From the ArcaMax Publishing, Cats & Dogs Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/catsanddogs/s-177150-794765
Originally from Tibet, the Lhasa Apso is a small breed of dog who were
used as watchdogs inside Tibetan monasteries for over 1200 years, a
task for which they are uniquely suited with keen intelligence, acute
hearing, and instincts for identifying friends from strangers.
Lhasas are about 10 to 11 inches at the withers and weigh about 14-18
pounds. Having been bred to be sentinel or watch dogs, Lhasas tend to
be alert and have a keen sense of hearing. Bright and outgoing the
Lhasa can be very affectionate, although some tend toward wariness and
they can also be possessive, independent and bossy little dogs.
They're excellent with children so long as the child does not appear
as a rival.
The lhasa Apso is a non shedding breed and so requires regular
grooming and trimming. DNA analysis has identified the Lhasa Apso as
one of the 14 most ancient dog breeds.