Meet Simba, the Lhasa Apso and Pitbull Mixed Puppy

Simba is an eight-month-old puppy who is a mix between a Pitbull and a Lhasa Apso. Just from knowing his parents, you can imagine how cute and beautiful he must be, right? Due to his unique mix, his owner, Mikaely Rufino Carvalho, who lives in São Paulo, Brazil, jokes that he is a “Pitlhasa.”

In an interview with Amo Meu Pet (our Brazilian website about pet news), Mikaely said that Simba was a “forced” gift from a friend, as she initially didn’t want the responsibility of caring for a dog.

However, due to her friend’s insistence, she ended up adopting him. Now, the little guy is her velcro dog!

Mikaely's friend owns Simba’s parents, with the mother being a Pitbull and the father a Lhasa Apso. Since she hadn’t been spayed, one day, the clever Lhasa decided to have an adventure, and the Pitbull became pregnant.

Ever since adopting Simba, Mikaely jokes, “He became my daily stress, my life’s torment, but I don’t know if I can live without him anymore.”

“He is very affectionate, clingy, and good company. If I’m cooking, he lies there and waits for me,” she said. “Here at home, no one can use the bathroom or take a shower alone, because he’s there. He only sleeps next to my bed, but when I wake up, he’s lying next to me. He waits for my husband to leave for work and stays there until I wake up.”

Pitbull

Pitbulls, according to Dog Time, are a notable dog breed because of their distinct characteristics. Originating from England, they are known for their strength and energy. Contrary to popular belief, Pitbulls are affectionate and loyal to their owners.

They are intelligent and easily trainable dogs, making excellent family companions when properly socialized. Their jaws are powerful, but they do not have a “lock” as is commonly said, which is a myth.

They are amazing athletes and excel at canine sports. Although they are frequently misunderstood, with proper training and socialization, Pitbulls can become incredibly loving and trustworthy.

Lhasa Apso

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) the Lhasa Apso is a breed of Tibetan origin known for its long, luxurious coat, which requires regular grooming.

They are small, usually weighing 9 to 17 pounds, and have an alert and brave personality. Despite their size, they are excellent guard dogs. Their history goes back centuries, and they were considered guardians in Tibetan monasteries.

Lhasa Apsos are independent but also affectionate with their owners. They are great for apartments due to their size. They are also known for being good with children and the elderly. They are intelligent but can be stubborn when it comes to training.

The Mix

A Pitbull and Lhasa Apso mix can result in a dog with a unique combination of characteristics.

These dogs are generally medium in size, smaller than a purebred Pitbull. Their coat can vary from short to medium length, but it is generally less dense than that of a purebred Lhasa Apso.

Personality-wise, they can be affectionate, alert, and loyal, typical characteristics of the Lhasa Apso, but they can also inherit some energy and strength from the Pitbull. They are generally intelligent and respond well to training.

See a video of Simba below:

Simba is the perfect mix! Medium-sized and with curly fur, he looks like a cloud.

Importance of Castration

One of the main reasons to spay or neuter a pet is population control. By preventing unplanned breeding, spaying and neutering help reduce the number of puppies abandoned or placed in shelters, contributing to the reduction of overpopulation.

In addition, spaying and neutering offer several health benefits to pets. It prevents reproductive problems, such as uterine infections, breast cancer, prostate cancer and tumors in the reproductive organs, increasing the longevity and quality of their lives.

In terms of behavior, spaying and neutering can reduce unwanted behaviors such as marking territory, aggression, roaming in search of mates, and excessive vocalization. This makes living with pets more harmonious and satisfying.