Temperament
Lhasas are bright, affectionate little dogs who make very loving and loyal family pets. They are good companions and great travelers. They love to play, and are usually excellent with children. They are known for being keenly watchful, and are an assertive and regal little dog that make excellent watchdogs.
Their small size makes them an ideal city pet whose exercise needs can be easily met. They are
equally happy whether they are lounging around the house or off for a brisk walk with their owner,
playing in the park or on their own balcony.
The Lhasa Apso is slow to mature and does not reach maturity until 3 to 4 years of age. They are a long-lived dog frequently living to 18 years or longer. The oldest living dog in history was a Lhasa, documented 29 years of age in 1939.
Lhasas are easily trained and are very responsive to kindness. They are very affectionate but can also be very possessive, independent little dogs. The Lhasa has a good memory and takes easily to all kinds of training.
For such a small dog, they have very big hearts and appear to act and think as if they are big dogs in a little dog's body. These dogs do not like to be surprised.
A Question of Gender
There has been some debate regarding whether a male or female dog is the better pet. Although everyone has an opinion on this, the truth is that there is surprisingly little difference between the two after they have been neutered/spayed. Males are usually bigger than females but when you consider the difference between 12 to 14 lbs. it is really a minor consideration.
Most problems with either male or female occur when an animal has not been spayed/neutered. For instance, the hormonal changes a female experiences as she comes in and out of the estrus cycle during her life can cause her to be more likely to wander.
If a male has been neutered before he starts "leg-lifting" he will most probably never do it, as the hormones that create this urge are not there.
Regardless of gender either make excellent companions and can accomplish the same role in your life.