The Lhasa Apso Price Guide: Everything You Need To Know

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Are you a fan of Lhasa Apso dogs? Well, this is the perfect place to learn everything about this puppy’s price, then. Despite being a small dog breed, Lhasa Apso puppies require a moderate spending.

This Tibetan royal dog is a quite popular dog breed in the United States; however, you can see Lhasa Apso puppies all over the world, especially in China and India.

But, in order to have a healthy puppy, you need to take into consideration a few things when buying this purebred dog – the quality of the breeder, health exams, proper socialization and obedience training, as well as puppy supplies on a monthly and yearly basis.

In the further part of this article, I have prepared the overall Lhasa Apso price framework that will help you determine your monthly and yearly spendings.

The Lhasa Apso Price

two lhasa apso puppies in a basket

Even though this puppy does not belong to a club of top 20 best family dog breeds in the world, Lhasa Apsos are family dogs that live indoors. They require good care and commitment.

When calculating a dog’s price, you always need to be prepared for costs aside from the initial price of the puppy. 

These costs include the first vet examination, first vaccine and deworming, spaying or neutering, dog collars and dog leashes, toys, poop bags, microchips, and food/water bowls.

The initial price of this puppy is not that high if we compare it to other purebred dogs. It revolves between $500 and $1200, which is pretty reasonable. In fact, you can adopt this puppy from a rescue for less than $500, but I would always recommend a reliable breeder first.

Let’s take a look at the puppy’s initial costs that you need to take into account!

Initial price

Inital price
Dog price $500-$1200
Vet examination $50-$100
First shot $50-$70
Deworming $20-$30
Spaying/Neutering $80-$150
Leash $10-$15
Collar $10-$20
Dog toys $20-$30
Dog bed $40-$50
Brush $10-$15
Poop bags $50-$60
Food/water bowl $20
Microchip $30-40
Total: cca $1345 ($490 without the puppy price)

As we can see from the above, the total price with all puppy supplements is $1345 on average. 

Take into account that I have calculated the average price of all items on the list. Without the initial price of the dog, you need to spend around $400 to $500 at the start.

Furthermore, it is important to predict the monthly cost of having a puppy as a pet. Here, we have a chart of monthly costs that you will probably deal with once you purchase the Lhasa Apso puppy.

Monthly costs
Food $30-$50
Healthcare $0-$100
Grooming $10-$70
Flea treatment $20
Poop bags $20-$40
Dog toys $20-$30
Snacks $20-$30
Total: cca $230

The monthly price of having this puppy in your home is somewhere between $200 and $250, which is quite affordable.

Still, you need to take into account that any dog can have unpredictable expenses, such as medical treatments or surgeries in case of some serious health problem.

The Lhasa Apso Puppy Price Explained

lhasa apso puppy running in the snow

As I have already mentioned in the above part, the price that you can expect from reputable breeders revolves between $500 and $1200. However, the initial price itself doesn’t explain a lot of things as there are some factors that you take into account.

For starters, the Lhasa Apso cost includes the first vet examination, deworming, and vaccination. However, reputable breeders will make sure that your puppy undergoes these procedures by the time it turns eight weeks of age.

This means that you won’t need to spend money on these things. However, that could also mean that the initial price of the puppy will be somewhat higher. You can also expect to pay an additional fee for transportation, which is a one-time cost.

The important thing to know is that even though this is not one of the healthiest dog breeds in the world, Lhasa Apso puppies are pretty healthy. They are not prone to any major issues aside from possible kidney disease.

Other things that you need to take into account are food, dog snacks, toys, a microchip, a dog potty, and probably a dog bed.

First-Year Costs

cute lhasa apso puppy on the beach

The Lhasa Apso price includes the first-year costs. This is a small breed with a pretty sensitive metabolism, which means that they will need high-quality food and a proper feeding chart in order to remain healthy.

Don’t buy the worst dog food brands, even though they are cheaper. It might cost you more in the long run.

Aside from that, make sure you provide sufficient entertainment for your dog as these purebred puppies can be stubborn and mischievous at times. Interactive dog toys are a pretty good choice.

