Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu share many similarities. These oriental small dog breeds have an independent temperament and can be stubborn and difficult to train. Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso are closely related and both feature flowing abundant coat and a short muzzle. Other similarities between these small breeds include maximum grooming needs and potential owners need to be prepared to spend a considerable time every day brushing Shih Tzu's or Lhasa Apso's lovely coat to keep it healthy and tangle free. Lhasa Apso's and Shih Tzu's coat grows continually and requires a strict grooming routine. Both, Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso are considered to be hypoallergenic and in comparison to many other breeds these ornamental dogs produce less allergens. Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are loyal companion dogs that enjoy spending lots of time with their owners. Potential owners need to enjoy grooming a pet and have the ability to spend most of the day with the dog. Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu have low exercise needs and can be happy with several daily walks combined with some indoor playtime.
Families with older kids, single people and older adults can find a perfect family pet in either Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu.
What are the differences between Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu? When comparing Lhasa Apso to Shih Tzu, it is important to understand the history of each of these dog breeds. While Lhasa Apso were bred as guard dogs for Tibetan monasteries and temples. These small watchdogs were required to let the monks know about any trouble in the environment and as a result Lhasa Apso bark much more than friendlier Shih Tzus, that are essentially lap dogs rather than watchdogs. Unlike friendly Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apso dogs are more suspicious towards unfamiliar people and take more time to make friends with strangers than more sociable Shih Tzus.
Although Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso dogs may look alike, Shih Tzu's coat is much softer than Lhasa Apso's coat. When Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso are compared in size, Lhasa Apso appears larger than Shih Tzu despite very minimal difference in height and weight. Shih Tzu dogs appear more fragile when compared to Lhasa Apso.
Differences and similarities between Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apso dogs in detail
Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix
Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso mix dogs have features of both breeds. The colors of half Lhasa Apso half Shih Tzu dog can vary. Physical traits of Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu cross dogs can resemble either a Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu, or a bit of both of these small oriental dog breeds.
Image of Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix.
Half Lhasa Apso half Shih Tzu dogs are small in size. In height Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu dogs can reach 11 inches and weight around 16 pounds.
Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu: Grooming
Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso are both maximum maintenance dog breeds with high grooming needs. Owners of either of these ornamental breeds need to brush the dog's hair every day and remove any debris left after walking the dog from the coat to prevent mats from forming. The lovely coat of either, Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu is easier to maintain when it is cut short and that is one of the reasons why many owners choose to keep the coat short. Taking either a Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso to a professional groomer can be expensive and some owners learn how to trim their pet's hair in the convenience of their home. Shih Tzu's and Lhasa Apso's hair needs to be kept away from the dog's eyes to avoid eye irritation or infection. Grooming either of these breeds also requires brushing the dog's teeth and gently removing the eye stains that may form around the dog's eye area.
Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu: Lifespan
Lhasa Apso dog has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years while Shih Tzu have a life span of 11 to 14 years on average. A dog's life expectancy is determined by genetics, size of the dog (smaller breeds live longer than do large breeds), overall health and lifestyle of the pet.
Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: sizes compared
When comparing Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso size, these small breeds are very similar in weight and can weigh around 15 to 16 pounds while in height Lhasa Apso is slightly taller on average than Shih Tzu, although both breeds reach about 11 inches in height.
Lhasa Apso male weight: 13 to 15 lb (6 to 7 kg)
Shih Tzu male weight: 8.8 to 16 lb (4 to 7.25 kg)
Lhasa Apso male height: 10 to 11 in (25 to 28 cm)
Shih Tzu male height: 7.9 to 11 in (20 to 28 cm)
Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu: Shedding
Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu feature a luxurious and very abundant coat that constantly grows. Despite the significant amount of hair, both breeds do not shed much and are known as hypoallergenic. Despite little shedding, Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso are very high maintenance and require daily grooming that includes brushing the coat to remove any tangles and mats. When brushing is neglected, the coat quickly becomes almost unmanageable with uncomfortable tangles and mats that may cause skin irritation in either Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu.
Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu: Price
An average Shih Tzu puppy price is about $500 while a Lhasa Apso puppy price range is from $400 to $1600 on average.
Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu: Temperament
There are some considerable differences in the temperaments of Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu dogs. While both breeds are great companion dogs, Shih Tzus are friendly with almost everyone while Lhasa Apso dogs take time to get to know someone unfamiliar. Lhasa Apso are more suspicious towards unfamiliar people and not always friendly towards other dogs, especially males. Lhasa Apso are good watchdogs and warn the owners about anyone approaching their home. Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso both have a stubborn streak in their temperament and potential owners need to find the right motivation in order to achieve success during training either of these breeds. When in the family environment, both Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are affectionate and loving towards their owners. Both of these breeds thrive in loving families who have time to play and care for these wonderful family pets.
Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: Country of breed origin
Shih Tzu breed was developed in China as a companion dog.
Lhasa Apso dogs originally come from Tibet and had the purpose of being a watchdog.
