Craig Kinner, age 13, of Monroe, La., for his question:

WHERE DID THE LHASA APSO DOG ORIGINATE?

Lhasa apso is a tiny dog that was once known as a terrier but is now classified as a nonsporting dog. It came originally from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet    arid that's how he received his name.

The dog's body is only 10 inches high. It has a long, heavy coat that looks like a mop. Its hair falls thickly over its face, covering its eyes and ears. It also has whiskers and a beard. It weighs between 12 and 15 pounds.

The Lhasa apso has a long, low body and carries its tail curled tightly over its back.

In the olden days, the Lhasa apso was used as a watchdog. Large dogs guarded the doors outside while the tiny dogs stayed inside to warn of danger.

Lhasa apso is related to both the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu, which orginated in China as well as Tibet, is just a bit smaller than the Lhasa apso.