Lhasa Apso Colors & Coat Guide

All recognized Lhasa Apso colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.

Lhasa Apso Colors Overview

Lhasa Apso coat colors are governed by a complex interplay of genetics. Lhasa Apsos come in virtually any color, with golden, honey, and grizzle being most common. Color often changes significantly from puppyhood to adulthood, especially in darker dogs..

Understanding which colors are standard versus non-standard helps buyers make informed decisions. Color should never be the primary selection criterion—health and temperament come first.

Recognized Colors

Golden Standard

Black Standard

White Standard

Grizzle Standard

Slate Standard

Honey Standard

Parti-Color Standard

Color & Price Impact

Standard colors	Normal pricing ($800–$1500)
Rare/unusual colors	Premium pricing (+$450–$750)

Coat Genetics

Lhasa Apso coat color is controlled by several genes that determine pigment production and distribution. The primary genes include the E (extension) locus, A (agouti) locus, K (dominant black) locus, and B (brown) locus.

DNA color testing is available and can help breeders predict puppy colors and identify carriers of recessive genes. Lhasa Apsos come in virtually any color, with golden, honey, and grizzle being most common. Color often changes significantly from puppyhood to adulthood, especially in darker dogs..

Rare vs Standard Colors

Among Lhasa Apsos, the standard colors (Golden, Black, White, Grizzle, Slate, Honey, Parti-Color) are most common. With 7 recognized colors, variety exists even within the standard palette. Buyers should be cautious—extremely rare colors can sometimes be associated with health issues or may indicate crossbreeding.

Lhasa Apsos come in virtually any color, with golden, honey, and grizzle being most common. Color often changes significantly from puppyhood to adulthood, especially in darker dogs..

Do Lhasa Apso Colors Change with Age?

Do not be surprised if your Lhasa Apso puppy's color changes as they grow. Their long, straight, dense, and heavy coat can look very different at 3 months versus 12 months. Colors like Golden, Black may shift—sometimes dramatically—during this transition. Lhasa Apsos come in virtually any color, with golden, honey, and grizzle being most common. Color often changes significantly from puppyhood to adulthood, especially in darker dogs..

Controversial Colors

When shopping for a Lhasa Apso, be skeptical of breeders who advertise unusual colors at prices above $1500. Non-standard colors beyond Golden, Black, White, Grizzle, Slate, Honey, Parti-Color can indicate mixed breeding or genes linked to health issues. Lhasa Apsos come in virtually any color, with golden, honey, and grizzle being most common. Color often changes significantly from puppyhood to adulthood, especially in darker dogs..

Frequently Asked Questions

The Lhasa Apso comes in Golden, Black, White, Grizzle and other colors. Lhasa Apsos come in virtually any color, with golden, honey, and grizzle being most common. Color often changes significantly from puppyhood to adulthood, especially in darker dogs..

Rarity depends on genetics. Non-standard colors may be less common but should not be prioritized over health and temperament. Lhasa Apsos come in virtually any color, with golden, honey, and grizzle being most common. Color often changes significantly from puppyhood to adulthood, especially in darker dogs..

As a Lhasa Apso puppy matures from puppyhood to adulthood (4–12 months), coat color can shift. Lhasa Apsos come in virtually any color, with golden, honey, and grizzle being most common. Color often changes significantly from puppyhood to adulthood, especially in darker dogs.. Since the Lhasa Apso comes in 7 recognized color varieties, the extent of change depends on the specific color genetics involved.

In most cases, coat color does not affect health. However, certain color genes (such as merle or extreme white) can carry health implications in some breeds. Lhasa Apsos come in virtually any color, with golden, honey, and grizzle being most common. Color often changes significantly from puppyhood to adulthood, especially in darker dogs..

Popularity among Lhasa Apso colors tends to track with the breed standard. The standard recognizes Golden, Black, White, Grizzle as acceptable colors. With 7 color options, Lhasa Apso buyers have good variety. Lhasa Apsos come in virtually any color, with golden, honey, and grizzle being most common. Color often changes significantly from puppyhood to adulthood, especially in darker dogs..