Every dog lover dreams of owning a furry little friend at some point in their life. If you are looking for a Lhasa Apso, you have an artistic taste. The barking lion sentinel dog. That’s what the Tibetans called the Lhasa Apso breed. A Lhasa Apso is a thousand-year-old breed. These were the guard dogs for the ancient monasteries where the monks would isolate themselves. They are famous for their long and smooth coats, making them look all the more beautiful.
Purchasing a Lhasa Apso today can be a tricky task. With too many options of dog breeds available, hunting for the perfect dog can be hectic. Therefore, we simplify this process through this detailed guide with the most minute details and an in-depth explanation of various price factors to help you find the ideal Lhasa Apso dog you’re looking for.
How Much Does The Lhasa Apso Cost in India?
Many factors affect the prices of Lhasa Apso in India. These small but intelligent dogs attract significant demand due to their sleek symbolism. On average, the cost of a Lhasa Apso in India ranges from INR 16,800 to 34,925, with a median price of INR 28,600.
Factors that Influence the Buying Price of Lhasa Apso in India
Lhasa Apso Age: Buying A Puppy vs. An Old Dog
The question is subjective. An old dog may know many things you may have to start with a young pup from scratch. On the other hand, you can train a young puppy in your unique way. At the same time, the old dogs may have better experiences with the home dynamics.
Speaking about the price, puppies are always in more demand has costlier than older dogs. Older ones are high priced for a show puppy if they have experience being a part of shows.
Adopting a Lhasa Apso vs. Buying
Adopting is an excellent way of bringing home a pup. However, you will need an in-depth knowledge of the bloodline to know about the adopted dog.
Breeders give you accurate information about the dog and how to treat them; adoption centers may not always have such information. Finding a Lhasa puppy for adoption might also be pretty tricky, and buying will be comparatively costlier.
Breeder Factor
Buying a Lhasa Apso from Puppy Mills
(Please don’t go with this option)
Puppy mills are degrading places where dog breeding takes place with utmost cruelty. The prices here are extremely low. These places focus merely on producing more dogs through unethical practices leading to the poor genetic health of the dog. One should always refrain from purchasing from puppy mills.
Buying a Lhasa Apso from Pet Shops
A pet shop may be an enticing place to shop for your pet, but that might not be the best option. Pet shops are here to make the best buck out of every sale. Hence, the quality of dogs and their sources cannot be trusted. A pet shop can indulge in unethical breeders. Thus, if you visit a pet shop, ensure you find all the certifications and meet the dog’s parents.
Buying a Lhasa Apso from Middleman or Brokers
A dog broker is essentially a wholesaler, retailer, and supplier for anyone with any demand whatsoever. Some dog brokers look for profitable deals with shady operations like pet shops. However, if researched well, you will find genuine brokers who mean the puppy’s well-being and brief the buyer on all honest details. Brokers funnel a large share of the pet market demand and supply, charging 10% to 20%, so they have higher prices.
Buying a Lhasa Apso from Reputable breeders
Reputable breeders are the best options to get a Lhasa Apso from. Their higher prices authenticate their legitimacy and assure good quality. The money saved by purchasing from an unrequited breeder goes into treating numerous issues in the long run. Reputed breeders inspect the buyer’s quality as much as they test the breeder. They have proper breeding techniques that refrain from unhealthy breeding. Purchase from a reputable breeder will guide you through understanding your future pet with the most minute information.
Questions to Ask a Breeder
Here are a few common questions one can ask the breeder.
- Are they registered with KCI?
- What is the bloodline history?
- Where and how are the dog’s parents?
- How often should the vet visits be?
- How long have you been a breeder?
- What are the health conditions of the dog?
- What do you know about this breed?
- What are the overall characteristics of the dog?
- Are the dogs vaccinated?
- Is the puppy groomed?
Gender
Some evident physical attributes include larger size and appetite in male dogs, with males being more aggressive and independent. Females love everyone in the family, whereas a male will enjoy just one unique company. Concerning the price, females fetch a high price due to breeding characteristics.
Size
The average size of a Lhasa Apso is approximately 10 to 11 inches. The males meet this average size, while the females are much smaller than the males. These furry little dogs weigh nearly 5 to 7 kilograms. These numbers do not significantly impact the breed’s price as the size does not differ substantially in this breed.
