-
Activity Level:
moderate
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Shedding Level:
moderate
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Grooming Level:
high
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Trainability:
high
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Good for Novice Owners:
high
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Adaptability:
high
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Kid/Pet Friendly:
often
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Prey Drive:
moderate
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Watchdog:
very alert
- Average Size: Small
- Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
- Registered?: other
Lhasa-Chon Dog Breed Information
Overview
Temperament
Adaptability
Health
Owner Experience
Grooming
Activity Level
Size
Life Span
Did You Know?
A Lhasa-Chon is a designer dog breed that is a cross between a Lhasa Apso and a Bichon Frise. A mixed breed can take on any combination of traits from their parent breeds. Overall, Lhasa-Chon tend to have a happy disposition and a friendly personality.
They tend to be small social dogs that love their families and make great housepets. Although the Lhasa-Chon is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable dog organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and more.
Lhasa-Chon are fiercely loyal to their families and are affectionate. They thrive on attention and affection, so they love to spend time with their families and tend to bond closely with them. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets.
But, they can be prone to “small dog syndrome” if they are allowed to be spoiled or are not socialized properly. They tend to make great watchdogs, but their small size and friendly nature mean they don’t make good guard dogs.
This designer dog breed is highly adaptable. They do well in apartments as well as in larger homes and do well in most climates. Due to their small size, they may need some help staying warm in the winter.
So, it’s usually a good idea to stock up on some good winter dog products to help them bundle up when the temperatures drop. Because these dogs bond so closely to their humans, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.
As a mixed dog breed, the Lhasa-Chon can inherit the health conditions common to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. Potential health concerns for this dog breed include hip dysplasia, luxating patella, allergies, skin problems, and kidney problems.
Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on genetic conditions to puppies. So, make sure you ask the breeder about the genetic history of the parent breeds and to see relevant health clearances or test results.
Both of the parent breeds are eager to please, highly intelligent, and easy to train. The same should be true for your Lhasa-Chon. These traits make this designer dog breed highly trainable and a great fit for dog owners of all experience levels.
They can have a stubborn streak, so first-time owners may want to consider training classes. Puppy training and obedience classes are still a great option as they tend to help you strengthen your bond with your puppy and also provide an opportunity to socialize a puppy.
A Lhasa-Chon tends to have a medium-length coat that can be wavy or smooth. Although they do not tend to shed much, their coat does require quite a bit of grooming to stay healthy. Their coat is prone to tangling and matting, so you will need to brush their coat a few times a week at least and take them for professional grooming every 2-3 months. Bathing is on an as-needed basis, so you may need to give your dog a bath in between professional grooming sessions if they need it.
In addition to coat care, you will need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Lhasa-Chon. Cutting your dog’s nails monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. And, brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal for preventing painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay.
Although they are small, these dogs are energetic. They may not be a high-energy dog breed, but they do require a moderate amount of activity to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for a Lhasa-Chon.
But, they love spending time with you, so they may be up for more activity if you are. Try taking trips to the dog park, going on a hike, or even going swimming with your dog – just keep an eye on them to make sure they aren’t overexerting themselves trying to keep up.
A fully-grown Lhasa-Chon usually stands 10-18 inches tall and weighs 8-20 pounds.
A Lhasa-Chon generally lives 12-16 years.
The Lhasa-Chon is also referred to as a La-Chon.