Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Dog Breeds

Kimola (American Eskimo Dog & Lhasa Apso Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole CosgroveUpdated on July 9, 2026
Share
Kimola - American Eskimo Lhasa Apso Mix

The Kimola is a small to medium mixed breed of the American Eskimo Dog and the Lhasa Apso. Kimolas are very loyal and friendly and make great pets for many different types of homes.

Height:12 - 19 inches
Weight:16 - 40 pounds
Lifespan:10 - 15 years
Colors:Cream, white, gray, or a combination
Suitable for:Singles, families with children, seniors, apartment living
Temperament:Intelligent, affectionate, social, loyal

In this article, we will discuss every aspect of owning a Kimola, from the price of buying a Kimola puppy to the notable differences between male and female Kimolas. Keep reading to learn more about these designer dogs and whether this breed is right for you and your family!

Kimola Characteristics

Energy
+
Trainability
+
Health
+
Lifespan
+
Sociability
+
divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Kimola Puppies

If you are thinking about buying a Kimola puppy, you should know that one of these dogs will not be very affordable. When looking for a breeder, make sure to do your research. Unfortunately, not every breeder does the job with the dog’s best interest at heart. Any good breeder will be willing and able to answer your questions about the dogs. Ask for a tour of the breeding facility so that you can familiarize yourself with your dog’s parents and get a good sense of the dog’s health and wellbeing.

Also, be sure to ask about your Kimola puppy’s health history. Since the Kimola is a mixed breed dog and is not registered with the American Kennel Club, your puppy will not come with pedigree papers that give a detailed overview of your dog’s lineage. However, your breeder should be able to tell you information about your dog’s lineage and the health histories of each parent dog. Consider it a red flag when a breeder dodges your questions or refuses to allow you to visit their breeding facilities.

Image Credit: Left- Scarlett Images, Shutterstock | Right - rebeccaashworthearle, Shutterstock
divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Temperament & Intelligence of the Kimola 🧠

The Kimola is an affectionate and lovable hybrid pup. These dogs are intelligent and can be trained as long as you can keep their attention long enough to teach them a new trick! They are courageous despite their small size and loyal to the end.

Are These Dogs Good for Families 👪

Kimolas are very social animals that make excellent companions for children and families with children. Of course, it always helps to socialize your Kimola from a young age to help acclimate it to children and people in general. Lhasa Apsos can be a bit more challenging to socialize with children than American Eskimo Dogs, so if you find that your dog takes after its Lhasa Apso ancestor, you may need to spend more time working with your dog in this particular area.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets 🐶 😽

As with children, the Kimola tends to do well with other pets as long as they are socialized from a young age. Without proper socialization, your Kimola may be tempted to chase after smaller animals in your home, such as cats and rabbits. So, do your best not to tempt their prey drive.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Things to Know When Owning a Kimola

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

When searching for the right brand and type of dog food to feed your Kimola, look for foods made from high-quality ingredients. The best dog foods will list high-quality protein as the first ingredient. Look for dog foods specifically formulated for small to medium breeds. You should also consider your dog’s age when buying food. Puppies and senior dogs need more protein than adults and often require specially formulated foods to meet their nutritional requirements.

It is recommended that you feed your Kimola at least two meals a day, splitting up its daily allotment of food between the meals. Kimolas are prone to weight gain, so free eating is not recommended. If you are wondering how much food is appropriate to feed your Kimola, the exact amount depends largely on its age, activity level, and ideal weight. If your dog is overweight, feed it based on the weight your veterinarian deems appropriate, not its current weight. You can use charts such as this one to estimate how much food your Kimola should be eating. If you have questions about your specific dog, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian.

Exercise 🐕

Kimolas are relatively high-energy dogs for their size, but they do not require as much exercise as larger breeds. Be sure your Kimola gets a moderate amount of exercise each day. A long walk or several walks spread throughout the day, and some dedicated playtime should be sufficient for your dog. You don’t necessarily need a yard to have a Kimola, which means they can be well-suited to living in an apartment or another small space. If you find that you are struggling to get your Kimola the exercise it needs, consider taking it to a local dog park so that it can run around and expel some of its energy.

Training 🎾

Kimolas tend to be quick learners, so training is relatively easy, even for beginners. Your Kimola will respond most positively to firm, consistent, and reward-based training. Yelling at your Kimola and other forms of negative reinforcement aren’t likely to get you very far. They aim to please their owners, so make sure to encourage and praise them whenever appropriate.

Grooming ✂️

Kimolas are moderate shedders that will benefit from daily brushing. Your Kimola does not need frequent bathing; in fact, you should only bathe it when it gets dirty to preserve natural oils that help keep your dog’s coat healthy. Don’t forget to brush your Kimola’s teeth at least twice a week and trim its nails as needed.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Kimolas are generally healthy dogs. However, like all species, they are prone to developing certain health problems that you should be aware of if you are going to adopt one of these dogs. Below, we have outlined both serious and minor conditions you should look out for.

Minor Conditions

  • Allergies
  • Skin problems

Serious Conditions

  • Kidney disease
  • Patellar luxation
  • Legg Calve Perthes disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Male vs. Female

When choosing your Kimola, you may want to take some time to consider whether a male or female dog best completes your family. It’s important to note that dogs are individuals; like humans, they each have their own unique personalities which cannot be predicted by their biological sex. However, there are some commonly known differences between male and female dogs that you should consider before making your final decision.

Though little information is known about the difference between male and female Kimolas, we can infer sex-based differences based on Kimola’s parent breeds: the American Eskimo Dog and the Lhasa Apso. Male American Eskimo Dogs are often significantly larger than their female counterparts, so if your dog tends to take after its American Eskimo Dog parentage, this could be true for your Kimola as well. Because the Kimola is still a fairly small breed, the difference in size is unlikely to make a huge difference for you.

