Breed Guides

Lhasa Apso Grooming Guide: Costs, Cuts & Care Tips (2026)

Complete guide to Lhasa Apso grooming including costs, popular cuts, grooming frequency, and professional care tips.

Updated January 202610 min read
Lhasa Apso with flowing coat

Lhasa Apsos have a beautiful, long, flowing coat that can reach the floor in show dogs

Quick Answer:

Lhasa Apso grooming costs $60-$100 every 4-6 weeks. Their long, dense coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting. Most pet owners opt for a puppy cut for easier maintenance.

Lhasa Apso Grooming Costs

Here's what to expect for professional Lhasa Apso grooming based on size and service type:

SizeWeightBasic GroomFull Groom
Lhasa Apso12-18 lbs$60-$80$80-$100

Annual grooming costs: $720-$1,200 (based on grooming every 4-6 weeks).

For comparison with other breeds, see our complete dog grooming cost guide.

Lhasa Apso Coat Type & Care

Lhasa Apsos have a long, heavy, straight, hard coat that can reach floor length. The coat naturally parts down the back. Colors include honey, black, white, slate, and parti-color.

Coat TypeLong
SheddingLow
Grooming FrequencyEvery 4-6 weeks
BrushingDaily (full coat) or every other day (puppy cut)
Grooming DifficultyHigh

Popular Lhasa Apso Haircuts

Here are the most popular grooming styles for Lhasa Apsos:

Puppy Cut

Best for: Most pet owners

Body trimmed to 1-2 inches uniformly. Much easier to maintain than full coat.

Maintenance: Low-Medium - brush every other day

Teddy Bear Cut

Best for: Cute, cuddly appearance

Body kept short with rounded face creating soft teddy bear look.

Maintenance: Medium - regular brushing

Full Show Coat

Best for: Show dogs or dedicated owners

Long, flowing coat reaching floor with characteristic part down back.

Maintenance: Very High - daily brushing sessions

Modified Show Trim

Best for: Some length without full maintenance

Longer than puppy cut but not floor-length. Some breed character maintained.

Maintenance: High - daily brushing

Lhasa Apso Grooming Schedule

Follow this schedule to keep your Lhasa Apso looking and feeling their best:

  • Professional grooming: Every 4-6 weeks
  • Brushing: Daily for full coat, every other day for puppy cut
  • Bathing: Every 2-3 weeks
  • Nail trimming: Every 2-3 weeks
  • Ear cleaning: Weekly

Puppy Grooming

Start grooming early to establish routine. Puppy coat is softer and easier than adult coat.

Senior Dog Grooming

Older Lhasas often do better with shorter clips for comfort and easier maintenance.

Find a Lhasa Apso-experienced groomer

Search our directory for professional groomers experienced with Lhasa Apsos and similar breeds.

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Common Lhasa Apso Grooming Problems

Severe Matting

Long coat mats quickly without daily attention.

Prevention: Daily brushing with proper technique, using detangler spray.

Eye Irritation

Long facial hair can irritate eyes.

Prevention: Keep facial hair trimmed or tied up, clean eyes daily.

Tear Staining

Common in light-colored dogs.

Prevention: Daily face cleaning, tear stain products if needed.

At-Home Lhasa Apso Grooming

Between professional grooms, here's what you need and how to maintain your Lhasa Apso's coat at home.

Essential Tools

  • Pin brush
  • Slicker brush
  • Metal comb
  • Detangling spray
  • Hair bands for topknot
  • Eye wipes

Grooming Tips

  • Brush daily for full coat, every other day for puppy cut
  • Use detangler before brushing
  • Keep facial hair clean and dry
  • Consider a topknot to keep hair out of eyes
  • Puppy cut is much easier to maintain

Finding a Lhasa Apso-Experienced Groomer

Not all groomers are equally experienced with every breed. Here's what to look for when choosing a groomer for your Lhasa Apso:

  • Find groomers experienced with Lhasa Apsos
  • Ask about their approach to long-coated breeds
  • Verify they can do proper breed styling
  • Discuss maintenance options

For more tips, see our Signs of a Good Dog Groomer guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Lhasa Apso grooming cost?

$60-$100 per session depending on coat length and condition.

How often should a Lhasa Apso be groomed?

Every 4-6 weeks professionally, with daily brushing at home for full coats.

Do Lhasa Apsos shed?

They are low shedding but still require extensive grooming.

What is the easiest Lhasa Apso haircut?

The puppy cut (1-2 inches all over) is easiest to maintain.

How long does Lhasa Apso hair grow?

It can grow to floor length if left uncut.

Are Lhasa Apsos hard to groom?

Yes, they are one of the more challenging breeds due to coat density and length.

The Bottom Line

Lhasa Apso grooming requires professional appointments every 4-6 weeks, with costs ranging based on size and service level. Regular at-home maintenance between appointments keeps your Lhasa Apso looking and feeling their best.

Find a groomer experienced with Lhasa Apsos, establish a consistent grooming schedule, and maintain regular brushing at home. Your Lhasa Apso will thank you with a healthy, beautiful coat.

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