The capital city of Tibet, Lhasa, is where a portion of the breed’s name came from. Apso Seng Ky is another name used to identify a Lhasa Apso. The translation means “Bearded Lion Dog.” Lions are symbols of royalty in Buddhist cultures, meaning that Lhasas Apsos are highly respected in the area of its namesake. Snow lions are also highly respected in Tibetan regions, as it is the image on the Tibetan flag.