Lhasa Apso

Appearance: Small (under 1 ft high) but hardy dog of aristocratic bearing. Famous for floor-length, flat-hanging coat parted in middle. Feathery tail curls over back (Tibetan style). Dark, oval eyes peep through lavish facial hair ('windows of merry soul'). Exotic, elegant, serenely balanced Asian look.

Traits & Characteristics: Thousand-year-old breed, sentinels at Himalayan palaces/monasteries. Smart, confident, complex. Family comedians, regally aloof with strangers. Can be independent, stubborn. Good watchdogs; need regular grooming.

Origins: Lhasa, Tibet.