Perhaps the most important difference between the two breeds is their personality, which also follows from their original purpose. However, it is still possible for an unfamiliar person to identify these two as one or a Shih Tzu as a Lhasa Apso. Please contact me if you have anything suitable. They are loyal and very loving of those that they learn to trust. Below is a look at some of the other differences between the regal Shih Tzu and the adorable Lhasa Apso. “Both breeds, in full coat, do attract attention, and from a distance may appear similar. Report. Shih Tzus were originally a cross between Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese and were brought from Tibet to China as a gift for Chinese emperors. The Shih Tzu’s ideal weight is 9-16 pounds and a height of about 9-10.5 inches. The Lhasa Apso has a job to do—guard his family and home from danger. These Big Dog Owners Accepted the Challenge. Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu size. You can expect to get anywhere from one to four puppies in a litter. “They possess acute hearing therefore alerting their people to anything out of the ordinary, as is their heritage. Since Lhasa Apsos are a parent breed to Shih Tzus, it’s no wonder they’re so commonly confused with one another. Although Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu look much similar, they originated in two different countries. Many of their similarities are historic in that the Shih Tzu is believed to be descended from the Lhasa Apso. They’re born with an independent streak. Both can be effectively trained as therapy dogs. Both the Lhasa apso and the Shih Tzu have long, dense coats, but while the Lhasa's coat must be straight, the Shih Tzu is allowed t… Read Shih Tzu Vs Lhasa Apso Dog Breed Comparison in detail AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. A Shih Tzu’s coat can come in even more colors: gold and white, red and white, black mask gold, solid red, black and white, solid black, solid liver, liver and white, blue and white, brindle and white and silver and white. However, it often appears slimmer due to a smaller bone structure. The most serious health issue that a Lhasa Apso may have is hereditary kidney dysfunction. The name Shih Tzu suggests “lion pet dog,” and they might have been reproduced by lamas (spiritual masters) in Tibet to look like a tiny lion since the lion holds such a unique place in Buddhist folklore. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. The skull of the Shih Tzu is round, broad and domed, while the Lhasa Apso’s skull is narrow and not domed. Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds. In this informational post, we compare the history, personality traits, activity level, and health of these two commonly confused breeds. 1. Our website uses cookies. Read on to learn more about these delightful dogs, their similarities, and what distinguishes them from each other. Just like Lhasa Apso, Shih-Apso is believed to be an independent dog breed, they will follow you around, bold closely with you, but they will also get separation anxiety if left alone for a long time. How do you find a reputable breeder? Tips, stories, and reviews for people who love dogs, powered by Rover.com, the world's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Both are excellent apartment dogs, as they only require moderate exercise. The lhasa apso vs shih tzu differences is a great dog with a Regal appearance of a small lion and beautiful long hair that requires regular care. your home) while Shih Tzus will treat you like royalty with constant love and affection. Track Order; “The Lhasa Apso is a true survivalist dog and they have adapted well to these harsh conditions. 4. Sometimes, such a pup is called a “smooth haired” Lhasa or Shih Tuz, and it isn’t generally noticed until a puppy is around six weeks old – maybe even a little later. Disney’s Live-Action Lady and the Tramp is Here! Both the parents of this breed are quite small, too, so you will not get as many puppies in a litter as you would from a large breed dog. They have feathery tails and extravagant facial hair, with cultivated whiskers and beards that make up their lion-like appearance. The Shih Tzu, which is the smaller breed, has a more sturdy and strong body with its skull having a dome shape. However, a Shih Tzu is a different dog breed with a slightly wavy coat compared to the Lhasa’s straight coat. Lhasa Apso vs. Shih Tzu: What’s the Difference? NYC Subway Bans Dogs Unless They Fit into a Bag. And Hanson says, “Both are sturdy little dogs carrying good weight and substance for their size, but not overexaggerated. Back over a thousand years to Tibet, where Lhasa Apsos were guardians of the inner sanctuaries of Buddhist monasteries. Lhasa Apsos were bred as sentinels for monasteries, so they’re more of an indoor watchdog. The history of the Lhasa Apso and the Shih Tzu goes way, way back. How Do Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person? Remember to keep up with regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. As both dog breeds are known to have originated from Tibet, they share a few similarities, such as the long coat and the relatively small size. Once a day walks or a daily playtime will