Mix Breed or Purebred
A mixed breed dog may not show clear differences compared to the pure breed dog but can have many issues regarding its health. One can never predict the circumstances of mixed breeding. Preferably, purebred will be the way to go, especially if you are looking for a show puppy. Consequently, purebreds are priced higher.
Bloodline
Bloodline links to the ancestry of a dog. Tracking this information is very important for a buyer; that takes a good amount of research. A strong bloodline asks for a higher price for the dog, as it brings healthy characteristics and a long lifetime.
Coat Colours and Markings
Lhasa Apso is gorgeous. These are sleek and beautiful with various colors like sable, brown, apricot, honey, red, white, golden, and sandy. These colors create a unique mix of grizzle shades with a flaunting coat.
The price of the Lhasa Apso dog varies broadly, considering the shade and type of coats they have. The regular black or tan-colored dogs may be cheaper than the rare blue, charcoal, silver, and grey.
Location
Lhasa Apso is a rare breed. At Least the purebred. Those who know the breed, its history, and its significance create the maximum demand. Most of these buyers are from prime urban locations with higher prices than underdeveloped locations.
Certification and Warranties
Lhasa Apso is an exotic breed with a top-tier demand. So when a seller produces the documents that authenticate the breeding and history of a dog, it’s pricey. And it’s always the advisable option to consider.
One of the essential certificates is authorization from the Kennel Club Of India (KCI). A few more to check specifically for Lhasa Apso are the certifications for show breeding.
Yearly Keeping or Maintenance Cost of owning a Lhasa Apso in India
Dog Food Factor
Dogs need to be fed with utmost care and decency. Certain items are not suitable for dogs and can cause significant health issues.
An average of 450 calories daily is required for a Lhasa puppy, an average-sized adult dog. The feeding schedule should be altered if needed.
Overall, food habits are also subjective for breeds. There are a few key points to remember while dealing with the diet of Lhasa Apso.
Home Food vs. Purchased food
Homemade or purchased food? This is a big confusion for the majority of dog owners out there. To answer this, we must consider many factors that affect your dog’s diet.
The research discovered that 87% of dog owners feed their dogs homemade food instead of purchasing food, and 95% of 200 standard homemade recipes lack the required nutritive proportion for dogs.
The bottom line is that purchased food is much better for a dog because it consumes less effort and provides the best nutrition for your dog.
Feeding a Lhasa Apso puppy’s average monthly cost is around INR 7,300. So ensure you choose a high-quality brand to get your dog food while keeping in mind the diet that suits your dog the best.
Portion Size and Daily Frequency
The daily diet quantity depends on your dog’s health and age. For a start, details on what, how, and when to feed your dog must be taken by the breeder. A reputed breeder who knows the dog will suggest the most accurate diet plan.
If you have a Lhasa puppy, feeding it around four times a day will be necessary. These little champs tend to eat more out with a higher appetite. On the other hand, a mature dog can be fed twice a day with appropriate amounts and do just fine.
Vet Factor
The vet is one of the most critical factors in a dog’s and a dog parent’s life. Unfortunately, many dog owners are careless about the vet situation as they grow out of the excitement of owning a dog that demeans a dog’s well-being.
Lhasa Apso needs considerable care and monitoring with regular treatments, vet visits, and medical assistance parallel to their age and health. Let’s understand these aspects in detail.
Vaccination Cost
Be it humans or dogs, we all need vaccination at some point. For example, vaccination is vital among dogs to safeguard them from fatal illnesses. For a Lhasa Apso, vaccination will cost approximately INR 2,000 to 5000.
Various stages of vaccination for dogs ensure precautions against illness and allergies. Here is a representation of some of the few vaccinations with approximate age levels.
| Age | Recommended Vaccinations | Optional Vaccinations |
|---|---|---|
| 6 - 8 weeks | Distemper, measles, parainfluenza | Bordetella |
| 10 - 12 weeks | DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus) | Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease |
| 12 - 24 weeks | Rabies | none |
| 14 - 16 weeks | DHPP | Coronavirus, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis |
| 12 - 16 months | Rabies, DHPP | Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease |
| Every 1 - 2 years | DHPP | Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease |
| Every 1 - 3 years | Rabies (as required by law) | none |
Neutering or Spaying Surgery Cost
Neutering is essentially removing the reproductive organs of a dog. Therefore, neutering and spraying are reasonably necessary among animals as it helps achieve holistic health benefits.
