Lhassa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient Tibetan companion breed, spirited and independent. Renal dysplasia is a serious hereditary concern. Its dense coat requires regular professional grooming.
Weight
5–8 kg
Lifespan
12–18 yrs
Energy
●●○○○
With kids
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AdoptScore™
Choix intermédiaire
Composite score: health (75/100) · trainability (3/5) · budget · family suitability
CaniScore™
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient Tibetan companion breed, spirited and independent. Renal dysplasia is a serious hereditary concern. Its dense coat requires regular professional grooming.
Main health risks
Estimated cost in Canada
$800 – $5,000
For the Lhassa Apso, this is the hereditary condition most often associated with the breed. Early screening and regular visits help limit its impact on quality of life and reduce long-term costs.
Estimated cost in Canada
$800 – $5,000
For the Lhassa Apso, this is one of the hereditary risks to watch for in this breed. Early screening and regular visits help limit its impact on quality of life and reduce long-term costs.
Estimated cost in Canada
$800 – $5,000
For the Lhassa Apso, this is one of the hereditary risks to watch for in this breed. Early screening and regular visits help limit its impact on quality of life and reduce long-term costs.
Estimated 10-year cost without insurance
25,000
This amount represents the average estimated veterinary care for this breed in Canada.
Breed Traits
Health Risks
- ⚠ Progressive hereditary renal disease
- ⚠ Progressive retinal atrophy
- ⚠ Patellar luxation
- ⚠ Skin allergies
Total cost of ownership
Vet, food, grooming, insurance — all included.
Total estimate per year
4 298 $
Range : 3 282 $ – 5 314 $
Cost breakdown
Food
Estimated for a small breed
700 $
Grooming
Level 4/5, intensive upkeep
900 $
Veterinary care
Routine visits + unexpected care estimated for the breed
1 700 $
max 2 500 $
Health insurance
$36–72/month (estimate)
648 $
max 864 $
Accessories & extras
Toys, leash, collar, bedding, carrier
350 $
⚠️ Indicative estimates. Actual costs vary by region in Canada, veterinary clinic and care habits. Exceptional expenses (surgeries, emergencies) are not included.
How much does it cost to insure your dog?
Adjust the age and coverage level, and the range recalculates instantly.
Annual deductible
recommended balanceReimbursement
standard coverageEstimated range for Canada
NaN–NaN $/mo
Deductible $250 · Reimbursement 80% · 2 yrs, Young adult
Get your exact price
⚠️ Estimate for guidance only. Actual premiums vary based on your postal code, your dog's health history and the exact options of the chosen plan. Some links are affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Where do these numbers come from?
The CaniScore and cost estimates for the Lhassa Apso are based on recognized data, not guesswork:
- OFA & CHIC: hereditary disease prevalence by breed
- CKC & veterinary journals: longevity and prevalence studies
- AMVQ 2026: Canadian veterinary fee benchmark
- Trupanion: real per-breed claim costs (millions of claims)
🍁 Canadian Pet Owner Info
- 🏥 Microchip: Increasingly required across Canada (mandatory in Quebec since 2024); check your municipality's rules
- 🦟 Seasonal health: Heartworm prevention required May–November; ticks active from +4°C
- ❄️ Winter care: Paw protection (Musher's Secret or Pawz boots) against road salt and -30°C temperatures
- 📋 BSL check: Some breeds are restricted in certain Canadian provinces and municipalities, check BSL regulations
🛒 Recommended products for Lhassa Apso
Small breed kibble
Small-bite formula · Amazon
Brushes & grooming
High-maintenance coat · Amazon
Embark DNA Test
Detects 350+ breeds & 200+ diseases · ~$170
Compare with another breed
Side-by-side comparison · CaniScore™
* Amazon affiliate links. CaniScore™ may earn a commission on purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.
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🇫🇷 Also available in French, with more detail: View the Lhassa Apso profile in French →