Maltese Lhasa Apso – Life Expectancy and Other Facts

Are you a pet parent who is looking for a good dog breed? Have you decided to finally get a dog? Many people – especially those who are first-time pet parents – often go for small dogs. Lhatese – the mix breed of Lhasa Apso and Maltese – is a popular dog breed. These dogs have long flowing hair and an impressive hair coat, making them extremely popular among pet parents.

These dogs are available in white, black, and beige colors. They are short – between 10 and 12 inches, and they weigh up to 25 pounds. In this article, we will discuss some facts about this particular breed.

Facts about Maltese-Lhasa Apso Dogs

Are you planning to get a Lhatese for yourself? Then, you should know some of the popular facts about them.

Small in Size

These dogs are small in size, which means that they are best for small urban families who are not looking for a high-maintenance dog breed. They are extremely friendly and easily get accustomed to all kinds of surroundings.

Temperament

These dogs are extremely friendly and affectionate. They also get along with other dogs as well – so, if you want to throw a dog party, you can easily do so because your dog will be quite welcoming of the “dog guests” and have a great time.

Life Span

Before buying any dog breed, it is important to know their life span. The Lhatese usually live up to 15 years. So, if you have this dog, you should know that you have between 12 and 15 years to take care of it. These dogs are also vulnerable to developing certain health conditions including renal diseases.

Hypoallergenic

Another thing that is extremely important to know before you adopt a pet is whether it is hypoallergenic. There are so many people who are allergic to dogs. They wrongly believe that all dogs will trigger their allergies. But it is not the case. There are certain dogs – also called hypoallergenic – which doesn’t trigger your allergies. Lhatese are hypoallergenic. It means that you can keep them at home even if you are allergic to dogs.

Exercise

Unlike other dog breeds, Lhatese doesn’t need a lot of exercise. They would require small walks every day, and they will be good.

Training

These dogs are inherently intelligent and are able to pick up on different things. However, they are also quite stubborn. It means that your trainer will have to exercise restraint and patience to deal with them. Request your trainer to not be too harsh with these dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a Maltese Lhasa Apso live for more than 15 years?

Ans: The average life span of a Maltese Lhasa Apso is between 12 and 15 years. However, according to available data, the longest such a dog has lived is 20 years.

Q: What health problems do Lhatese – Lhasa Apso and Maltese mix – have?

Ans: Almost every dog breed has some sort of underlying health conditions. As dogs grow old, they are more prone to developing these diseases because of their genes – it doesn’t reflect how well you take care of dogs. The Lhatese are also vulnerable to certain diseases including eye problems, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia, and intervertebral disc diseases.

Q: What are the signs of a dying dog?

Ans: As dogs age, they become less and less active. They also start hiding from their family members and love spending them in isolation. These signs exacerbate when dogs are nearing their life span – which means that they are near their death. It is a bit difficult for people to come to the terms that they may be parting ways with their dogs. But it is a reality – a sad one, but a reality nevertheless. Here are some of the signs that you should watch for if you have a senior dog:

1. The Dog is in Pain: Dogs that are in extreme pain and discomfort are nearing their end. Some signs include: restlessness, loss of mobility, reluctance to interact with family (hiding under the bed or in the closet), trembling, aggression, etc. If you see any of the signs, you must take your dog to a vet and learn about the available options.
2. No Interest in Favorite Activities: People who have had pets will tell you how they have a set schedule for different activities. Senior dogs usually show less interest in such activities, but they do participate in some of them. A dying dog, however, doesn’t show any interest in the activities they used to love. If you see your dog showing this questionable behavior, you may prepare yourself for the “end.”
3. Loss of Appetite: Dogs who are close to their “final days” often lose their appetite, it is even more common if dogs are also exhibiting signs like pain or nausea. And since they are not up for eating, they start losing weight. If you see a rapid weight loss in your dog, you should consult a vet. It may be a sign of your dog’s final call.
4. Decreased Grooming: Dogs who are in their final days rarely pay attention to themselves. They don’t groom themselves, and their coats start looking unkempt or dull. It is because they don’t have the energy to do everyday stuff. In addition to this, they are unable to go out to relieve themselves. These signs clearly suggest that your dog is not doing well and have a few days to live. As devastating as it sounds, you should make a quick appointment with your dog’s vet to discuss the issues and what you can do to improve your dog’s quality of life in its final days.
5. Loss of Mobility: Dogs who are left with not much time experience more stiffness – which makes it difficult for them to move around with ease. They won’t be able to keep up with their daily routine or even get involved in routine activities that they normally love.

Q: How should one prepare themselves to say goodbye to dogs?

Ans: Senior dogs may show signs that suggest that their “end” is near. But these symptoms could also be that of a treatable illness. Instead of jumping to a conclusion on your own, you should consult a vet.

If your vet says that it’s time to prepare for the “final goodbye,” you should ask them about the various options that you have. Sometimes, your vet will tell you more about palliative care and how your dogs’ final days could be made even better and more comfortable. You should also discuss the process of “euthanasia” with your vet to make the final process easier for your furry friend.

Also, if your vet is able to give you a certain timeframe, you should plan some activities with your dog – which you can do during your dog’s final days. You can take them to places where you always wanted to take them or at dog parks where your furry friend would usually go.

For many pet parents, the death of their furry friends is a big traumatic event. They also need therapy to overcome their trauma. You should see if there are any support groups for people who have recently lost their pets. Some people say that conducting a funeral for their pets helped them recover from the trauma. You can also consider that. 

The Final Word

Has this article made you too eager to get a Maltese Lhasa Apso for yourself? These adorable and cute-looking dogs make a great family member. The short and petite dogs don’t require much maintenance, and pet parents are able to keep them without much hassle.

These dogs are friendly and extremely intelligent. If you are considering adopting or buying a dog, you should go with this mix breed. They live considerably long enough –up to 15 years.