Posted by Jeanne on December 17, 2008
Since the Lhasa Apso has over 500 years of Tibetan, Chinese, and Far East history and is not a “cur of the street” but kept in the homes of the mighty as guards, the buying public in America should consider a Lhasa for the same reason.
In their native land, they are called “apso seng kye” (bark sentinel lion dog). This should and does give us the clue as to their basic color and disposition. Though they may come in many colors, the most desirable is ‘lion color’ with blank tinpings on ears and tip of tail and black nose.
They are not a big toy breed but tend much more to the small size, for the women kept them in their apartments. The full-grown male should never stand more than ten inches at the shoulders and not weigh more than eleven pounds. Females are smaller. Hair is to be toward the coarse side but very dense. Bite should be good and the nose short.
Posted by Jeanne on December 16, 2008
The Smooth Collie is very similar to his rough-coated brother. The main difference is in the coat which should be short, dense, and flat and with a thick undercoat. He is hardy and easy to rear, cleanly in his habits, and a great pal. He is easily trained for any sort of work and takes naturally to the herding of sheep and cattle.
- Head – Should be in proportion to dog’s size; skull moderately wide between the ears, and flat, tapering to the end of the muzzle, which ought to be of a fair length but not too snipey, with only a slight stop.
- Teeth – Strong and white. The top jaw fitting nicely over the lower, and where much over or at all undershot, it should count against the dog.
- Eyes – Of almond shape, set obliquely in the head, and the shade consistent with the color of the dog. A full or staring eye is very objectionable.
- Ears – Small, and when the dog’s attention is attracted, carried semi-erect; but when in repose it is natural for them to be laid back.
- Neck – Long and well arched, and shoulders muscular and sloping.
- Back – Rather long, strong, and straight, the loin slightly arched, and the chest fairly deep, but not too wide.
- Forelegs – Straight and muscular, with a fair amount of bone. The hindlegs should be rather wide apart, with stifle well bent, forming sicklehocks.
- Feet – Compact, knuckles well sprung, claws strong and close together, pads cannot be too hard.
- Coat – Short, dense flat coat, with good texture, with an abundance of undercoat.
- Symmetry – The dog should be of fair length on the leg, and his movements active and graceful.
- Height – Dogs, twenty-two to twenty-four inches; bitches, twenty to twenty-two inches.
- Tail – Of medium length, and when the dog is standing quietly, should be slightly raised, but more so when excited.