The Lhasa Apso is a special dog breed and many owners are looking for a Lhasa Apso weight chart to make sure that their puppy is on the right growth curve.
The long-haired Lhasa Apso has been around for a thousand years, and its ancestors protected palaces and monasteries in the Himalayas. Lhasas are witty and confident with their own kind, but may be regal and distant when meeting new people.
Lhasas are little but sturdy dogs with aristocratic bearing, measuring less than one foot at the shoulder.
Their signature garment is a long, straight coat that hits at the floor and drapes on both sides. Tibetan breeds are characterized by a fluffy tail that folds over the back.
How large, however, does the normal Lhasa grow to be? Furthermore, what do their massive proportions imply for proprietors? In the paragraphs that follow, I’ll address these concerns.
When Do Lhasa Apsos Stop Growing?
Similar to other tiny Doodles, Lhasas have rapid development during the first four to five months of life.
It’s not uncommon for them to be halfway to their adult weight and height at that point. After that point, their development will begin to drop down a little.
They will grow to adult size very quickly. They still have a few more months to continue to acquire weight and round out. Lhasas, depending on their size, will complete growing between 8 and 12 months of age.
They mature into their full size as toy dog adults by the time they are 12 months old. It’s common for males to weigh a little more than their female counterparts.
Lhasa Apso Growth Chart
If you utilize this Lhasa Apso growth chart, you’ll have a far better idea of whether or not your puppy is maintaining a healthy development rate and of the expected adult size of your dog.
Of course, you’ll also need to know how to read a weight chart.
To use the Lhasa Apso weight chart, just locate the age of your puppy on the line and read the corresponding column to see the typical range of weights for that age. Remember that the graphic is based on averages and not so much hard data.
There’s no need to worry if your puppy doesn’t fit neatly into this growth chart as long as his development is regular and predictable. The chart may also be used to estimate your dog’s final adult size.
Lhasa Apso Weight Chart
Age | Weight lbs | ||
---|---|---|---|
3 months | 4 - 7 lbs | ||
4 months | 6 - 10 lbs | ||
5 months | 8 - 12 lbs | ||
6 months | 9 - 14 lbs | ||
7 months | 10 - 15 lbs | ||
8 months | 10.5 - 16 lbs | ||
9 months | 11 - 17 lbs | ||
10 months | 11.5 - 17 lbs | ||
11 months | 12 - 17.5 lbs | ||
1 year | 12 - 18 lbs |
Lhasa Apso Puppy Development Stages
Birth – 2 Weeks
A newborn Lhasa Apso will weigh little more than a couple ounces. Although they put on weight fast, they won’t be able to do much moving about until they are around 2 weeks old.
At this stage, they’ve just opened their eyes and are ready to take in their surroundings.
They should not be given any puppy food at this stage and should continue to live with their mother, who should be their only source of nutrition.
3 Weeks – 12 Weeks
Between the ages of three and twelve weeks, a child’s physical and mental development progresses dramatically.
If he wants to be healthy and robust, a Lhasa Apso puppy of three weeks old has to be with his mother.
However, by the time he is 12 weeks old, not only will the puppy have been weaned from his mother’s milk and switched to dog kibble, but he will also have been adopted into a new home separate from his litter.
That’s also when you put on the most weight, going from a few pounds to 8 or 10 in only a few months.
4 Months – 9 Months
Between the ages of 4 and 9 months, your puppy will develop normally. Your puppy’s ideal weight at 4 months old is around 8 to 10 pounds.
Around the 9-month mark, your dog should weigh approximately 12.5 – 16.5 pounds.
Remember that these are only the mean values; if your puppy is consistently heavier than normal, for example, his weight should remain the same or increase over time.
10 Months – 18 Month
If you look at a growth chart for Lhasa Apso puppies, you’ll see that after around 10 months of age, the puppy development stage slows down significantly.
In comparison to his prior growth surges, his further development and weight increase at this stage are likely to be modest. At 12 months old, he should be finished, and from then on nothing should happen.
Adult
Above, we indicated that at around a year of age, the Lhasa Apso pup should have reached his full adult size.
