The Lhasa Apso carries one of the most elegant coats in the small-dog world: long, straight, dense, and parted down the back. It also needs regular attention, because a coat that long tangles quickly. At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a full Lhasa Apso groom starts at $93, and this guide covers brushing, coat length options, face care, and what to expect at the groomer.
Understanding the Lhasa Apso Coat
The Lhasa Apso has a heavy, straight outer coat over a softer undercoat. In a full show-style coat, the hair grows to the floor and falls in a natural part along the back. The same hair also grows over the face, ears, and feet. Because the coat is long and dense, friction in the armpits, behind the ears, and along the legs causes tangles quickly.
The hair is dense and a little coarse rather than silky-soft, so it cannot be left for long between brushings. Skipped sessions turn small tangles into tight mats. For a similar long-coated small breed, our Shih Tzu grooming guide covers many of the same basics.
Long Coat or Puppy Cut?
Most pet Lhasas do not live in full show coat, and that is perfectly fine. The two common options are:
A long coat keeps the classic look, but needs brushing every day or every other day, plus careful handling in the bath and during drying.
A puppy cut trims the whole body to an even, manageable length, often two to three inches, while keeping the character of the face. It lets the dog play, run and roll without constant tangles, and it is a very popular choice among Brooklyn owners with busy schedules.
Tell the groomer about your daily routine and how much brushing you can commit to, and we will suggest a length that works. Short coats still need brushing, just less of it.
How to Brush a Lhasa Apso
Daily or every-other-day brushing is the best way to prevent mats in a long coat. Use a pin brush and a comb, and brush in layers, not just across the top.
- Mist the coat lightly before brushing to prevent breakage.
- Lift the hair in sections and brush from the skin outward.
- Finish with a comb to confirm you reached the base of the hair.
- Check behind the ears, under the legs, in the armpits, and around the tail every time.
Our pet brush guide lists tools by coat type, and this guide to grooming products helps you pick shampoos and sprays.
Face, Eyes and Tear Stains
Hair around the eyes can irritate them and collect tears, which may leave reddish-brown staining on light-colored faces. Keep the facial hair trimmed or tied back so it does not rub the eyes, and wipe the area gently with a clean damp cloth every day.
If the eyes look red, are constantly watering, or the dog is squinting, speak to your vet, because staining can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue. A professional groomer can also trim around the eyes safely and brighten the coat with an antioxidant whitening treatment.
Ears, Teeth and Nails
Lhasa Apsos have hanging ears covered in long hair, which can trap moisture. Check them weekly for odor or redness, and read our ear cleaning guide for what to look for. Small breeds are also prone to dental build-up, so regular tooth brushing and a dental inspection at every groom help. For nails, see how to trim dog nails.
Bathing and Drying
A bath every three to four weeks suits most Lhasas. Brush out any tangles first, because water tightens mats. Then dry thoroughly, ideally with a blow dryer on a low setting while brushing, so the hair dries straight and the skin does not stay damp. Our full groom includes shampoo and conditioning, a blow dry, nail clipping and filing, ear cleaning, and a dental inspection.
How Often Does a Lhasa Apso Need Professional Grooming?
Every four to six weeks works for most dogs. A long coat benefits from the shorter gap, while a neat puppy cut can usually stretch a little longer. See how often to take your dog to the groomer for more general guidance.
Lhasa Apso Grooming Cost in Brooklyn
These are Brooklyn Pet Spa starting prices from our breed rate chart. Final pricing depends on coat condition, matting, and temperament, and service tax applies.
| Service | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Grooming haircut + bath package | $93+ |
| Groomer’s bath | $53+ |
Popular add-ons include brushing ($15), teeth brushing ($15), ear hair plucking ($15), a deep conditioner ($22-$50), and an antioxidant whitening treatment ($10-$20). Appointments typically take 2 to 4 hours, even if online booking shows a shorter slot.
At-Home Lhasa Apso Grooming Checklist
- Brush every day or every other day with a pin brush and comb.
- Wipe the eye area with a clean damp cloth daily.
- Keep facial hair trimmed or tied back from the eyes.
- Check the ears weekly and the armpits and legs for tangles.
- Brush teeth regularly and ask about a dental check at each visit.
- Book professional grooming every four to six weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my Lhasa Apso?
Every day or every other day for a long coat. A shorter puppy cut needs brushing a few times a week.
Does a Lhasa Apso shed?
Lhasas lose very little loose hair around the house, but the hair that falls out often stays in the coat and can form mats if not brushed out.
What is a puppy cut for a Lhasa Apso?
It is an even, shorter trim across the whole body that keeps the dog comfortable and much easier to look after than a full long coat.
How much does Lhasa Apso grooming cost in Brooklyn?
At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a full groom starts at $93 and a groomer’s bath at $53. Matted coats may cost more.
How do I stop tear stains on my Lhasa Apso?
Keep the face clean and dry, keep hair away from the eyes, and see your vet if the eyes water constantly. Our groomers can also brighten the coat with an antioxidant whitening treatment.
Is Brooklyn Pet Spa cage-free?
Yes. We have been a cage-free grooming spa in Brooklyn since 2008, so your dog stays calm and comfortable.
Ready for a fresh, tangle-free Lhasa? Book a grooming appointment or explore our grooming services in Brooklyn.
