world.

The wife of A.McLaren Morrison who many credit with bringing the Lhasa to England wrote in 1908 that " When first introduced into  this country it was called Bhutia and Bhutanese as it was also found in Bhutan and other hill countries bordering Tibet."

Regardless of when and exactly where this little soul train took up residence in Tibet, it's name (at least the last half of it) is deserved. "APSO" derived from the Tibetan word "abso" which means long haired or goat like is right on the mark when describing this little dog. Also called "Abso seng kyi" or "Bark lion sentinel dog"  in it's homeland where Lhasa's served as inside alarms while the larger Tibetan Mastiff stood guard outside the dwelling.

Thus, if we look at early images of the breed we see that it was undoubtedly developed more out of its circumstance then by design. Short, compact and well muscled it's double layer coat was heat - preserving in winter and insulated him against all manner of inclement weather. Standing a mere ten to eleven inches tall his short legs gave him the agility to travel over the mountainous terrain in which he lived. The "fall" of long hair over his face combined with long eyelashes shaded his eyes from harsh winds and bright, scorching sunshine.

The original dogs lived their lives with the monks of the Tibetan monastaries guarding the most inner sanctum from intruders. They became know as "Gompa" dogs. The "gompa" refers to the main meditation hall in the monastery. More, on Gompa dogs later.

Today, the debate as to the exact origin of the Lhasa Apso, and it's history continues. Many different schools of thought have developed about the breeds exact origin and it's relationship to the Shih Tzu.  For the owner of a Lhasa there is no debating his steadfast loyalty, distinctive personality and hardy nature.