14-24 lbs
10-15"
Unknown
The Lacasapoo is a cross between the Lhasa Apso and the crossbred Cockapoo. Dogs of the hybrid are small, reaching around 15 inches in height and weighing up to 24 pounds. The Lacasapoo is typically a happy, outgoing dog who will be affectionate towards his humans. The hybrid is found to be loyal and protective of his people and cautious when encountering strangers. The Lacasapoo is a smart dog who will be eager to please. Maintenance will depend on the coat that he inherits from his parents, though is typically moderate.
The hybrid called the Lacasapoo is a new breed of dog that does not have a detailed history, though the two breeds that combine to create the breed have long histories. One of the oldest designer dogs, the Cock-A-Poo is a hybrid of the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel, having been bred in the 1960’s; in 1999 the Cockapoo Club of America was formed and a breed standard was put forth. The American Cockapoo Club formed in 2004. The Lhasa Apso was developed as sentinels for the temples and monasteries by Buddhist monks living in the Tibetan mountains. There are multiple beliefs regarding how the breed came to be. Some believe that the dogs are descendants of Tibetan Terriers, though others believe that the breed may be influenced by dogs from the North. Review of the breed’s DNA points to the ancestors of the Lhasa Apso being a kind of mountain wolf. Bred to handle cold weather, the breed developed strong judgement allowing them to determine whether those approaching the temples and monasteries were friends or enemies. Though the dogs were never sold, the Dalai Lamas would occasionally give a pair as a gift to Imperial families and visiting dignitaries. The breed gained recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1935, having first arrived in the U.S. in 1933.
A small dog, the Lacasapoo will typically weigh up to 24 pounds. The Lacasapoo will have floppy ears and a dense coat that may be anywhere from short to long, and have a texture that ranges from wavy to curly. Colors seen in the hybrid include silver, white, black, brown, cream and brindle. Your Lacasapoo will get his individuality from the parent breeds; puppies within the same litter can vary in color and in size as they grow. An expressive face will give your hybrid pup an inquisitive look that matches his spritely personality.
A moderate amount of grooming and maintenance will be necessary for the Lacasapoo. How much the Lacasapoo will shed will be dependent upon the type of coat that he inherits. Should the coat be more like that of a Poodle, for example, shedding will be minimal. Regular trimming or stripping at the groomers may be required and bathing should occur only as needed so as not to damage the natural oils in his skin. The ears of the Lacasapoo should be cleaned weekly with ear cleaning solution, at which time you can also confirm that there is no infection present. The teeth of the Lacasapoo should be brushed several times each week to ensure his long term dental health.
The Lacasapoo is a bright, active dog. As a result of their desire to please and intellect, the Lacasapoo will be easy to train and he will enjoy getting your positive attention. Dogs of the breed will be protective of their humans and distrustful of strangers (he will bark to let you know of ones’ presence) as well as new animals, requiring socialization with other pets in the family. Obedience training is a good idea with any dog, and the Lacasapoo is no exception; he will thrive on the attention. The Lacasapoo will do well with small children and desires to spend most of his time with his humans.
The Lacasapoo will enjoy a moderate amount of activity, which can include walks with his humans as well as playing outdoors at the dog park or with his family. Dogs of the breed have a good amount of energy and will appreciate opportunities to get that energy out. Because of his relatively small size, the Lacasapoo will be able to meet a lot of his activity needs through playing indoors and tagging along with his family. An apartment or house will be fine for dogs of the hybrid, who won't require a large indoor space. A fenced-in yard is not necessary, though would offer the hybrid a place to play and get some fresh air when the weather is pleasant.
Written by a Australian Shepherd lover Ilyssa Bozza
Published: 10/24/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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