Saint Bernard 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.
Saint Bernard
Working Group
Lhasa Apso
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Saint Bernard Overview
Saint Bernards are majestic giants with powerful, muscular bodies and distinctive broad heads. Their thick double coat comes in white with red, brown, or brindle markings. Known for their gentle expression and patient demeanor, these dogs combine impressive strength with remarkable gentleness. Their deep chest, strong legs, and massive frame reflect their historical role as mountain rescue dogs.
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: Saint Bernards are less energetic than Lhasa Apsos, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Saint Bernards require less grooming attention compared to Lhasa Apsos.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernards typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Saint Bernard and Lhasa Apso, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm |
| Weight | 120-180 lbs 54-82 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 | Saint Bernard | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive | Confident, Smart, Comical |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Saint Bernard Temperament
The Saint Bernard is known for being playful, charming, inquisitive, 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 Saint Bernard 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
Saint Bernard
Rating: 5/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Saint Bernard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Saint Bernards 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, Saint Bernards 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
Saint Bernard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
Lhasa Apso Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cherry Eye
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Pros & Cons
Saint Bernard
Pros
- Gentle and patient with children
- Loyal and protective
- Good-natured temperament
- Excellent cold weather tolerance
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Expensive to feed and maintain
- Short lifespan
- Not suited for hot climates
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 Saint Bernard and Lhasa Apso, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.