Lhasapoo
A small, characterful cross of the watchful Lhasa Apso and the clever Poodle. Affectionate and bright, but can inherit the Lhasa's independent, alert streak; coat type varies between pups.
Lhasapoo scorecard
Overview
The Lhasapoo, also called the Lhasadoodle, is a small designer crossbreed produced by mating a Lhasa Apso with a Poodle (usually a Toy or Miniature Poodle). The cross aims to combine the characterful, watchful nature of the Lhasa Apso with the intelligence and lower-shedding coat of the Poodle. Most Lhasapoos are small companion dogs with wavy or curly coats in a wide variety of colours.
The Lhasapoo is not a recognised breed. Neither The Kennel Club nor the FCI registers it, there is no breed standard and no central registry, so type is not guaranteed. Because the Lhasa Apso is an independent, somewhat aloof watchdog and the Poodle a biddable, outgoing companion, individuals can vary noticeably in temperament as well as coat and size. Prospective owners should research both parent breeds and expect a characterful individual rather than a standardised dog.
Good to know — a Lhasapoo is flat-friendly and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Lhasapoo is a modern designer cross with no history of its own, part of the broad popularity of Poodle crosses that followed the Labradoodle of the late 1980s. Deliberate Lhasa Apso × Poodle litters have become more common since the 2000s, marketed as small, lower-shedding companions.
The parent breeds carry the heritage. The Lhasa Apso is an ancient Tibetan breed kept for centuries as a watchful indoor sentinel in monasteries and homes, prized for its alertness, independence and long, flowing coat; despite its small size it has a confident, somewhat aloof temperament. The Poodle, in Toy and Miniature form, descends from the German water-retrieving gundog and is among the most intelligent and trainable breeds. Crossing a self-possessed Tibetan watchdog with a clever, sociable Poodle tends to produce a small, bright dog whose character can range from outgoing to reserved — though the cross has no standardised lineage of its own.
Temperament & family fit
Lhasapoos are typically affectionate and loyal with their families while often retaining a degree of the Lhasa's independence and alertness. The Poodle influence usually adds friendliness, trainability and a desire to be involved, while the Lhasa side can bring a watchful, sometimes aloof attitude toward strangers and a tendency to alert-bark. Many Lhasapoos are devoted, engaging companions that bond closely with their households.
Temperament varies more than in some crosses because the two parents differ so much in outlook. A Lhasapoo may lean toward the sociable, eager-to-please Poodle or the more reserved, self-reliant Lhasa, or sit somewhere between. Early, positive socialisation is especially important to encourage confidence and friendliness and to temper any wariness or possessiveness, helping produce a well-rounded, sociable adult.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Lhasapoos are intelligent but can inherit the Lhasa's independent, stubborn streak alongside the Poodle's biddability, so results vary with the individual. Positive, reward-based training with short, engaging sessions works best, as a self-willed small dog can simply lose interest or dig in under pressure. Consistency and patience matter, since a clever small dog quickly learns what it can get away with.
House-training can require patience, as with many small breeds, so a steady routine helps. Managing alert-barking is often worthwhile, given the Lhasa's watchdog heritage. Early socialisation with people, dogs and everyday situations is particularly valuable to counter any tendency toward wariness or guarding of resources, and to bring out a confident, friendly temperament.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Lhasapoo typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Lhasapoo's wavy-to-curly coat is prone to matting, drawing on the Lhasa's long coat and the Poodle's curls, and needs regular care — usually brushing several times a week and professional grooming every six to eight weeks. 'Low-shedding' and 'hypoallergenic' are marketing terms rather than guarantees, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic. The hair around the eyes should be kept trimmed and clean to protect the eyes, and ears checked regularly, as small dogs with hairy ear canals can be prone to infections.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete diet appropriate to a small dog's age and activity level, following the manufacturer's guidelines and adjusting to keep the dog lean. Small dogs gain weight easily, so portions and treats should be controlled, and small-breed kibble suits small mouths. Dental disease is common in small breeds, so feeding to support dental health and maintaining a tooth-care routine is worthwhile. Dividing the daily ration into two meals suits most small dogs and helps maintain steady energy.
Lhasapoo health & costs
Before bringing a Lhasapoo home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£250–400 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£15–32 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a crossbreed, the Lhasapoo can inherit the health problems of both parent breeds, and crossbreeding reduces but does not remove inherited disease risk. Responsible breeders should health-test the parents, and prospective owners should ask to see the results.