This surgery process costs anywhere between INR 8,000 to 15,000, depending on the organization where you are getting it done.
Neutering eliminates the chances of unwanted pregnancies, composure achieved in dogs with no aggressive behavior, avoids testicular cancer, unwanted urination, also called spraying, etc.
Deworming Cost
No one likes uninvited insects camping on their skin. We, as humans, can flick them off. But dogs, especially furry ones with heavy layers of hair on them, become great attractions for unwanted parasites.
The process of deworming costs around INR 500.
Preventive Medications Cost
Dogs are just like young children. Their care is the most considerable responsibility of their owners. Preventive and contingent measures must always be handy for such situations, especially if you own an energetic pup like a Lhasa Apso.
Antibiotic ointments, gauze, scissors, tape, and gloves are a few of the list first aid that will cost anywhere between INR 2000 to 10,000. These numbers depend on the usage.
Some dogs have allergies or tend to catch diseases that require specific medication. Lhasa Apsos are possibly vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections. If so, these medications can go up to an annual cost of INR 20,000, subjective to the condition.
Housing and Confinement Cost
We have our bedrooms, and dogs need theirs. Many dog owners let their dogs loose in their homes. However, that is achieved only after the dog is well trained or acquainted with the dynamics of the house.
Young Lhasa Apso puppies may have to be confined in crates for the dog’s and others’ safety. Depending on the size and quality, these crates cost a range of INR 2,000 to INR 10,000. Crates are available in metal alloys and also plastic. Adult dog beds are available too.
Accessories Cost
Irrespective of the breed, owning a dog will require some gear. Dogs need to be understood and trained for a suitable existence among humans, and accessories help us physically control them with better efficiency.
Collar and leash
A leash is the most common accessory. A Lhasa Apso is full of thick and furry textures, so it needs a comfy and soft-lined leash. Many collars and leashes are available of varied sizes, mechanics, and materials. Depending on the material and advancement of the leash, a good quality product will cost within a range of INR 500 to INR 1500 for one purchase.
Training Harness
Almost every dog goes through training. The owners and trainers need better control over the dogs in this process. For a breed like Lhasa Apso, harnesses and training gears are available at a cost anywhere between INR 200 to 2,000 for one purchase.
Toys Cost
There are various reasons why your dog needs a toy, more than everyone commonly knows. A chew toy sharpens a pup’s intelligence with the brainy stimulus experienced by the dog. A toy will also be a tool to keep your dog entertained and engaged when you aren’t around due to various commitments.
Toys are available in diverse designs, sizes, materials, and uses. Dogs choose their favorite toys themselves so try to understand their preferences. Dog toys are readily available in a range of INR 200 to 1500.
Grooming Cost
Lhasa Apsos are advised to be taken to grooming within 3 to 6 months to maintain basic hygiene. However, this duration varies depending on the growth of the pup.
Grooming is one of the most vital tasks for a thick-coated puppy like Lhasa Apso. Grooming involves every hygiene-related activity like a haircut, bathing (including shampooing and conditioning), trimming, nail-cut, drying, cleaning, etc.
Grooming centers offer all these services. One can choose a combination with costs ranging from INR 1,000 to 3,000 for a visit depending on the services selected.
Walker Cost
Everyone needs a stretch of legs, and dogs are meant to be playful and exploring. Dog walking is an important activity that holds multiple benefits. A good walk enhances a dog’s physical health with stronger muscles, improved blood flow, and a healthy heart.
A dog walker in India typically costs anywhere between INR 2000 to 5000 a month. These prices depend on the exclusivity of the walker.
Training and Socialising Class Cost
Training a dog is a way of teaching them the rules of coexisting with peer dogs and humans. Lhasa Apso may have aggressive and alpha personalities that require proper training.
Such training sessions include understanding actions and commands, doing this themselves like toilet training and social interaction.
Training and socializing classes cost around INR 10,000 to 15,000 for a training tenure. Professional trainers charge depending on the lessons and commands that you prefer your dog to learn.
Treat Cost
A one-time purchase of treats that keep recurring costs approximately INR 100 to 500 for different types and brands.