Other than that, you will need to consider the price of regular vet checkups, food supplies, collars, and grooming.

Food And Food Supplies

The first pack of food generally comes with these puppies if you buy them from reputable breeders. Lhasa Apso breeders want to make sure the puppy goes through the process of adaptation slowly, which is why they provide the food that the canines are currently eating.

However, as an owner, expect to spend somewhere between $30 and $50 on a monthly basis on food for your puppy

Furthermore, healthy dog snacks, alongside interactive dog toys, are always a good positive reinforcement technique. However, make sure you don’t exaggerate as Lhasa Apso puppies are prone to obesity.

Vet Check Ups

If you buy a puppy from a reputable Lhasa Apso breeder, you don’t need to worry about the first-year costs as puppies will undergo their regular vet checkup, and receive their first shot and deworming.

However, you need to take into consideration that flea treatments need to be done on a monthly basis, which will cost you around $20.

Still, Lhasa Apso puppies can have unexpected expenses when it comes to medical treatments. You always need to plan around $80 to $100 for unexpected medical supplies and treatments.

A Collar And A Leash

Dog training collars are a good idea in Lhasa Apso puppies as they can be pretty stubborn and mischievous. Training collars can help you as a tool to obedience train your puppy.

On the other hand, a leash is needed whenever you walk your dog in public as these canines are not recommended off-leash.

The average cost of a dog collar revolves somewhere between $15 and $30, while you can expect to spend around $10 on a leash.

A note to a future owner is to subject this canine to early obedience and socialization training. That way, you will have a reliable, child-friendly puppy that’s eager to please its owner.

Otherwise, you will have a dog that can be mischievous at times, just like the Husky puppy.

Poop Bags And A Scooper

Despite the fact that this is an intelligent dog breed, Lhasa Apsos, just like Great Danes, Cocker Spaniels, and Yorkshire Terriers, are not the easiest dogs to potty train. You will need to buy poop bags and a scooper on a monthly basis, which will cost you around $30 to $40.

Poop bags are especially important if you walk your dog on a daily basis, but they are equally important to have at home or in your back yard.

However, getting a litter box is the best idea if your puppy is an indoor pet. Still, these canines will need early potty training as these canines are not exactly the most discrete dogs by nature when it comes to pooping.

Grooming

As this is the puppy that has floor-length hair, grooming is an essential part of its everyday care. Even short-haired Lhasa Apsos need frequent grooming!

Best smelling dog shampoos are generally a good option for this canine.

However, before you start using a shampoo, consult your vet about the possible side effects as some of these puppies may be allergic to certain shampoo ingredients.

Despite the fact that this puppy has a long, silky coat, grooming can be done on a weekly basis. They are not excessive shedders as they shed moderately.

Purchasing a brush is a good idea, and it will cost you somewhere between $10 and $30. However, if you’re inclined to buy the whole grooming kit, the average price is around $80 to $100.

This will save you money that you will spend on professional groomers in the long run.

Annual Costs

lhasa apso dog in the park

The annual cost of having this puppy as a home pet revolves between $2500 and $2800. Things that you will spend the most money on are food, snacks, medical supplements and food supplements, grooming, and poop bags.

Having this puppy means taking care of its grooming on a regular basis. In fact, Lhasa Apso puppies, alongside Shih Tzus, are probably one of the most demanding dogs to have in terms of grooming as their hair is floor-length.

Still, Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu haircuts are most certainly among the cutest things that you can see in dogs.

On the other hand, paying a professional groomer will probably compensate for food as these canines don’t eat as much as some large breeds.

Food

All Lhasa Apso puppies, and also Lhasa Apso mixes, require high-quality food. You can expect to spend around $450 to $480 on food on an annual basis.

These canines require a well-established feeding chart as they are prone to obesity.

Obese canines are not the best idea because they can become extremely frustrated and anxious if not given enough exercise during the day. Consequently, obese Lhasa Apso puppies won’t be able to move as much as puppies with normal weight.

