So
You Want To Buy A Lhasa Apso Puppy.
If
you have done your homework and decided that you would like to purchase a Lhasa
Apso Puppy. The following is a guide to what to look for etc.
Be
aware that a Lhasa Apso could commit you to 14 – 17 years or more of
your life and is not a toy to be discarded when you tire of it, a Lhasa should
be part of your family .
Like
with any puppy you must be willing to have patience , to house train, lead train
and generally gel with it. Just like a child you will need to keep your special
ornaments out of puppy reach and
any tv cables etc out of harms way. Most of all you must let your puppy know
when he has done wrong. Not by hitting him but by voice command. Do not be
fooled into thinking that a Lhasa is a timid dog. It is not , a Lhasa is a big
dog in a little body.
Firstly
make sure that you buy from a reputable breeder, the best place to do this is by
contacting the Secretary of a Breed Club who will give you some contact names.
Unfortunately Puppy Farmers do exist so please be vigilant.If you can, visit a
show where Lhasa Apsos are being exhibited, talk to some of the exhibitors and
get answers to your queries.
Even
if you don’t want to show your dog but want one purely as a pet, you want one
that is typical of the breed. Be very wary when looking to buy and if you are in
any doubt speak to a Breed Club Secretary who will help you or give you a
contact of someone who can.
When
you find a reputable breeder who has a litter for sale, be prepared to be asked
numerous questions . Also ask them if the Sire and the Dam have both been tested
for PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy check out our link Health & Welfare)
Don’t be tempted to buy the Lhasa that “looks cute” and is cowering at the
back of the pen or is hiding up from you. This Lhasa could have a temperament
problem. Lhasa are wary of you at first but once they get used to you they will
be all over you. Ask if the puppy is Kennel Club Registered If it is not then
you will not be able to register the dog in your name and if the breeder allows,
you will not be able to register any progeny.
Don’t
buy a puppy that looks matted and unwell. Make sure that you are given the
Registration papers , Pedigree and any other documentation at the time of sale.
Sometimes you will be told that the Registration will follow in the post so be
aware. Never buy a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old .
Remember
to ask the breeder about feeding, worming , vaccination and ask if the puppy has
dew claws as these are so often overlooked.
Go
to a library or purchase a book about the breed , one very good book is called
“Lhasa Apso” by Juliette
Cunliffe published by
Pet Love.
