Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: What Are 8 Key Differences?

Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso are both small, purebred companion dogs native to East Asia. The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, is of Chinese ancestry, and the Lhasa Apso, or Lhasa for short, is Tibetan in origin. While the Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso are similar in appearance, they are two separate breeds. We’ll look at eight key distinctions between them in this article.

Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: A Comparison 

Key Differences Between Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso

Although both Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are small, long-haired dogs, they are not identical. For instance, a Lhasa Apso’s nose is longer, the skull is narrower, and the almond-shaped eyes are smaller. Shih Tzus, on the other hand, has a wider cranium and large, round eyes. Let’s continue our examination of the breed distinctions.

Appearance

Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: Height

A mature Lhasa, male or female, stands approximately 10 and 11 inches tall at the shoulders. On the other hand, the Shih Tzu stands between 8 and 11 inches tall, coming in slightly shorter on average.

Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: Weight

While the Lhasa is slightly taller than the Shih Tzu on average, they weigh between 13 and 15 pounds. The weight of a Shih Tzu is between 9 and 16 pounds. As a result, the Shih Tzu may weigh slightly more than the Lhasa.

Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: Coat Type

Lhasa’s coat is dense and thick, while the Shih Tzus have a more lavish double coat with flowing tresses. Both are low shedders and are considered good choices for those with Allergies.

Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: Colors

The official colors of the Lhasa Apso are red, yellow/golden, brown, white, and black, though they can change with age and are not always consistent.

The Shih Tzu is distinguished from other dog breeds by its unique and varied coloration. Black, blue, brindle, brown, double-colored, red, silver, tri-colored, and white are just some of the colors available.

Characteristics

Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: Temperament

Lhasa Apsos are more independent and require less sleep than Shih Tzus. Additionally, they are more sensitive to changes in their routine than the Shih Tzu. However, they do better than the Shih Tzu when left alone and do better among youngsters. They are most kind and loyal to their masters.

The Shih Tzu is a sociable, cheerful, and fearless breed that is a little suspicious of strangers and small children. They are, nevertheless, easily trained and extremely devoted to their families. Additionally, they are more relaxed in general than the Lhasa, necessitating additional sleep to feel renewed.

Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: Social Needs

In comparison to the Shih Tzu, the Lhasa Apso’s social demands are average. They are more tolerant of others, including children, but can become yippy or mean when they are uncomfortable or their routine is disrupted. They can relax on their own and be quite independent as well, but they do like affection and being around family.

The Shih Tzu is a low-energy breed that requires regular stimulation to stay lively. While their activity requirements are limited, you should allow them time to run around and play each day. Although they are not the most child-friendly dog, they do appear to get along with other cats and dogs. They are generally accepting of newcomers and are not aggressive or snappy. They have a typical emotional capacity and love social interaction, however, is not uncommon for Shih Tzu’s to prefer their owner over other people.

Health Factors

Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: Energy Levels

Although Lhasa’s have greater than usual energy levels, their activity requirements are modest. They tend to do well with a healthy balance of attention and being on their own with some toys.

Shih Tzu’s do not have extremely high energy levels and are not the most lively of dogs. They do like to socialize a lot with their loved ones, but they also adore their sleep.

Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: Health Problems

The Lhasa Apso is known to require frequent veterinarian visits due to its susceptibility to specific health problems such as cherry eye and hereditary renal dysplasia.

Regardless of how healthy your Shih Tzu is, you should contact your veterinarian periodically as they are prone to allergies, bladder stones, ear infections, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. Both breeds live an average of 13 years when properly cared for.

Wrapping up Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso

Lapdogs such as the Lhasa Apso and the Shih Tzu are both incredibly beautiful, long-living dogs. The disposition and health of these two breeds, on the other hand, are unique. Consider the Shih Tzu, which is more laid-back in nature, while the Lhasa Apso is more energetic and kid-friendly in temperament. However, their personalities do complement each other well as they are both friendly, trainable, and joyful young pups who can make good friends/mates for one another or good companions for their owner.

Did the Shih Tzu Line Almost Go Extinct?

The Shih Tzu dog breed, which is thought to have originated in Tibet, and was popular among royalty during the Ming Dynasty in China, faced near extinction after the Communist Revolution of 1949. The new communist regime ordered for Shih Tzus to be killed because of their popularity among the rich.

Thankfully, the breed found sympathy with a British woman living in China at the time–Lady Brownrigg–who took it upon herself to have some of them imported to England. An English officer stationed there also rescued a small amount of Shih Tzus. From these animals, the breed was able to continue in foreign lands–namely Europe.

In Britain, dog breeders dedicated themselves to preserving the Shih Tzu line by creating a program for their propagation. The offspring of these rescued dogs found homes in many countries like Australia, Scandinavia, other European countries, as well as the United States. In 1969, The Shih Tzu triumphed over evil as it was recognized by the AKC.

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