Enga-Apso

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
Great Britain <> Tibet -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Enga-Apso

The Enga-Apso is a hybrid breed in which the King Charles Spaniel is crossed with the Lhassa Apso. Relatively new, there is little information available on the Enga-Apso, but owners of this cute and spunky hybrid say it is affectionate and alert. Also known for being intelligent and confident, some Enga-Apsos can be aloof with strangers. Interaction with people of all ages will help to mitigate the impact of this trait, as although somewhat reserved when meeting a new person, they behave well at home. He has a beautiful coat, with lots of fur that comes in many different colors, and he's always ready for adventure. Novice pet owners will appreciate his easy-going personality.

History of the Enga-Apso

The hybrid called Enga-Apso is a new breed of dog with no detailed history, but looking at the parents can give a good picture of the past.
        

A little of the King Charles Spaniel

        
The origin of the King Charles Spaniel is England as a hunting dog, although it is thought that they may have originated in Asia, where they were mostly given as gifts to Japanese royalty. They may have been mixed with Carlins in the early 1900s, resulting in the short, slightly flattened muzzle. Once classified by four colors, this Spaniel was reclassified in 1904 by the American Kennel Club as the King Charles Spaniel. Known separately as the King Charles, Prince Charles, Blenheim and Ruby, this breed makes a wonderful show dog under the King Charles Spaniel classification.
Standard of the King Charles Spaniel

A little of the Lhassa Apso

The Lhassa Apso was developed by monks living in Buddhist temples in the Tibetan mountains. Possibly descended from the Tibetan Terrier, they were the guardians of the temples and monastery in which they lived. Studies on the DNA of the Lhassa Apso suggest that the dogs may be closely related to their wolf ancestors, including a type of mountain wolf. Known for their acute sense of hearing, they were prized as protectors. They were never sold; only the Dalai Lama could offer them to those he felt worthy of them, usually visiting dignitaries and imperial families. The breed found its way to the United States via Mr. and Mrs. Suydam Cutting, who received a couple. These dogs formed the basis of the breed in the USA, gaining recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1935.
Standard of the Lhassa Apso

Appearance of the Enga-Apso

The Enga-Apso is a hybrid of the King Charles Spaniel and the Lhassa Apso. This hybrid is often small and square with a large, flat nose, although it can sometimes inherit the smaller, button-shaped nose of its Lhassa Apso parent. Compact and robust, it is sturdy and will most likely have a fairly hairy tail that curves over its back. The legs of this agile hybrid are short and muscular, with small, hairy paws. He will have a long, silky coat, usually straight but it can be wavy, with long-haired ears that are very feathered and pendulous. He may have fur on his face, hiding small eyes. His gait will display an air of confidence and pride.

Temperament of the Enga-Apso

The Enga-Apso can be stubborn when training, but is otherwise easy-going and pleasant to be around. He can also be independent, but he's really a very devoted pet. Clownish when he wants to be, he rarely barks, which means you don't have to worry about disturbing your neighbors. The Enga-Apso gets on well with dogs and other animals, but to ensure peace and harmony at all times, make sure there is regular interaction between canines or other species. He's great with children and the elderly, although children need to learn to discern when the little dog has had enough. He's an intelligent dog and will enjoy the challenge of attending obedience classes.

Needs and activities of the Enga-Apso

Activity requirements for the Enga-Apso include walks two or three times a day. These can be short, brisk walks around the block that allow him to practice his social skills, seek out interesting sites and investigate different scents. He's perfectly suited to apartment living, but will expect to get out regularly to expend energy and explore. If he'll be living in a house with a fenced-in yard, remember that he doesn't like to be left alone and will let you know his dismay by barking and digging. Keep him company when he's outside, otherwise he may escape unexpectedly.

Maintenance of the Enga-Apso

The Enga-Apso should be brushed at least every other day, with a good pin brush that doesn't snag the long fur. If mats are present, a metal comb can be useful, as can brushing in layers and the use of a detangler. Bathing is only necessary every few months or on occasions when your dog is particularly dirty. It's important to start the grooming routine early so that your dog is more cooperative as he grows. Regular grooming and clipping by a professional will help maintain the dog's coat, although daily grooming is always necessary. As with all dogs, you'll want to brush his teeth 2-3 times a week to avoid costly dental bills. Small dogs are prone to tooth decay, so this is a part of ownership not to be neglected.

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