Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso
The origin of Shih Tzu is somewhat cloudy, it is believed that it has its roots in Tibet stretching as far back to the first century where Lhasa Apso is originated and may have been related to the native Tibet dog. Shih Tzu was brought to China in the 17th century. It was solely bred in Forbidden City and could only be kept by royalty.
Whereas Lhasa Apso led more of a humble life. It has a history tracing back to 800 B.C. Lhasa Apso was bred by holy men as watchdog in Tibet’s many Buddhist temples and monasteries. It is believed to bring good fortune to their owners, and was exchanged as gifts in appreciation of services rendered but never could be sold. The first Lhasa Apso was brought to the United States as a gift from the Dalai Lama.
Although Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso came from the same origin and may be somewhat related, they don’t share any similarity in characters and temperaments.
Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso
| Breed | Shih Tzu | Lhasa Apso |
| Country of Origin | China | Tibet |
| AKC / KC Groups | Toy group / Utility group | Non-sporting group / Utility group |
| Original Function | lapdog | Companion, watchdog |
Physical Appearance
| Coat Color | all colors, but those with while markings on the forehead and tail tip are favorable | sandy, brown, slate, and white |
| Coat Type | double coated, with a dense, long, flowing outer coat | long, coarse outer coat and thick undercoat |
| Head | broad with abundant long hair on crown and muzzle, muzzle short and square, but not wrinkled, domed skull with definite stop | covered profusely with long hair, skull rather flat and narrow, muzzle longer and less square than in the Shih Tzu |
| Eyes | dark brown, rounded and quite large | medium sized, dark brown and at the front of the face |
| Ears | large and pendant | hanging down and feathered, dark tips preferred |
| Body | long, level back and wide chest | longer than its height, level back and muscular loins |
| Tail | carried well over back | carried over back in a screw |
| Height | 8 – 11 inches | 10 – 11 inches |
| Weight | 9 – 16 lbs | 13 – 15 lbs |
Temperament, Needs, and Learning
| Overall Temperament | great charm, vitality, upbeat attitude, loves to play and romp, does have a stubborn streak | active, assertive manner, independent, stubborn |
| Exercise | very minimum, short walks or some play session | Moderate, short walks or vigorous play session |
| Grooming | high, need brushing or combing every other day due to its luxurious coat | high, need brushing or combing every other day due to its luxurious coat |
| Ideal Home Environment | apartment, not suitable for outdoor living | apartment, not suitable for outdoor living |
| Ideal Owner | laid back | active and firm |
| Intelligence / Ranking | low / no.70 | low / no.68 |
| Trainability | low | very low |
Behavior
| Excitability | moderately low | moderately high |
| Playfulness | moderately high | moderate |
| Demand for Affection | high | very high |
| Watchdog Barking | moderate | extremely high |
| Protection | very low | very low |
| Dominance Over Owner | moderate | moderate high |
| Good With Dogs | very high | low |
| Good With Pets | very high | moderately low |
| Good With Children | very high | not compatible |
| Good With Strangers | very high | extremely low, rather reserved |
Health
| Life Span | 11 – 14 years | 12 – 14 years |
| Major Aliments | canine hip dysplasia | patellar luxation |
| Minor Aliments | renal dysplsia, progressive retinal atrophy, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, entropion, trichiasis | renal cortical hypoplasia, entropion, distichiasis, progressive retinal atrophy |
| Recommended Food | poultry, pork, beef, barley, rice, oats | poultry, fish, beef, rice, beet pulp, white potatoes |
Click here to download a copy of Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Chart.
Source on Intelligence Ranking:
The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions, and Inner Lives of Our Canine Companions
Page 192 to 193
Mar 22nd 2009
12:55 PM
I just read an article online that says lhasa apso should not eat beef, beet pulp, and potatoes. Your article says just the opposite. My darling dog has terrible skin allergies and I am told it is what she is eating. I am so confused. I wish someone knew what they were talking about. thank you for your time.
Mar 26th 2009
5:43 AM
Sam,
Beef, beef pulp, and potatoes (especially potatoes) are not commonly known as “allergy-dog-food.” However, if it makes you feel better, opt all of them out for 6 weeks and see if your dog’s skin improves. Drastic measure, if you ask me. Alternatively, if you have the time, you want to eliminate one food group per week so that you can nail down that culprit. Also, you might want to try other type of cooking oil.
Keep in mind, there are many factors that cause skin allergies in dog. Food alone is only one factor. You might want to read some of my other skin allergy dog posts here.
Jun 21st 2009
4:34 AM
We recently added a Lhasa Apso to our family who is ten weeks old and so far she is really blending in well with our family. We have two children under five and another on the way. I did a lot of research before I decided on which breed would be most compatible with our family. I was aware that Lhasas can tend to not be children friendly but my son didn’t want a “frisky” dog and I was attracted to the Lhasa’s calmness and independence. Some breeders and owners that I talked to begged to differ and believed the Lhasa would be fine around our kids. I’ve noticed really good interaction between our kids and our Lhasa but I hope that it will continue and that it won’t change as she grows up. Does any one else have any experience with owning a Lhasa with small kids? Thanks.
Jul 7th 2009
2:41 AM
i’ve had lhasas for 4yrs now, and loving them. yes they can be stubborn but still fun to be with. if you have kids before getting a lhasa they will work well, and will even be protective of your kids. as for infants, i don’t bring them too close to one another cause babies tend to pull hair.. my lhasas have different moods so see if your dog is good with the baby around.
Jul 7th 2009
9:00 PM
Thanks Riza. I really thought getting a dog would work out and especially a Lhasa but it wasn’t good timing. My kids have become so afraid of our puppy (Nala) that they will not walk around the house unless she is in her crate. Because of that, Nala spends a lot of time in her crate and it’s not fair to her so we are looking for her a new home. Maybe one day we will be ready for another one. She is a really lovable puppy. She’s smart, very humorous and I love that she really doesn’t shed. Will be a little sad to see her go but it’s for the best.