Lhasa Apsos often range in size from 12 to 18 pounds and 11 inches in height, but these are only averages.
Since your dog will stop growing at this stage, he should be transitioned from puppy chow to adult chow.
How Big Do Lhasa Apsos Get?
You may get an idea of how big your adorable Lhasa Apso puppy will become as he matures by consulting a Lhasa Apso weight chart, which details expected body weight and height for each age.
However, that’s not the only method to gain a feel for things. If you are familiar with the dog’s parents, you may use them as a size guide. Puppies often mirror their parents in terms of size.
Observing the paws of your dog is another option. If your dog needs to grow into its paws, it probably weighs more than you think.
Last but not least, you can now get a DNA test done on your dog to find out exactly what their genetic composition is.
There are a lot of different kinds of these tests, and they’re not always accurate, so taking one might be difficult.
Male Vs Female Lhasa Apso Size Chart
Male Lhasa Apsos normally weigh 12–18 pounds and stand 10–11 inches at the shoulder, whereas females of the breed are smaller at 10–15 pounds and 9–10 inches in height.
While female and male Lhasa Apsos do tend to have somewhat different sizes, the variation is not drastic.
Keep in mind that the weight of a single Lhasa Apso may vary substantially depending on a number of variables, including but not limited to genetics, diet, and general health.
The long, luxuriant coat that Lhasa Apsos are renowned for demands frequent care to keep looking its best.
Both male and female Lhasa Apsos have the same petite stature and the same reputation for being loving and devoted companions. Lhasa Apsos are terrific pets regardless of gender, and the size gap between male and female dogs is not huge.
Learn how tall your Lhasa Apso will grow to be as part of understanding his or her development. Lhasa Apsos are little dogs, so they won’t have to worry about tall obstacles.
Males tend to be heavier than girls, although there is no discernible height gap between the sexes.
Your dog’s height is best measured from his shoulder to the floor when he is standing on all fours. When evaluating a dog’s stature, this method is used.
Will Neutering/Spaying My Lhasa Apso Affect His Growth?
Spaying or neutering your pet at an early age was formerly thought to be beneficial.
However, in recent years, it has been suggested that you wait to repair your dog until he is an adult.
There are several benefits to spaying or neutering your dog at an early age, including preventing unwanted pregnancies, your dog running away, and you becoming pregnant.
In addition, it has been linked to a decreased risk of developing some cancers.
Your dog’s bones will develop to their full potential if you wait until he or she reaches full adulthood.
Bone and joint problems might develop after premature spaying or neutering in big breeds. Given that Lhasa Apsos are not a very big breed, they should be OK in this situation. Feel free to sterilize them around their first birthday.
Shi Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Size
Although both the Shih Tzu and the Lhasa Apso are considered to be tiny dog breeds, there is a clear size disparity between the two.
Shih Tzus are somewhat bigger than Lhasa Apsos, with average weights of 9–16 pounds and heights of 9–10.5 inches at the shoulder.
In contrast, Lhasa Apsos normally weigh 10-18 pounds and measure 9-11 inches at the shoulder.
Dogs of the same breed may vary in size due to a number of variables, including but not limited to genetics, diet, and general health.
Both breeds are characterized by a long, glossy coat that calls for consistent maintenance with the use of a brush.
Shih Tzus are a fantastic choice for families searching for a somewhat bigger companion than a Lhasa Apso.
However, all types of dogs are renowned for their warm and devoted nature, which makes them excellent companions for people of all ages.
Factors That Affect Lhasa Apso Growth
Genetics & Gender
One of the most important things that will come up while investigating the elements that influence a Lhasa Apso’s development is the topic of genetics and gender.
They will inherit their parents’ height and weight almost exactly. The size of your dog’s parents is the single most important determinant in determining his or her adult size.
Although there is a little variation between male and female Lhasa Apsos, this does not significantly affect the dog’s development.
Nutrition
Quality diet is essential for the health of a Lhasa Apso. Lhasas need a high-protein, high-fat diet because to the thickness of their skin, which acts as insulation for their thick hair.