The difference that dog treats make from regular dog foods is the content of fats, carbohydrates, oil, and more flavors. The concept is similar to a human snack.
Irrespective of how cute your dog is, daily calorie intake should be treated with constraints. Otherwise, you’ll end up hindering their digestive and appetite systems.
Insurance Cost
Pet insurance will safeguard you from bearing excess dog health-related costs, just like human health insurance. These costs include vet visits, grooming, etc. Insurance can cost anywhere between INR 10,000 to 15,000.
Travel Cost
Traveling with pets will bear a high cost. In India, traveling domestically costs up to INR 20,000, whereas an international trip costs anywhere between INR 2,00,000 to 3,00,000.
Daycare Cost
Daycares provide safe shelter for dogs in such instances that cost a range of INR 500 to 2000. These numbers can vary for specific hours and inclusiveness of services like food and medication.
Registration Cost
Dog registration runs through the Kennel Club Of India (KCI). With all the necessary documentation, the total should cost under INR 1,000.
Miscellaneous
These are costs that incur in and out, like cleaning cloths, shedding coat collectors for Lhasa, spray bottles, etc. These cost nearly INR 2000 a month.
Hidden and Related Costs of Lhasa Apso Puppy Ownership in India
Apart from understanding the cost factors, there is more to comprehend on the requisites before owning a Lhasa Apso. These little dogs are intelligent and can be mischievous. These factors are required in training as they can get frustrated quickly. Apart from training, dog owners also need to spend quality time with their dogs as they develop a unique affection for their humans. If you don’t have enough time to spend with your pet, it’s better not to get one. They also tend to demand their space. So, patience and attention are the two things you need in abundance if you own a Lhasa Apso dog.
Important Things to Consider Before Buying A Lhasa Apso in India
Every dog has unique characteristics, and so does Lhasa Apso. So if you are preparing to get one of these for yourself, you must read this section thoroughly. These are a few must-know points before bringing your Lhasa Apso home.
- These dogs are very playful. So if they seem calm for a while, they might not stay that way. Get an Apso only if you are willing to sign up for their playful nature.
- Sharing may be caring, but not for them. They do not believe in sharing things like their food and toys. Prepare for possessiveness.
- These dogs have a history of guarding. Lhasa Apso dogs guard when encountering strangers and are suspicious of people who follow a high-pitched barking.
- Make sure you give attention because they keep asking for it. Lhasa Apso dogs love seeking attention.
- Do not even think of getting a cat around a Lhasa Apso. This breed doesn’t go well with cats. So if you already own a cat, Lhasa may not be the best breed you should be opting for.
- They like affection. Lhasa Apso licks a lot. Be prepared to have your face covered with affectionate licks from your pet.
- It’s better to start early training for Lhasa to have them socialize with peer pups and humans. If you are not up for going through the training, it will be best advised not to get one.
Benefits Of Bringing A Lhasa Apso Puppy At Home
Let us understand why Lhasa Apso makes one of the best pets.
- Lhasa dogs have overflowing confidence. They make exceptional guard dogs with loud barks and a stubborn-against-invasion attitude.
- They make the best companions. Once they know and trust you, Lhasas are affectionate, protective, and loyal.
- Their size does not take more effort if they get overweight due to extra treats.
- They are very intelligent and quick learners.
- Last but not least, they are very protective of their family, that is you.
FAQs
What are the characteristics of Lhasa Apso?
The Lhasa breed alert, affectionate, sensitive, loyal, intelligent, and suspicious, which make them loving and protective.
What’s the difference between a show and a pet dog?
Show puppies are better trained for the performance activities, so their pedigree is from well-trained dogs.
Is it easy to find a good breeder?
You may need to do detailed research for Lhasa as many malicious breeders are available.
Do Lhasa Apso dogs drool?
They have a moderate drooling tendency.
Are children safe around Lhasa dogs?
It depends on the dog and its nature. If the dog is new to the dynamic, adult supervision is recommended.
Will the coat’s color change?
It may not happen to all of them, but it’s possible at a relatively transitional age.
Do Lhasa dogs bark a lot?
They are calm dogs, but they bark when suspicious to caution.
Summing it Up
Lhasa Apso is a popular and very desirable breed to own. With this information, you’ll have all the necessary details concerning every factor you need to know before buying this loyal and lovely dog.