Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu

Compare the Lhasa Apso to the Shih Tzu. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus.

Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
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General Details
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Height
9-11 Inches
9-10 Inches
Weight
12-15 Pounds
9-16 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Average
History
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Origin Country
China
China
Origin Year
-800 BC
618 AD
Temperament
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Overall Friendliness
Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Personality
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Stubborn
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Living Environment
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
25-85 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
Low
Medium
Exercise Required
Low
Low
Top Running Speed
15 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Low
Low
Grooming Needs
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Coat Maintenance
High
Medium
Shedding
Low
None
Dander
Low
None
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
No
Yes
Independent
Yes
No
Breed Focus
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Below Average
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Above Average
Below Average
Herding
Below Average
Below Average
Hunting
Below Average
Below Average
Protection
Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
None
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Health Concerns
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Common Health Issues
Sebaceous adenitis
Patellar luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Dry eye
Cherry eye
Familial renal disease
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Patellar luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Juvenile renal disease
Bladder stones
Corneal ulcer
Proptosis
Distichiasis
Ectopic cilia
Dry eye
Retained baby teeth
Umbilical hernias
Portosystemic shunt
Snuffles
Reverse sneezing
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Coat Type
Fur
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Silky
Coat Length
Long
Long
Coat Coloring
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Breed Colors
Black
Black and Tan
Blue
Cream
Golden
Liver
Red
White
Black
Black and White
Blue
Blue and White
Brindle
Brindle and White
Gold
Gold and White
Liver
Liver and White
Red
Red and White
Silver
Silver and White
White
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