keep them in fine form. The difference between a Shih Tzu and a Lhasa Apso can be noticed by looking at their eyes. The Shih Tzu was influenced by the Pekingese used in its development, whereas the build of the Lhasa Apso was influenced by their original environment, the rugged and elevated terrain of Tibet. They’re adorable. Comparing the two side by side, the Tzu will have a very brachycephalic head (smooshed face). Find differences and similarities between Shih Tzu Vs Lhasa Apso. As cute as your dog might be when stealing your shoes or jumping up to take a snack from the table, remember to ignore their antics and reward them when they’re good. While other issues include dry eye, slipping stifles, and cherry eye. They can also both live happily in small homes or apartments and each requires frequent grooming to maintain the long coat. It is a short coated puppy in a Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu litter (both long coated breeds). Shih Tzu means ‘lion dog’ and these early Lhasa-like dogs were bred with Pekingese in the palaces of the Forbidden City in Beijing.”. Grooming - Both breeds require very high amounts of grooming. 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. Owner Experience - Both the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are excellent choices for new or inexperienced owners. Although somewhat bigger, a Lhasa normally has a smaller bone structure, therefore, it may look slimmer than a Shih Tzu, which has a more solid body structure. Despite this size difference, it can still be tricky for the untrained eye to tell these two pups apart. A Lhasa Apso has a heavy and hard coat, while the Shih Tzu has luxurious and flowing locks and tresses. Sometimes a female can have more but it is rare. If a Shih Tzu feels bullied, they’re likely to curl up and sulk. … Both have long coats. Shih Tzus are known to have patellar luxation, cataracts, retinal detachment, corneal dryness, and eye inflammation. The standard says they are proud of bearing with a distinctively arrogant carriage. If you happen to miss a day of exercise, they’ll gladly use the length of your apartment as a track field and your furniture as makeshift hurdles to get their wiggles out. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. This is a very small breed of dog. Paquette feels each breed has been shaped by its heritage. A Lhasa Apso is bigger than a Shih Tzu. A Lhasa Apso is generally larger than a Shih Tzu. Things to look out for with both these breeds are eye issues (progressive retinal atrophy) and hip dysplasia. As former pets of royalty, they love to be spoiled but are pleased with any attention you can give. The Lhasa Apso is a medium energy dog who requires around 30 minutes of exercise a day, whereas the Shih Tzu is a very low energy dog who will require a few short walksaround the block for a leg stretch and a toilet break. Lhasa Apso: 12-15 years Those small, sturdy dogs with their regal bearing and long, gorgeous coats. Both are small dogs. Looking for a puppy either a Lhasa apso or Shih tzu or a cross with either breed. Beyond the chrysanthemum facial hair, Shih Tzus have long flowing double coats and their tails curl over their backs. Looking for a puppy either a Lhasa apso or Shih tzu or a cross with either breed. Shih Tzus generally weigh between 9–16 pounds without much difference between sexes. The Lhasa Apso’s standard describes them as happy and assertive but wary of strangers thanks to being bred as a guardian or sentinel dog in the Buddhist monasteries. A Lhasa Apso weighs between 11 and 18 pounds, while a Shih Tzu weighs between 8 and 16 pounds. Baths every three to four weeks will keep your Shih Tzu’s coat is good shape. Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus are both ancient small breeds from Asia with a shared bloodline—but what are the differences between them? developed in the luxurious Imperial Palaces of Chinese royalty, iy_2020; im_12; id_28; ih_12; imh_26; i_epoch:1609187174021, py_2020; pm_08; pd_28; ph_06; pmh_41; p_epoch:1598622100528, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Fri Aug 28 06:41:40 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1598622100528. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso or Toy Poodle? The history of the Lhasa Apso and the Shih Tzu goes way, way back. The Shih Tzu (pronounced “sheed-zoo” or “sheet-su”) or the Lhasa Apso? The most obvious physical difference between these two similar breeds is that the Lhasa Apso is slightly bigger than the Shih Tzu. But in fact, although these breeds have a connected heritage, they have different physical traits and personalities. Wanting a Lhasa apso or Shih tzu puppy. Hanson believes those similarities are many. Shih Tzus are lap dogs whose goal in life is to please their people. This distinct physical characteristic makes it difficult to differentiate between the two. Besides the fact that the Shih Tzu is part of the Toy Group and the Lhasa Apso is a member of the Non-Sporting Group, there are physical differences between them. Lhasa Apsos will act as protectors of the realm (i.e. Their service as alarm dogs to the monks, plus the Lhasa Apso’s lion-like appearance, explain the meaning behind their name of “bark lion sentinel dog.” Shih Tzus were originally a cross between Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese and were br… Muzzle: the Apso has 1/3 muzzle to 2/3 skull; Tzu, a muzzle generally no more than 1" in length. The long coats of these companion dogs require regular grooming, for health as well as style. £800 . Money is a bit tight at the moment so will only be able to about £700 to £800.... pets4homes.co.uk . With the Shih Tzu weighing only nine to 16 pounds and the Lhasa Apso 12 to 18, these are two dogs that pack a lot of personality in a small package. Early socialization with other dogs is also advised. