Lhasalier Basics
Among the many popular designer dog breeds, the Lhasalier stands out with its adorable appearance and lovely personality. As the name suggests, this breed was developed by crossing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Lhasa Apso. These small dogs are affectionate, cheerful, and friendly, but can also be fiercely protective of their families. While their petite stature doesn’t make them a guard dog, their alertness definitely makes them a great watchdog. However, the Lhasalier was originally bred for companionship and the role of a family pet is where this breed excels. These cuddly dogs are loyal and devoted to their owners and will try to be by your side at all times.
On the other hand, the Lhasalier is not a good choice for singles who work long hours, as this velcro pooch is prone to separation anxiety. They don’t do well when left alone and need to live in a home where someone is always around, which is why they’re a great choice for bigger families and seniors.
The Lhasalier is a great choice if you are looking for a companion- in the truest sense of this word.
Origin
The origin of all designer dogs is somewhat obscure. Of course, mixing of purebred dogs was around for as long as breeds exist, but it wasn’t intentionally done until the last few decades. Now, crossbreeding is done with the goal to create a new, separate breed with (hopefully) improved traits and health than its parents. Unsurprisingly, there’s very little known about the origin of Lhasalier, apart from the fact that this designer dog breed was probably created in the last 20 years in the United States.
The fact that the origin of the Lhasalier breed is an enigma doesn’t mean that the breed itself is. By analyzing the parental breeds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Lhasa Apso, we can learn a lot about the potential qualities of their offspring. And judging by the high status both of these companion dog breeds enjoyed ever since they were first created centuries ago, it seems that the Lhasalier will have plenty of desirable qualities of its own.
Pedigree
To obtain an official pedigree, a dog must be considered to be a purebred, which is documented by a detailed family tree. The Lhasalier, same as designer dog breeds, is not considered to be a purebred dog, as the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize them as actual breeds. Their mixed breed status prevents Lhasalier puppies from getting pedigree papers from official canine organizations, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find out more about their ancestry.
The purebred parents of this Lhasa Apso and Cavalier mix will have a pedigree of their own, documenting their lineage. A reputable breeder will have all the necessary papers for the puppy’s parents, so don’t hesitate to inquire more about your new pet’s family history. It can tell you a lot about what you can expect as your Lhasalier puppy grows up.
Food/Diet
Ever since they get weaned from nursing in their early puppyhood, dogs rely on us to provide them with a well-balanced diet that will meet their nutritive needs. And feeding your pooch the right meals throughout their lifetime can help stave off many health issues and make sure that your pet is happy and in top form well into their senior years. For the Lhasalier, a good choice is relying on a high-quality diet comprised mainly of dry food for small dogs. Pick out a kibble formulation that is compatible with your dog’s age, size, and activity level, and you’ll make sure that they are getting all the nutrients they need from their meals. Additionally, you could enrich their kibble-based diet with an occasional cooked meal or wet food, simply to break the routine a bit.
Of course, some pet parents prefer raw food diet for dogs or cooking for their pet, rather than buying commercial pet food. In either case, before you decide to put your Lhasalier on any unconventional diet, you must consult a veterinarian specialized in dog nutrition.
Pick out a kibble formulation that is compatible with your dog’s age, size, and activity level, and you’ll make sure that they are getting all the nutrients they need from their meals.
Training
The Lhasalier is one of the designer dog breeds that are easiest to train. A natural born people-pleaser that’s exceptionally intelligent to boot, this lively hybrid dog will quickly pick up commands and instructions. They love getting attention and praise from their owner and are usually very treat-motivated, which is the winning combination for positive reinforcement training.
As soon as you get your Lhasalier puppy, start with socialization and basic training. This will ensure that your sweet pooch grows up to be a well-behaved pet that gets along with everyone, and knows where to go potty- for starters.
Unless your designer breed puppy favors the Lhasa Apso parent more, there is a strong possibility that they’ll become too clingy and develop behavioral issues because of it. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for its proneness to separation anxiety, so it’s safe to assume there’s a possibility for its offspring to be affected by it, too. To prevent this, teach your puppy to feel safe when alone, encourage them to be independent, and make sure that they’re crate trained.
Weight
When it comes to designer dog breeds and their appearance, there are no set standards. In turn, this means that there can be a lot of surprises within a litter of puppies, but Lhasalier weight shouldn’t vary much. As a mix between two small dog breeds, Cavalier and Lhasa Apso, this hybrid will have a petite stature, as well. You can expect a fully grown Lhasalier to weigh between 13 and 16 pounds on average.