Good with kids: Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu
Both, Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso can be good with children who are old enough to respect the little dog. Shih Tzu are better suited to be around children as these companion dogs are typically not aggressive and enjoy playing with sensible kids. Lhasa Apso, in comparison, also enjoys playing with kids but may be less tolerant to being teased or mishandled. Lhasa Apso may snap when provoked and as with any dog breed, kids need to be taught how to properly treat and handle a dog. Families with older children have more flexibility and time to care for a demanding pet such as Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu. Overall, Shih Tzus may be more suitable for families with kids while both breeds are good with older kids.
Lhasa Apso versus Shih Tzu: Companion dogs
Shih Tzus are the ultimate companion pets that enjoy being held and cuddled with. Lhasa Apso also need human attention and a lot of it. Both of these companion breeds are sensitive to being left alone and aren't appropriate for working families that have little time to dedicate to a demanding breed such as Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso. Seniors and people who have plenty of time to spend with an animal companion that requires lots of grooming make ideal owners for either of these companion dogs.
As long as their needs are understood, Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu can be happy living in either a country home or in a city apartment. The most important ingredient in making these small dogs happy is to spend as much time as possible with them. Owners who don't actively enjoy grooming should probably consider other dog breeds as grooming is a major commitment with either of these companion breeds.
Good with other dogs: Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu are naturally friendly and usually get along fine with other dogs while Lhasa Apso have a tendency to be suspicious towards other unfamiliar dogs and at times may even be aggressive. Both breeds should be socialized during puppyhood. Male Lhasa Apso tend to be aggressive to other male dogs. Shih Tzu dogs, on the contrary are usually friendly towards other canines.
Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu: Intelligence
Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are both intelligent and curious by nature. Provide your smart little dog with interactive toys and treat dispenser toys to provide mental stimulation that they enjoy.
Lhasa Apso compared to Shih Tzu: Trainability
Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso can learn basic commands but their independent temperament makes these dogs rather challenging to train. The trick is to make these little dogs want to learn by providing positive motivation such as a playtime or a small treat. Good behavior needs to be taught and potential owners need lots of patience with these stubborn small dogs to succeed.
Potty training is notoriously difficult with Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu. Start potty training your pet the moment your bring a Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso home. Set up a dog potty area before you bring the dog home. Do not punish your pet during training as that only makes Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apso more stubborn and slows down the training process.
Lhasa Apso versus Shih Tzu: Barking
Shih Tzu are quiet and don't bark much in comparison to Lhasa Apso dogs. Lhasa Apso are natural watchdogs that will announce presence of any strangers in their environment by loud barking. This might be an issue for apartment dogs and Lhasa Apso owners need to train their pets to stop barking on command to be considerate to other people living in the apartment building. The "Quiet!" command comes in very handy with Lhasa Apso dogs.
Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu: Exercise needs
Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso usually adjust to activity levels in the family where they live. These small dogs don't require much physical activity but they do enjoy long walks if that is what the owners like to do. During hot weather short walks are recommended to prevent these dogs from overheating.
Health issues: Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso compared
Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are long lived and relatively healthy breeds. Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apso dogs need to have the eye area protected from the dog's hair to avoid eye irritation that may develop as the hair is rubbing against the dog's eyes.
Lhasa Apso versus Shih Tzu: Dog behavior issues
Companion dog breeds such as Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are meant to be around their owners most of the time. If the dog is left alone frequently, various behavior and psychological problems may pop up. For example, a lonely Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso may start to bark excessively, chew or rip apart things around the home or scratch doors and furniture. An unattended and lonely Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso will develop destructive behavior patterns. Owners should always tire the dog out before leaving the dog alone for some time. A nice long walk will help Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso to relax while you are away.
If you do need to step out and leave either Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu dog alone for an hour or so, consider providing the dog with a safe, chewable toy that the dog can play with while you are not around. Be sure to check the toy for any small parts that the dog can accidentally bite off and swallow.
Crate training a Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu is another way to help the dog stay safe and out of trouble while the owner is not around to supervise the pet.
Lhasa Apso vs. Shih Tzu: Popularity
Shih Tzu takes 20th place in popularity ranking in the United States, according to AKC. Lhasa Apso takes 71st place of 194 in popularity ranking in the United States. Shih Tzu breed is more popular and well known in the United States.
Difference between Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu: Loyalty to the owner
Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are very loyal and warm with their owners. These companion breeds provide unconditional love and affection to their owners.
Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu apartment dogs
Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso can enjoy living in an apartment as long as they are around their family most of the time. Walking a Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso around the block a few times a day should provide the physical exercise the dog needs. These playful dogs enjoy some indoor playtime as well. Shih Tzus don't bark much, which is a great quality for an apartment dog. Lhasa Apso, on the other hand will bark and notify the owners about any strangers approaching as these dogs are natural watchdogs. The loud bark can disturb neighbors in apartment complexes and training Lhasa Apso to be quiet on command is a good idea.
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