Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Lhasa Apso
Non-Sporting Group
Shih Tzu
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Shih Tzu Overview
Shih Tzus captivate with their luxurious flowing double coat and distinctive chrysanthemum-like face, where the hair grows upward on the nose. These compact, sturdy dogs possess a proud bearing with their head held high, level back, and plumed tail carried over their back. Their warm, trusting eyes and sweet expression perfectly match their affectionate and outgoing personality.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Lhasa Apsos are less energetic than Shih Tzus, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lhasa Apsos require less grooming attention compared to Shih Tzus.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lhasa Apsos tend to be more reserved with strangers than Shih Tzus.
- Trainability: Shih Tzus may be slightly easier to train due to their Shih Tzu's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shih Tzus adapt better to apartment living, while Lhasa Apsos typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm | 9-11 inches 23-27 cm |
| Weight | 12-18 lbs 5-8 kg | 9-16 lbs 4-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Comical | Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lhasa Apso Temperament
The Lhasa Apso is known for being confident, smart, comical, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.
Shih Tzu Temperament
The Shih Tzu is characterized by being affectionate, playful, outgoing, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu, 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
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 2/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 4/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Lhasa Apso Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lhasa Apsos 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, Lhasa Apsos require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Shih Tzu Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shih Tzus 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, Shih Tzus 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
Lhasa Apso Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cherry Eye
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Shih Tzu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
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
Shih Tzu
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Adaptable to small spaces
- Low exercise needs
- Affectionate personality
Cons
- High grooming requirements
- Prone to health issues
- Can be stubborn
- Temperature sensitive
- Difficult to housebreak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.