In terms of behavior, it’s important to note that male Lhasa Apso dogs can sometimes be more aggressive and independent than their female counterparts. Males are more likely to wander off and display sexual behavior than females, though much unwanted sexual behavior can be curbed if you get your dog neutered.

Regardless of sex, make sure to spend some time with a Kimola before making a final decision about whether or not to adopt it.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

3 Little-Known Facts About the Kimola

1. Kimolas Are Very Versatile Companions

Kimolas are known for their friendly, affectionate, and lively temperament. They can inherit the American Eskimo Dog's outgoing and playful personality, making them great companions for families with children and other pets. The Lhasa Apso's influence adds some independence and intelligence, resulting in a well-rounded furry companion.


2. They Are a Relatively New Breed

Being a designer breed, the Kimola hasn’t been around for that long. As with many designer breeds, the exact origins of the Kimola are not well-documented. However, the intentional breeding of American Eskimo Dogs and Lhasa Apsos likely began in the past few decades along with the rise of designer breeds in general as breeders started wanting to combine desirable traits from different breeds.


3. The Kimola’s Looks and Size Can Vary Greatly

Due to the notable differences between the parent breeds, Kimolas can end up looking very different depending on which parent they inherit most of their genes from. Their height can be anywhere from 12 to 19 inches and they can weigh between 16 to 40 pounds.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Final Thoughts

The Kimola isn’t for everyone. The cost of buying a Kimola puppy can be prohibitive for some families, and while they are usually great with kids, some Kimolas can be difficult to socialize with children. However, there are many positives to this breed. Because it doesn’t require as much exercise as other dogs, the Kimola could be a great choice for a senior or a family with a busy schedule that doesn’t allow for taking too many walks during the day. These dogs are also relatively easy to train, making them suitable for beginner dog owners.

At the end of the day, only you can make the decision as to whether or not the Kimola is the right breed for you, but we hope we have provided you with the necessary tools to make that decision.

Sources

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

Nicole Cosgrove
Authored by

Nicole Cosgrove

American Eskimo Dog: Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Care

American Eskimo Dog: Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Care

The American Eskimo Dog is a canine that we find pretty darn interesting. These dogs have a rich and colorful history with a background you might not anticipat…

Ashley Bates
By Ashley Bates · 1 day ago
Huskimo (Siberian Husky & American Eskimo Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Huskimo (Siberian Husky & American Eskimo Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Huskimo dogs were introduced back in the late 1990s, and these dogs are a mix of Siberian Husky and an American Eskimo. They are beautiful, bubbly, loving, aff…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove · 1 day ago
15 Types of American Eskimo Dog Mixes (With Info & Pictures)

15 Types of American Eskimo Dog Mixes (With Info & Pictures)

The American Eskimo Dog is a cute, lively dog that brings energy and love to every home. By mating them with other breeds, you may end up with the best of both…

Brooke Billingsley
By Brooke Billingsley · 6 days ago
Shih-Mo (Shih Tzu & American Eskimo Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Shih-Mo (Shih Tzu & American Eskimo Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Shih Mo is an adorable mix of the laid-back Shih Tzu and the energetic American Eskimo. This crossbreed is normally small to medium in size but oversized w…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove · 1 day ago
July 9, 2026

Miniature American Eskimo Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

If you're looking for an easily trainable dog, the Miniature American Eskimo Dog has to be near the top of your list. These dogs love to please their owners, a…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove
Miniature American Eskimo Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More
July 9, 2026

Eskapoo (American Eskimo & Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Eskapoo is a mixed breed with a Poodle and American Eskimo parent. They are not the most popular Poodle-mix out there. However, they are increasing in popu…

Kristin Hitchcock
By Kristin Hitchcock
Eskapoo (American Eskimo & Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More
July 9, 2026

Chi Apso (Chihuahua & Lhasa Apso Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Chi Apso can also be called the Lhasa Chi. They are teddy bear-like in their appearance and just as sweet and cuddly as you would imagine. These tiny littl…

Oliver Jones
By Oliver Jones
Chi Apso (Chihuahua & Lhasa Apso Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More
July 9, 2026

American Eagle Dog (American Eskimo Beagle Mix) - Info, Pictures & Care

The American Eagle Dog is an uncommon mix between a Beagle and an American Eskimo dog. The first appearance of American Eagle Dogs occurred in the late 1980s a…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove
American Eagle Dog (American Eskimo Beagle Mix) - Info, Pictures & Care
July 9, 2026

Imo-Inu (American Eskimo and Shiba Inu Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Have you seen an Imo-Inu? These dogs are not only cute but friendly, too. They have an infectious happy temperament and are pleasant to be around. If you are a…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove
Imo-Inu (American Eskimo and Shiba Inu Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More
July 9, 2026

La-Pom (Lhasa Apso & Pomeranian Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The La Pom is a cross between a Lhasa Apso and a Pomeranian. It’s uncertain when the first La Pom was bred, but it’s believed to have been sometime in the last…

Oliver Jones
By Oliver Jones
La-Pom (Lhasa Apso & Pomeranian Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More
July 9, 2026

Kyi-Leo Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts

If you’re here, you’ve probably just heard of a Kyi-Leo for the first time. What kind of dog is this? The name doesn’t provide any obvious clues. This breed is…

Chris Dinesen Rogers
By Chris Dinesen Rogers
Kyi-Leo Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
June 16, 2026

20 Lhasa Apso Mixes (With Pictures)

The Lhasa Apso is a sweetheart of a dog. The breed has a history that goes back over 1,000 years in Tibet. As cute as this pup is, it’s hard to believe that th…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove
20 Lhasa Apso Mixes (With Pictures)

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.

You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

The Dogster app on a phone