All About The Llhaso Apso by Mike Davies
The Lhasa Apso bred honored by the Dalai Lama is one of the oldest of the three breeds of dogs from Tibet. [youtube:7NgHxaWh1F0;[link:Lhasa Apsa Video]; youtube. com watch v=7NgHxaWh1F0 feature=related] Please join us on a short journey as we unravel the fascinating history of the incredible Lhasa Apso.
There are references to the Lhasa Apso breed in art literature tht go back at least two thousand years. They were given to nobility monks in China to protect guard.
For many generations it was not possible to get a Lhasa Apso unless given as a gift by the Dalai Lama
They were valued both as a good luck symbol as a sacred animal in the Buddhist religion.
Many holy men believed that the spirits of monks who did not reach Nirvana were reincarnated into the bodies of Lhasa Apso dogs.
The strong watchful protective nature of the Lhasa Apso combined with their beautiful coats loyal nature make them a true companion dog loving pet.
THE TIBET CONNECTION
The Lhasa Apso breed originated over two thousand years ago in the high mountainous country of Tibet.
These small sized dogs were bred kept in the Potala the palace monastery of the Dalai Lama as well as surrounding monasteries. The dogs were kept exclusively for nobility holy men. Lhasa Apsos were prized for their temperament beautiful coats their loyal loving disposition.
The Lhasa Apso was not only prized as a companion dog but also as a watchdog.
The nobility valued the small dogs for their intelligence regarded them not just as pets but more importantly as protectors watchers for their castles homes. They were also valued as a good luck talisman to keep evil away form home. When the nobleman or holy man died it was believed that his soul entered the body of the Lhasa Apso if it was not destined for Nirvana.
The Dalai Lama other holy men carefully managed the Lhasa Apso breed it was not possible to buy a Lhaso Apso dog in Tibet rather they had to be received as a gift form Dalai Lama.
This ritual began as early as 1583 in the Manchurian Dynasty was honored up to the early 1900's. The dogs were sent as a blessing form Dalai Lama to the Emperors of China other nobility.
Lhasa Apso dogs were never given as individual dogs. The Dalai Lama presented pairs of dogs to visiting foreign diplomats leaders. These dogs were then taken around the world their popularity increased.
Lhasa Apsos are seen as a sacred blessing are believed to bring luck good fortune to it's owner.
The first Lhasa Apso pair was seen in Britain in the 1920's the first pair in the United States was in 1935. The first Lhasa Apsos according to Australia records arrived in the 1960's.
THE NAME
Most historiansagree that the name Lhasa comes form area of the Potala near the sacred city of Lhasa.
The second part of the name Apso is bit less clear. One group believes that the name is actually a misinterpretation of the word "raspo" that means goat like. The coat of the Apso if not groomed begins to look like the hair found on Tibetan goats. Another group believes that the term Apso comes form term "Abso Seng kye" that translates into "Barking Lion Sentinel Dog".
Since the long hair of the breed does closely resemble the mane of the lion the strong protective instinct is there it may be that the Apso is simply a mispronunciation of "Abso".
Lhasa Apso dogs also have the distinctly lionish habit of pawing the ground with their front feet taking a square stance when feeling threatened. They truly do resemble little lions are excellent watchdogs guardians.
The Manjuri Buddha the God of Learning is often presented in art literature in the company of a Lhasa Apso which changes into a lion when danger threatens the Manjuri Buddha.
Take the time to find out more about Lhasa Apso Dogs. The investment in time you make will be extremely worthwhile.
That's all on the amazing history of the Lhasa Apso.
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