The Kennel Club (UK) Standard
A Breed Standard is the guideline describing the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed, ensuring it remains fit for function.
Health & Soundness First
Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges must avoid exaggerations detrimental to the health, welfare, or soundness of the breed. If a feature is desirable, it must only be present in the right measure.
At a Glance#
- General Appearance: Well balanced, sturdy, heavily coated, without excess.
- Characteristics: Gay and assertive.
- Temperament: Alert and steady, but somewhat aloof with strangers.
- Size: Ideal height for dogs is 25cm (10 ins) at the shoulders; bitches are slightly smaller.
Head & Skull#
The Lhasa Apso is defined by its distinct “head furnishings.”
- Furnishings: Heavy fall over the eyes (must not affect the dog’s ability to see), with good whiskers and a beard.
- Skull: Moderately narrow, falling away behind the eyes; neither flat nor “apple-headed” (domed).
- Muzzle: Approximately 4cm (1.5 ins) long, but not square. The length from the nose-tip is roughly one-third of the total length from the nose to the back of the skull.
- Stop: Medium.
- Nose: Black.
- Eyes: Dark, medium size, and oval. Frontally placed—neither full nor sunken. No white showing at the base or top.
- Ears: Pendant and heavily feathered.
- Mouth: Reverse scissor bite (upper incisors close just inside the lower). Incisors should be in a broad, straight line. Full dentition is desirable.
Body & Quarters#
- Neck: Strong and well arched.
- Body: Length (shoulder to buttocks) is greater than the height at withers. Features a level topline, balanced ribs extending well back, and a strong loin.
- Forequarters: Shoulders well laid back; forelegs straight and heavily furnished.
- Hindquarters: Well developed with good muscle and angulation. Hocks must be parallel and not too close when viewed from behind.
- Feet: Round and “cat-like” with firm pads. Well feathered.
Coat, Colour & Movement#
- Coat Type: Top coat is long, heavy, straight, and hard. It should be neither woolly nor silky. Moderate undercoat.
- Movement: Free and jaunty gait. The coat must never impede action.
- Tail: High-set, carried well over the back (not like a “pot-hook”). Often has a kink at the end. Heavily feathered.
- Colours: Golden, sandy, honey, dark grizzle, slate, smoke, parti-colour, black, white, or brown. All are equally acceptable.
Note on Faults:
Any departure from these points is considered a fault. The seriousness of the fault is judged by its degree and its effect on the health and welfare of the dog.
Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.