What breed of dog is in the photograph?

The Lhasa Apso was bred in Tibet by the Buddhist monks as early as 800 B.C., as indoor sentinel dogs for the monasteries and homes of the nobility.

This little guard dog weighs between 12 to 18 pounds, and can be between 9 and 11 inches at the shoulder. Amazingly, the Lhasa Apso is one of the top breeds that are the closest in DNA to the ancestral wolf.

They come in many different colors, and have a sharp bark- which is utilized when a stranger is nearby. Because this is bred into them, Lhasas must be taught to socialize with people and other dogs from a young age. They are very loyal to their owners and make caring, close companions who are entertaining and comical- liking to be the center of attention.

Until the 1900's, the Lhasa Apso was never sold, only given away. It was believed by the monks that a spirit of a deceased lama could enter a dog while waiting for the next reincarnation.

North America was first gifted a pair of Lhasa Apsos in 1933 by the 13th Dalai Lama. The American Kennel Club now recognizes the breed as a Non Sporting dog as of 1959.