Make sure you always buy food from reliable brands. It will add a little extra to the overall Lhasa Apso price, but it will pay off eventually. Also, avoid table scraps and junk food as it doesn’t do any good to your puppy.

Vet Exams

Vet exams conducted in a vet clinic include a blood work exam, a heartworm exam, and a physical examination. The average price for these tests revolves between $80 and $100.

However, you should know that these canines are prone to kidney disease, which is why it is important to provide them with food for urinary health every once in a while.

Unexpected medical treatments can cost an additional $80 to $100, which includes antibiotics, drugs, or other medical treatments.

As a responsible owner, you need to recognize warning symptoms in your puppy. Always do regular checkups of your dog’s tongue, skin, ears, and eyes. As soon as you notice any sort of irregularity, the recommendation is to immediately visit a veterinarian.

Grooming

Even though these purebred canines are moderate shedders, grooming on a weekly basis is highly needed. However, grooming doesn’t only include brushing, but also cleaning a puppy’s hair and paws, nail clipping, and hair trimming.

Luckily, all Lhasa Apso puppies belong to the group of dogs that don’t smell, which is pretty amazing. They don’t need frequent baths, but puppies that go out on a daily basis will probably need at least a monthly bath.

Instead of paying a professional groomer hundreds of dollars during the year, you can buy a grooming kit for approximately $80 to $100. In the long run, this option will cost you much less, and it will provide you with lots of fun.

Grooming this doggie represents a huge entertainment as their haircuts are probably qualified among the most beautiful haircuts in the world.

Snacks

As well as dog food, puppy snacks need to be healthy. That’s why it is highly recommended to purchase only the highest-quality dog snacks for your puppy. It’ll cost you a few bucks more, but your dog will be healthier in the long run.

Unhealthy snacks can be the cause of a dog’s bad breath, which is something that you don’t want in your puppy.

Additionally, make sure you use dog snacks as a positive reinforcement tool. Lhasa Apso puppies need a lot of mental stimulation, especially during the puppyhood stage. Snacks can be a great tool for mental stimulation, and they can help you obedience train your puppy easier.

Other Puppy Supplies

There are some other puppy supplies that you will need during the whole year. For instance, you may want to consider buying a litter box for your canine. There are various indoor dog potty options available on the market, but make sure you choose the one that suits your puppy the most.

Take into consideration that this is a small breed, which means that they will need a more approachable litter box.

On the other hand, the purchase of a collar and a leash is a must when taking your puppy out. Lhasa Apso puppies can be mischievous at times, which means that they will need your permanent supervision outside the house.

Also, a good idea would be to get a dog bed for your puppy. Even though these canines are moderate shedders, their excessively long hair can leave trails all over the couch. Instead of lying anywhere, teach your puppy to lay in its own bed. It will love it!

Additional Costs

lhasa apso dog playing with a ball

There can always be some unpredicted costs that might cost you a few dollars more and add a little extra on the Lhasa Apso price. For instance, if you and your family are into sports, you may want to consider buying a weighted dog harness for your puppy.

These canines are extremely active, even though they belong to the group of small dogs.

Dog passports are also something that you want to consider if you travel a lot, and you have a clingy dog. Other than that, dog carriers or pet insurance may be additional costs, too.

Passport

If you’re one of those owners whose dog won’t leave their side, you should probably consider getting a passport for your canine.

The average cost for this procedure revolves between $100 and $800, and it highly depends on the state you’re living in.

Getting a passport for your Lhasa Apso is probably a good idea as these AKC-recognized dogs are extremely clingy and they can suffer from severe separation anxiety. 

If you have a busy business schedule, or you simply love traveling outside the borders, then this option is an excellent choice!

Pet Insurance

The cost of your dog’s pet insurance depends on the package you choose. There are several types of pet insurance, among which the most popular are accident-only, wellness, and comprehensive coverage.

If you’re willing to buy accident-only insurance, its average price revolves between $10 and $20 per month. This is quite a good option as it covers your puppy’s possible injuries and treatment costs.