A diet with a fat content more than 14% is recommended by breeders. Each dog has unique dietary preferences and tolerances, thus the kind of protein they get (beef, fish, game, etc.) is up in the air.
Though Lhasas have a reputation for being efficient eaters, even a little amount of overfeeding may have negative effects on their digestive health.
Dogs thrive on routine, so it’s best to maintain a consistent feeding schedule regardless of whether you choose to feed your dog once or twice daily.
Physical Activity & Health
The typical Lhasa is not a couch potato and therefore is good at getting up and moving about on its own. As a means of relieving excess energy, they may run about an apartment complex, play in a fenced-in yard, or accompany their owners on vigorous walks.
As essential as regular exercise is, mental stimulation is perhaps more so. Agility, scent work, retrieval, and herding are just some of the tasks at which they excel.
Lhasas may be seen at nursing homes, universities, and even jails thanks to their skills as trained therapy dogs.
How Much To Feed A Growing Lhasa Apso Puppy?
A Lhasa Apso puppy’s growth and health depend on the food they consume. A Lhasa Apso puppy’s dietary requirements are sensitive to factors such as its size, age, and degree of activity.
The recommended daily amount of food for a Lhasa Apso puppy is half a cup to one cup of high-quality dry puppy chow, divided into three to four smaller meals.
A Lhasa Apso puppy’s food consumption should be adjusted based on their weight, therefore it is crucial to keep an eye on your pup’s growth and make sure they don’t become too fat or too skinny.
Proper growth and development are dependent on maintaining a healthy weight, whereas over feeding may cause obesity and related health problems.
Feeding a Lhasa Apso puppy a healthy and well-balanced meal that includes all the nutrients it needs to thrive is also highly advised.
A Lhasa Apso puppy’s nutritional requirements may vary, therefore it’s best to get advice from a vet on what kind and how much food to give your pup.
What To Do If My Lhasa Apso Is Not The Right Weight?
If your Lhasa Apso is overweight, it’s vital that you take steps to get it to a healthy weight.
First, schedule an appointment with your vet so they can examine your pet, look for any hidden health problems, and provide you with a personalized nutrition plan.
The best way to help your Lhasa Apso lose weight is to provide them a diet that is well-balanced and proportionate to their age, size, and level of exercise, and maybe to switch to a reduced calorie food while weighing out their quantities.
If you want your Lhasa Apso to be more active, you may assist them out by boosting their physical activity with regular walks, games, and interactive toys.
Treats and table scraps may contribute to your Lhasa Apso’s weight growth, so it’s best to cut them out and replace them with nutritious food.
How To Properly Weight My Lhasa Apso?
Lhasa Apsos should be weighed at least once a month to keep an eye on their weight. This may be done at home using a pet-specific digital scale or at the vet during an exam.
Health problems might arise from a Lhasa Apso’s weight being too high or too low. Monitoring your weight may help you catch health issues early so you can get treatment.
First, you’ll want to get your own weight on the scale, and then you may pick up the Lhasa Apso and get your weight while holding the dog. The dog’s weight is just the difference between the two figures.
Lhasa Apso Genetics And Common Health Problems
When it comes to canine health, the Lhasa Apso often excels.
Hereditary renal disease, which may range in severity, is the breed’s most pressing health concern. Currently, there is no accurate test for identifying carriers.
People looking to adopt a dog should choose a breeder that is aware of this issue and will not use infected animals in their breeding operations. Informed breeders have almost eliminated the possibility of purchasing a puppy with this disease.
It’s also a good idea to ask about dry eye, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), sliding stifles, hip dysplasia, and cherry eye.
Final Words
Even between trips to the groomer, a Lhasa needs frequent brushing and bathing. If you want healthy, shiny long hair, you need to brush it often, using the correct brushes and methods.
It’s recommended to brush a long-coated pet at least once in between baths, and to give them a full bath at least once every two weeks.
Leaving shampoo on the hair or skin might cause irritation, so it’s important to rinse it out completely.
Grooming is simplified with the help of conditioners and finishing sprays. You should always dry and brush your hair after a shower or bath, regardless of whether you wear it long or short.