Estrela Mountain Dog vs Lhasa Apso
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Estrela Mountain Dog
Foundation Stock Service
Lhasa Apso
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Estrela Mountain Dog Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Estrela Mountain Dog boasts a robust build with a thick double coat that can be either long or short. Standing up to 29 inches at the shoulder, these dogs display a proud bearing and strong muscular structure. Their distinctive features include a black mask, dark eyes, and a confident expression that reflects their guardian heritage. The breed's weatherproof coat comes in solid colors including fawn, wolf gray, or yellow, often with brindling.
Lhasa Apso Overview
Lhasa Apsos feature a long, dense double coat flowing to the ground, with a distinctive beard and fall of hair over the eyes. Their compact, sturdy build belies their agile nature. Distinguished by an alert, lion-like expression and well-feathered tail carried over the back, these dogs combine regal bearing with a mischievous charm. Their confident yet reserved demeanor reflects their ancient heritage as Tibetan sentinels.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Estrela Mountain Dogs are less energetic than Lhasa Apsos, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Estrela Mountain Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Lhasa Apsos.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Estrela Mountain Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Lhasa Apsos.
- Trainability: Lhasa Apsos may be slightly easier to train due to their Lhasa Apso's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lhasa Apsos adapt better to apartment living, while Estrela Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog and Lhasa Apso, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Estrela Mountain Dog | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Estrela Mountain Dog | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-29 inches 62-74 cm | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm |
| Weight | 77-132 lbs 35-60 kg | 12-18 lbs 5-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Estrela Mountain Dog | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Intelligent, Brave | Confident, Smart, Comical |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Estrela Mountain Dog | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Estrela Mountain Dog Temperament
The Estrela Mountain Dog is known for being alert, intelligent, brave, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Lhasa Apso Temperament
The Lhasa Apso is characterized by being confident, smart, comical, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Estrela Mountain Dog and Lhasa Apso, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Estrela Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Estrela Mountain Dogs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Estrela Mountain Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Lhasa Apso Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lhasa Apsos need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Lhasa Apsos require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Estrela Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
Lhasa Apso Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cherry Eye
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Pros & Cons
Estrela Mountain Dog
Pros
- Excellent guardian instincts
- Loyal to family
- Weather-resistant coat
- Independent nature
- Good with livestock
Cons
- Requires extensive space
- Strong-willed personality
- Heavy shedding
- Not suitable for apartments
- Needs experienced owner
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Estrela Mountain Dog and Lhasa Apso, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.