Lhasa Apso Grooming Guide — Cost, Styles & Care Tips

Grooming Guide

Dense coat mats very easily. Full coat requires daily brushing. Most owners keep a shorter puppy or teddy bear cut. Eye area needs regular cleaning.

Popular Lhasa Apso Haircut Styles

Puppy Cut

Even length all over (usually ½–1 inch), clean face and feet. Simple, practical, and comfortable — ideal for active dogs or warm climates.

Maintenance: Low Add-on: +$0

Teddy Bear Cut

Uniform 1–2 inch length all over, rounded face — the most popular pet cut. Gives a cuddly, puppy-like appearance that's easy to maintain between grooms.

Maintenance: Medium Add-on: +$0–$10

Show Coat

Full-length coat maintained for the show ring. Requires daily brushing, wrapping, and professional conditioning. Not practical for most pet owners.

Maintenance: Very High Add-on: +$30–$50

Top Knot

Body trimmed short with longer hair on the head tied or bowed up. Keeps hair out of eyes while maintaining a cute look.

Maintenance: Medium Add-on: +$0–$5

At-Home Care Tips

Brush daily or every other day to keep the coat healthy and distribute natural oils
Trim nails every 2-4 weeks or use a Dremel for smooth edges
Clean ears weekly — this breed is prone to ear infections
Regular bathing every 4-8 weeks helps keep the coat clean and healthy
NEVER shave a double-coated breed — the coat insulates against both heat and cold and may not regrow properly

See Detailed Grooming Costs View All Haircut Styles

Boarding & Daycare

Independent — actually handles boarding better than many small breeds. Can be aloof with strangers initially. Moderate separation tolerance.

Key Stats

Energy Level

Separation Anxiety

Trainability

What to Tell Your Boarding Facility

Energy level: Low energy — short walks and rest time

Social style: confident, smart — generally adapts well to boarding environments

Should be in small-dog play groups only

Grooming during boarding: Daily brushing recommended to prevent matting

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Lhasa Apso grooming cost?

Professional grooming for a Lhasa Apso typically costs $45–$75 per session. The exact price depends on your location, the dog's size within the breed range (12–18 lbs), coat condition, and the style you choose. Severely matted coats may incur additional dematting fees.

How often should a Lhasa Apso be groomed?

Lhasa Apsos should be professionally groomed every 4–6 weeks. Between professional visits, regular at-home brushing is important — even though this breed is a low shedder.

Are Lhasa Apsos good for boarding?

Independent — actually handles boarding better than many small breeds. Can be aloof with strangers initially. Moderate separation tolerance.

What is the best haircut for a Lhasa Apso?

The most popular Lhasa Apso haircuts are Puppy Cut, Teddy Bear Cut, Show Coat. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, how much brushing you want to do at home, and your dog's comfort level with grooming.

Do Lhasa Apsos shed a lot?

Lhasa Apsos have a shedding level of 2 out of 5. They are light shedders with minimal hair around the house.

How much does a Lhasa Apso weigh?

Lhasa Apsos typically weigh 12–18 lbs. They are classified as small dogs. Weight affects grooming prices — larger dogs within the breed range will generally cost more to groom.

🐶 Lhasa Apso Grooming Guide