From the Lhasa Apso side, concerns include hereditary kidney disease (renal dysplasia), eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and cherry eye, patellar luxation and, owing to the shortened muzzle, some risk of breathing and dental crowding issues. From the Toy/Miniature Poodle side, concerns include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, epilepsy and dental disease. Relevant DNA and eye tests and patella checks of the parents help reduce risk.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps common in small breeds, causing intermittent lameness and sometimes requiring surgery.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — inherited retinal degeneration leading to blindness, recognised in both parent breeds and screened by DNA test.
- Renal dysplasia — an inherited kidney malformation recognised in the Lhasa Apso that can cause early kidney failure.
- Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and cherry eye — eye conditions seen in the Lhasa parent that may need ongoing treatment or minor surgery.
- Dental disease — small breeds are prone to overcrowded teeth and periodontal disease; regular tooth care helps prevent problems.
- Ear infections — wavy, hairy ears can trap moisture and wax, predisposing to recurrent otitis that needs regular checking.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Lhasapoo; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Lhasapoo puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Lhasapoo
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Affectionate, bright and apartment-friendly
- Often low-shedding wavy coat
Things to consider
- Can be independent and alert/watchful
- Coat needs regular grooming to avoid matting
Compare the Lhasapoo
See how the Lhasapoo measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Lhasapoo?
The Lhasapoo, sometimes called the Lhasadoodle, is a small designer crossbreed produced by mating a Lhasa Apso with a Poodle, usually a Toy or Miniature. It aims to blend the watchful, characterful Lhasa with the intelligence and lower-shedding coat of the Poodle. It is not a breed recognised by The Kennel Club or FCI, so type is not guaranteed.
How big does a Lhasapoo get when fully grown?
A fully grown Lhasapoo is a small companion dog, typically standing around 23–38 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 5–12 kg. Because it is a crossbreed with no breed standard, size varies depending on the Poodle parent used and which genes dominate, so individuals can differ noticeably even within the same litter.
Are Lhasapoos hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and 'hypoallergenic' and 'low-shedding' are marketing terms rather than guarantees. Lhasapoos often inherit a lower-shedding, Poodle-influenced coat, which some allergy sufferers tolerate better, but coat type is unpredictable in a crossbreed. If allergies are a concern, spend time with the individual dog before committing.
What is a Lhasapoo's temperament like?
Lhasapoos are typically affectionate and loyal with their families, often combining the Poodle's friendliness and trainability with the Lhasa's watchful, sometimes aloof streak. Temperament varies more than in some crosses because the parents differ so much. Early, positive socialisation is especially important to build confidence and temper any wariness or alert-barking.
How much grooming does a Lhasapoo need?
Quite a lot. The wavy-to-curly coat is prone to matting and usually needs brushing several times a week, plus professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed and clean to protect them, and check the ears regularly, as small dogs with hairy ear canals can be prone to infections.
How much exercise does a Lhasapoo need?
Lhasapoos have modest exercise needs suited to a small companion dog, typically a couple of short-to-moderate daily walks plus indoor play and games. They adapt well to flats provided they get regular activity and interaction. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys helps keep these clever little dogs satisfied.
What health problems can Lhasapoos have?
As a crossbreed, a Lhasapoo can inherit conditions from either parent. From the Lhasa side these include hereditary kidney disease, eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, dry eye and cherry eye, and patellar luxation. From the Poodle side, concerns include patellar luxation, eye disease, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and epilepsy. Always ask to see the parents' health-test results.
Are Lhasapoos suitable for flats and first-time owners?
Yes, Lhasapoos adapt well to a range of homes, including flats, suiting owners who can offer regular company and gentle activity. Their watchdog heritage means some will alert-bark, which is worth managing in close quarters, and their reserved streak means good socialisation pays off if visitors and other dogs are part of daily life.
Are Lhasapoos good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Lhasapoos tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Lhasapoo need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Lhasapoo needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Lhasapoos shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Lhasapoos easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Lhasapoos are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Lhasapoos bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Lhasapoos good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Lhasapoos suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Lhasapoo can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Lhasa Apso breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- The Kennel Club — Poodle (Toy/Miniature) breed information and health schemes: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- The Kennel Club — health and dog care advice, including crossbreed guidance: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/
- PDSA — dog breeds and care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs
- Blue Cross — dog breeds and care advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- RVC VetCompass — dog health research programme: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
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Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.