| Character |
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1901 Standard
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1935 Standard
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_
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Character - Gay and assertive, but chary of strangers. |
To fulfill his function as a sentinel, the Lhasa Apso
needs to be a calm, intelligent, alert, and independent dog. The Lhasa's
suspicion of strangers is an attribute prized by the Tibetans. Although
with his intimate friends he can be extremely sensitive, affectionate and
playful, he never loses his air of self possession.
Everyone is made aware of the "chary of strangers" phrase, but often overlooked is the "assertive" component. The Lhasa Apso can be quite a dominant personality, requiring a firm hand and strong leadership from his human family.
The Lhasa cannot
be a waster of energy, a nervous, hyperactive dog. He must not be surly,
skulking or fearful. He is a naturally dignified and sensible companion,
but he is not characteristically over-anxious for approval from his owners.
The ideal showdog has a somewhat different personality. He should
be very dependent and tractable, eager to please, with a tendency to hyperactivity.
Lhasas of a typical temperament often do not make good showdogs. (What
sensible person or animal spends an afternoon alternatively standing posed
and running in circles in the company of a bunch of other fools doing the
same thing?) I have often heard "show breeders" assert that they
are not breeding "pets", but "showdogs". But do we have the right
to alter the natural physical or mental attributes of this unique little
companion, the product of millennia of evolution, for no other reason than
to satisfy the demands of a rather frivolous hobby?