The Lhasa Apso is a small breed of dog originally from Tibet. They were used as watchdogs inside Tibetan monasteries for over 2000 years, for which they are uniquely suited with keen intelligence, acute hearing, and instincts for identifying friends from strangers.

Having been bred to be sentinel or watch dogs, Lhasa Apsos tend to be alert and have a keen sense of hearing. They are bright and outgoing, but tend toward wariness of strangers. They are generally 10 to 11 inches at the withers and weigh between 15 and 25 lbs. Lhasas have dark brown eyes and a heavy straight coat that comes in all different colors. Their tail curls up over the back. Apparently monks believe that Lhasas are reincarnated lions and as such hold them in high esteem.