Australian Shepherd vs Lhasa Apso
Breed Compatibility
84% Compatible
Energy Level
Australian Shepherd: Energetic0.8
Lhasa Apso: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Australian Shepherd: Eager to Please1.0
Lhasa Apso: Independent0.4
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Australian Shepherd: Weekly Brushing0.4
Lhasa Apso: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Australian Shepherd5/5
Lhasa Apso3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Australian Shepherd3/5
Lhasa Apso3/5
Good with Strangers
Australian Shepherd3/5
Lhasa Apso3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Australian Shepherd
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
MDR1 Gene: Drug sensitivity issue
CEA: Hereditary eye condition
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder
Cataracts: Vision impairment risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development
Lhasa Apso
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Eye degeneration
Cherry Eye: Third eyelid inflammation
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation
Sebaceous Adenitis: Skin condition
Renal Dysplasia: Kidney development issue
Pros & Cons Comparison
Australian Shepherd
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent work ethic
Versatile abilities
Strong protective instincts
Athletic and agile
Cons
High exercise needs
Intense herding instinct
Heavy shedding
Can be too energetic
Requires constant mental stimulation
Lhasa Apso
Pros
Loyal and devoted
Good apartment dog
Long lifespan
Minimal shedding
Excellent watchdog
Cons
High grooming needs
Can be stubborn
Reserved with strangers
Frequent barking
Independent nature
Australian Shepherd Fun Fact
Australian Shepherds, despite their name, were actually developed in the western United States, not Australia!
Lhasa Apso Fun Fact
Lhasa Apsos were considered so sacred in Tibet that they could never be sold, only given as gifts.
Heritage & Purpose
Australian Shepherd
Origin:
Developed in western United States during the 1800s, these dogs excelled in herding livestock across challenging terrain. Their versatile skills and keen intelligence made them invaluable to ranchers.
Lhasa Apso
Origin:
Serving as sentinel dogs in Tibetan monasteries and palaces since 800 BC, these alert watchdogs protected Buddhist monasteries and warned of approaching strangers.
Special Considerations
Australian Shepherd
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation. Health testing for MDR1 gene mutation recommended.
Lhasa Apso
Regular grooming essential for coat maintenance. Moderate exercise needs but requires consistent training. Watch for eye and joint health issues throughout life.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
InfrequentRelated Comparisons
Similar Size
Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren →Similar Size
Australian Shepherd vs Afghan Hound →