On the other hand, the wellness coverage includes spaying or neutering, regular vet exams, shots and deworming, health exams, and teeth cleaning. The average cost for this type of insurance revolves between $20 and $40 per month.

The comprehensive coverage is breed-specific, which includes chronic conditions, surgeries, nursing, hospitalization, and similar treatments. This type of insurance is generally the most expensive as its annual fee costs around $40 to $50.

This is generally a healthy dog with a pretty respectable lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

However, if you keep noticing constant symptoms, such as your dog being restless at night, diarrhea, trembling, nausea and vomiting – having pet insurance wouldn’t be the worst solution as it allows you to treat your puppy without any complications.

Dog Carriers

Dog carriers are another additional cost that dog owners can have. The Lhasa Apso price won’t significantly change if you purchase one, but it will help you on your road trips or traveling outside the country.

Dog carriers, just like anti-dog barking devices, training collars, and invisible fences, add to the overall quality of life of you and your puppy.

There are some pretty affordable dog carriers for this dog that will cost you no more than $50.

What Affects The Lhasa Apso Price

two lhasa apso dogs in nature

There are some things affecting the overall Lhasa Apso price, such as the quality of the breeder, breed popularity, trainability level, coat color, state sales tax, age, sex, and transportation.

Generally, trained puppies will cost you more as these canines are pretty stubborn by nature, which means that you need to show dominance to the dog, especially during its early age.

Other things affecting the price are mostly related to the puppy’s physical features.

Breeder Quality, Breed Popularity, And Trainability

The Lhasa Apso price, despite being cheap, doesn’t reflect the true value of this dog. These canines are probably one of the oldest breeds in the world as they have been used in buddhist monasteries in Tibet for years as sentinels.

Some of them have also been associated with the Dalai Lama.

This more than two-thousand-year-old puppy has a priceless value, which is something that quality breeders know. Even though the breed’s popularity doesn’t meet the breed’s price, these canines will always still cost you a little more from reputable breeders.

You will get a reliable, regularly examined, vaccinated and dewormed puppy with at least a one-year health guarantee. 

Other than that, these canines will come as well-mannered puppies that display good, positive behavior. You will enjoy daily walks with a socialized Lhasa Apso canine as they enjoy being outside, too.

This is not a lazy dog breed, and its high activity level needs to be directed properly. Quality breeders know that.

Age, Sex, Coat Color

Some of these puppies will probably cost you more if you want them in a less popular, rare color variant. The most common Lhasa Apso colors are black, blue, cream, golden, red, liver, charcoal, white, and silver.

Still, some breeders reserve the right to choose the first puppy from the litter for themselves, or they can charge a little extra for puppies with the most-demanded coat color variant.

On the other hand, age and sex sometimes play a huge role in the Lhasa Apso price. Puppies generally cost more than adult dogs, which is why you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars more for an eight-week-old puppy.

FAQs

1. Is A Lhasa Apso A Good Pet?

Generally, these canines are excellent pets as they are affectionate, loyal, and playful. On the other hand, even though this is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, these dogs are true watchdogs, which is a trait they collected thousands of years ago.

These canines have been sentinel dogs in buddhist monasteries for years, which is why Lhasa Apso puppies are fearless, brave, and agile to this day.

2. Is Lhasa Apso A Healthy Breed?

Most of the time, these canines are healthy, and they easily live up to 15 years of age. However, some Lhasa puppies can suffer from kidney disease, which is why regular checkups are a must.

On the other hand, there are some things that you can do to keep your puppy healthy. For starters, hydration, home remedies for constipation, quality foods and snacks, and a well-planned feeding chart are things that will most certainly help your puppy remain healthy.

Final Thoughts

The Lhasa Apso price depends on a plethora of things. Hopefully, by reading this article, you got a clear picture of what it will cost you to have this charming dog as your house pet.

Having a dog isn’t always easy, but it represents a lifetime of happiness. Lhasa Apso puppies are among those heart-melting puppies that will make your life beautiful at all times.

Read more: What Shapes The Portuguese Water Dog Cost

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