Rat Terrier 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.
Rat Terrier
Terrier Group
Lhasa Apso
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Rat Terrier Overview
Rat Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with a smooth, short coat and distinctive erect ears. Their athletic build reflects their heritage as skilled hunters, combining speed with agility. These versatile terriers showcase a balanced blend of strength and refinement, featuring a wedge-shaped head, dark expressive eyes, and a naturally graceful gait that speaks to their sporting background.
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: Rat Terriers are less energetic than Lhasa Apsos, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Rat Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Lhasa Apsos.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Rat Terriers tend to be more outgoing 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 Rat Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Rat Terrier and Lhasa Apso, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-18 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-18 inches 25-46 cm | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm |
| Weight | 10-25 lbs 5-11 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 | Rat Terrier | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable | Confident, Smart, Comical |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Rat Terrier Temperament
The Rat Terrier is known for being friendly, inquisitive, lovable, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. 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 Rat Terrier 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
Rat Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Rat Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Rat Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rat Terriers 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, Rat Terriers 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
Rat Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
Lhasa Apso Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cherry Eye
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Pros & Cons
Rat Terrier
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Can be vocal
- High prey drive
- May be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be territorial
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 Rat Terrier and Lhasa Apso, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.