Temperament/Behavior
As the offspring of two dog breeds developed to be perfect companions, the Lhasalier is also ideally suited for this role. People-oriented, these dogs are very affectionate to everyone in the family and will love to be cuddled and snuggled as much as possible. Their sweet nature often manifests through an intense need to be around their people at all times and get involved in every family activity. If the puppy takes up after the independent Lhasa Apso, this will be just an endearing quality, but in case the Cavalier genes are more dominant, it can become a behavioral issue.
Owing to its parents, this hybrid will be a cheerful, extroverted pooch. They tend to be friendly with strangers and other pets if socialized properly. Having a Lhasalier will surely brighten your life- their big soulful eyes and wagging tail leave no one indifferent.
The Lhasalier will also be a great pet for children, as these cute dogs are playful and love spending time with the youngsters. Of course, to their small size, the children in the family should be older and taught not to pick the pooch up in play- as this could lead to injury.
Common Health Problems
It’s a common belief that mutts or mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier than purebred canines. Of course, this is more an assumption than a fact, but it has definitely been noted that designer dogs that were meticulously bred tend to have fewer hereditary issues than their purebred parents.
In general, a lot will depend on which of the parental breeds your Lhasalier puppy takes up after. If it’s the Lhasa Apso, allergies and skin conditions, as well as issues with eyes should be your primary concern. In case that your dog looks more like their Cavalier parent, there are a number of problems you should pay attention to. Syringomyelia, mitral valve disease, episodic failing, kneecap dislocation, and hip dysplasia are the most common hereditary conditions.
To make sure that your new pet is less likely to have any of these inherited diseases, make sure to get a puppy only from reputable sources. Backyard breeders, puppy mills, and pet stores are not only known for their inhumane treatment of dogs, but their poor practices often result in dogs with a host of genetic defects and health issues.
Life Expectancy
Having in mind that the Lhasalier is not only a fairly rare designer dog breed, but a rather recent one, as well, it’s safe to say that these mixed breed dogs haven’t been around long enough for us to determine their life expectancy. Of course, based on what we know about the parents of this hybrid, we can estimate that the Lhasalier’s lifespan is 12 to 16 years.
Exercise Requirements
The majority of small breed dogs are easy to exercise, which is one of the main reasons why apartment dwellers choose compact canines as their companions. The petite Lhasalier is no exception. These designer dogs are low-maintenance when it comes to their activity needs. Around 30 minutes of daily exercise will keep them healthy and fit.
Your new pooch will benefit from a daily walk around the block, and won’t need long hikes or exerting adventures to burn off energy. If you take your Lhasalier to the park or leave them playing in a fenced backyard, be careful: the Spaniel genes often make these designer dogs want to go off after a bird or a squirrel. Additionally, if it is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that your puppy favors more, they might have a brachycephalic snout. In this case, be careful not to let them over-exercise and get too tired during play.
These designer dogs are very low-maintenance when it comes to their activity needs.
Recognized Clubs
Due to the fact that designer dog breeds are still a relatively new phenomenon and that there are many inconsistencies in their development, official canine clubs such as the AKC still don’t recognize them as actual breeds. However, there are more than a few clubs that are focused on these hybrid breeds such as the Lhasalier, and offer them deserved recognition. These include the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry.
Coat
The Lhasa Apso flaunts long, flowing that requires a lot of grooming to stay tangle-free and gorgeous. The Cavalier King Charles also has a silky coat, although much less demanding and of medium length. Combine the two, and you get a litter of puppies that can either have impressive straight locks, soft waves, or anything in between.
Most Lhasaliers have medium to long hair that is very fine and velvety to touch. Some owners opt for letting their fur flow freely, and others, wary of the hassle of grooming, decide on keeping their coat nicely trimmed. Either way, you can expect to put in some work into your Lhasalier puppy’s appearance. Regular visits to the groomer, frequent brushing, and baths- all will be worth it, though, because your pet will look and feel great.
As for the colors of their coat, the Lhasalier can come in a variety of shades, from fawn and honey to white with brown or black markings.
Puppies
All puppies are insanely cute, but the big dark eyes and the silky fur give the Lhasalier an even more adorable look. Don’t let their charm make you forget all about training, though. In addition to basic socialization and potty training which are required for any dog, Lhasalier puppies should be crate trained or taught to behave when home alone. This is due to the fact that they can develop separation anxiety later in life, as they are very attached to their owners.
The Lhasalier is a great choice if you are looking for a companion- in the truest sense of this word. These petite pooches will follow you everywhere you go and want to participate in every activity of your household. Their joyful disposition and amiable personality make them a great choice for seniors, singles, and big families alike.
Photo credit: Mike Waters/Shutterstock; otsphoto/Shutterstock; Bianca Grueneberg/Shutterstock