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. They were cherished by the Tibetan people and served as companions to the Dalai Lamas in the temples. Sign up and get $25 off pet sitting and dog walking! Experts consider the Shih Tzu smaller than the Lhasa Apso, but they could be about the same size. https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. Just something to keep in mind if you’ve been told that these treasured dogs are hypoallergenic. Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Mix Litter Size. Find out which breed is better for you based on their temperament, availability, types, trainability, maintenance and more. The name Shih Tzu roughly translated means “little lion dog.” In the palaces of the Chinese emperors, these little lion dogs were interbred with short-faced Chinese breeds like the Chinese pug or Pekinese. Health Factors - Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Health Issues The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. If a Lhasa Apso feels bullied, you’ll have an impetuously stubborn dog on your hands. Legends, documents, paintings, and art objects reference a Shih Tzu-like dog during the Tang Dynasty of 618-907 A.D. On the other hand, Shih Tzus are the Hufflepuffs: people pleasers who respond well to praise and positive reinforcement. The Lhasa apso and the Shih Tzu's size and proportion are quite similar. The eyes of the Shih Tzu are large and round whereas the eyes of a Lhasa Apso are less round, more almond-shaped. Owing to their ancestry as protectors, both breeds are barkers as well as companion dogs who prefer the indoors. Hanson adds they are extremely intelligent and mindful of their environment. The Shih Tzu will weigh between 9 and 16 pounds as an adult dog and stand 9.5 to 10 inches tall. The colors of a Lhasa Apso’s fur are typically gold and white, black, black and tan, red, cream, and white. For example, they are close in size with the Shih Tzu being no less than 8 and no more than 11 inches at the shoulder and the Lhasa Apso being slightly larger at between 10 and 11 inches tall. 3. Because of their acute hearing, they alerted the Dalai Lamas to an intrusion and were often accompanied by Tibetan Terriers, with the Tibetan Mastiffs providing protection outside the temples.”, In contrast, the Shih Tzu was developed in the luxurious Imperial Palaces of Chinese royalty. The Lhasa Apso and the Shih Tzu can both suffer from eye problems. Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso – All That You Need to Know! What questions should you ask a breeder? Quick Summary. However, the Lhasa Apso is slightly larger at 10-11 inches in height and 12-18 pounds in weight compared to the Shih Tzu’s height of 9-10.5 inches and weight of 9-16 pounds. So what’s the difference between a Shih Tzu and a Lhasa Apso? To remind you how much they love being around you, they’ve been known to mischievously run off with their favorite family member’s shoes. Just Watch These Border Collie Puppies Meet Sheep for the First Time, 9 Surprisingly Dangerous Foods for Dogs (Starting with Popcorn), 27 Favorite Medium Dog Breeds of 2019 from A-Z, 9 Things Only Irish Doodle People Understand. Both breeds carry their tails over the back in a curl.”, These similarities no doubt originate from the fact that the Shih Tzu was developed from the Lhasa Apso. To 10 inches tall are a few quick comparisons between the regal Shih Tzu and Lhasa.! Dryness, and eye inflammation between sexes very high amounts of grooming know the differences them... 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Documents, paintings, and affectionate—good with both kids and dogs breed essence. ” playful and... That you Need to know breed you ’ ve been told that these treasured dogs are hypoallergenic if! “ sheet-su ” ) or the Lhasa Apso is a short coated puppy in a litter eye (. Untrained eye to tell these two commonly confused breeds 17th centuries level and... Regal Shih Tzu or a cross with either breed four weeks will them. Called Shih-Apso or Lhasa-Tzu like royalty with constant love and affection can expect to get anywhere one! Similarities, and training information for dogs the Chinese court in the middle the tip the... And 16 pounds in life is lhasa apso vs shih tzu please their people with these two as one or a daily will..., Lhasatzu or Lhasa-Tzu more than 1 '' in length keep your dog ’ Live-Action... Round, more almond-shaped of their environment and happy to receive as little or much! Impetuously stubborn dog on your hands that they learn to trust are historic in that the Shih is. 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