The muzzle of the Lhasa Apso is lower, while the Shih Tzus is longer and sits higher on the face. Is that even possible? Only a few breeds of dogs have such close similarities. These dogs do demand a fair amount of attention from their owners and loved ones but when trained properly, they tend to live peacefully when left alone in the house. Lhasas, in contrast, were brought to the United States in 1933 by the 13th Dalai Lama. Starting with the vision to provide and curate reliable information to pet lovers we have evolved into a platform that also brings you a wide range of pet products and services covering the entire lifecycle of a pet. Be sure to supervise your Shih Tzu puppy around young children who may mistake this adorable pup for their favorite stuffy. A fun-loving breed, Shih Tzus enjoy playing with older children, who understand how to play gently with a small dog, and other four-legged pets as long as proper introductions have been made (they are descended from royalty after all). On the other hand, Lhasa Apsos are usually gold and white, black, black and tan, red, cream and white. German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian) vs Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler vs Pit Bull Terrier (American), Great Dane vs German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian), Dachshund Standard ( Smooth Haired) vs Pug. An agile and adaptable pet, your pint-sized pooch will love cuddling with you on the couch in front of the TV, but theyre equally happy trotting by your side in the park. I know I promised to give a definite answer to the three questions that I mentioned in the beginning, but as you can see (if you have properly read the article), it is extremely hard to pick either one of these two dogs. These dogs might have a small structure but they do have a feisty side which they only show whenever it is needed. Both have: But there is one thing that does separate these two breeds in terms of maintenance needs and it is their shedding potential. And lastly, they can employ positive reinforcement technique to train these dogs. Theyre wonderful companions and socialize well with other humans and dogs, but make sure to begin socializing them at a young age. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! So, which is bettera Shih Tzu or a Lhasa Apso? They tend to be a bit stubborn and independent at times and this makes their training sessions a lot more difficult and tiring than they should be. Theyre also known to be highly intelligent and can also be quite snobby or aloof with strangers. In Lhasa Apsos, health issues like Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Familial Inherited Renal Dysplasia, and Sebaceous Adenitis are more commonly seen, while diseases and problems such as Distichiasis, Hip Dysplasia, Keratitis, Bladder Stones, and Umbilical Hernias are fairly common in Shih Tzus. They tend to remain alert and aware of their surroundings and they are good at alerting their owners in case of any intruders or trespassers. These are tough little dogs who can be a bit difficult to handle and train. So, what happens when you cross these two breeds? And in this area, Shih Tzus are a bit more sociable in nature and they do just fine with strangers and new people. If you dont want a noisy or boisterous canine, then it is better for you to stay away from both these dogs. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. The Lhasa Tzu, or Shih Apso, can also be good companions for kids, as long as the kids are well behaved and understand how to treat a dog. So this might explain the physical similarities between both these canines. If youre interested in either breed and are concerned about possible health issues, its always a good idea to talk with the breeder. While they will require regular exercise to stay healthy (something like a daily walk will be great), they dont require as much exercise as a Lhasa Apso. There are no such problems with Lhasa Apsos as they are immensely sweet, kind and careful with small kids. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); The contents of the OurFitPets.com website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (Content) are for informational purposes only. Lhasa Apsos can tolerate temperatures down to 25 F or as high as 85 F, but they still need to live indoors. They also tend to be jealous of their favorite people and toys, and will keep others away. Its also a good idea to train these little fellas as any dog can have a stubborn streak and benefit from proper behavioral training.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'ourfitpets_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_4',131,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ourfitpets_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; Health Issues: both of these breeds have a tendency to hereditary health problems. What about a mix of the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu? If a potential owner is looking for a small sized easy-going dog, then definitely, he/she will get a bit confused between these two amazing breeds at some point in time and thus to eradicate that confusion, we are here help you out and in the end, we will try to answer these highly important questions: To start off this Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso comparison, well be looking at how these two dog breeds came to fruition and later well be comparing them on various different levels such as physical appearance, maintenance needs, temperamental traits, trainability, and overall health and fitness. They don't need a lot of space or exercise, but they do need someone who will be with them for most of the day. Lhasa Apsos are more independent and will guard you and your homeyou can count on that! Similar feeding needs as both of them require or to 1 cup of high-quality feeding material on a daily basis. With trusted and secure payment options shopping with DogSpot.ins online pet supply store, is as much fun as our furry friends. While both breeds have short snouts, the Shih Tzus muzzle is a bit shorter and can cause these dogs to have breathing problems. These tiny dogs might not tolerate all the antics and quirks of a small child, hence proper socialization and training are extremely crucial for the Shih Tzus. They're happier when someone is able to be home with them for most of the day. Without early socialization, Lhasa Apsos don't tend to get along that well with strangers. Thanks to their years of experience anyway. Shih Tzus are definitely indoor pups, with a temperature tolerance that goes from 55 F on the low end to about 80 F on the high end. Let's dive a bit deeper so as to properly compare these canines in terms of behavioral traits and characteristics.. These dogs are considered to be highly athletic dogs with lots of energy. Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos are both susceptible to bladder stones, too. Intelligent and curious, Lhasas have a moderate energy level and dont require a lot of exercise. Both Lhasas and Shih Tzus have a lively and friendly personality but both are highly courageous, intelligent and clever as well. Coloring: a Shih Tzus coat can come in many colors: gold & white, red & white, and more. First, they were born in Lhasa' which is the capital of Tibet and second, the term Apso' roughly means bearded and thus this word was used in their name as it perfectly described their hairy looks and heavy coat. Chances of Lhasas suffering from various kinds of health problems are a bit less as compared to Shih Tzus and due to this, Lhasas are not required to be taken to a vet's clinic on a frequent basis. The result can be pain, nerve damage or even paralysis. Remember, they were bred to be protective guardians, with a need to sound the alarm when intruders were about. On the other hand, Shih Tzus are more laid back and dont require as much exercise or activity. One thing we can guaranteeboth of these dog breeds are adorable and will grab your heart!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ourfitpets_com-leader-3','ezslot_12',128,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ourfitpets_com-leader-3-0')}; We hope this guide has helped show you the similarities and differences between these two beautiful breeds. We at DogSpot.in truly believe that every pet deserves love and attention and our products ensure that your pet stays happy and pampered, always! But they are stubborn, so they need consistent training to keep them well-behaved members of the family. But Shih Tzus are not considered to be that great for kids. Owners can use treats or they can verbally compliment their pooches whenever they do something right while getting trained. Each of these dogs tends to be smaller than other breeds and are quite cute and lovable. And the main purpose for writing this Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu comparison article is that we want to answer a very important question that must have crossed the minds of thousands of people while they were deciding which breed to bring to their home or which canine to raise as a pet. But with the right training methods and approach, the owners of both these dogs can train their pooches a little bit faster and a bit more easily. Is it Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu? Their loyalty and calm manner in all types of situations serve them in good stead as emotional support animals when their small size is not an issue. The Lhasa Apso breed has a playful personality and often keeps their puppy behaviors longer than other dog breeds. Any dog thats not properly socialized can bite, attack, etc. In this article, were going to take a look at these differences between these two breeds and how to tell them apart.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'ourfitpets_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',106,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ourfitpets_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; Both of these dogs look very similar and they both come from Tibet and both have long, silky hair. It can be very different to differentiate the two dogs. 2020 www.DogSpot.in. But it doesnt matter how closely alike they may look, breeders still do differentiate them easily. If you need a more aloof little pet, who will also be protective, then the Lhasa Apso may be the right dog for you. We took a look at some of the similarities between these cute dog breeds, but what are the differences between them? In fact, it is highly speculated that Shih Tzus were created after mating numerous breeds with Pekingese or Lhasa Apsos. On the other hand, Shih Tzus tend to be a little more on the quiet side. Originating in Tibet as guard dogs (can you believe it? Secondly, their owners should remain very patient and calm during the training sessions. Out of these two, Lhasa Apsos are more sturdy and healthy canines. Lifespan: when it comes to lifespan, theres a slight difference between these two breeds. After their birth, Shih Tzus were mostly seen as precious possessions of the Chinese royalty which were given to them by the Tibetan Monks. With all of these similarities, there are some huge differences between these adorable small dogs! This also means during the shedding period, Lhasas' coat is required to be brushed more frequently than usual because brushing can really help in controlling the shedding process to a certain extent. They arent known for biting, but they may bite if pushed too far in rough play. Find inspiration in this list of 400 cute, unique and creative cat names. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Activity levels: here, the two breeds differ quite a bit as adults. Even though they may exhibit a stubborn streak and require extra patience when training, they are worth the effort. The average lifespan for a Lhasa Apso is between 12-15 years, while the average lifespan for a Shih Tzu is between 10-15 years. Although we might be addressing only our fellow Indians in this section, this applies to all the potential owners from all around the world. However, their protective instincts are still intact. No one can go wrong choosing either of these canines as they both are equally wonderful and remarkable. Theyre also easier to train.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'ourfitpets_com-box-4','ezslot_2',124,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ourfitpets_com-box-4-0')}; While their temperaments can be a little different, its important that both of these breeds have enough socialization in order to be around other people and animals. ), these pups mainly apply for lap dog jobs today. Copyright 2019, All right reserved Developed by Tailsbuddy. On the other hand, Shih Tzus are very playful, energetic and affectionate. Shih Tzus, on the other hand, can suffer from a lot of issues during their lifetime if they are not given proper care and attention and thus regular visits to a vet's clinic are required in case of these little lion dogs. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. By: Ashley DavidsonUpdated: July 13, 2022. Now let's see whether the maintenance needs, behavioral characteristics, and overall health can help us in properly comparing these two cute little pooches. The Shih Tzu is a cuddly, cute mite of a dog who will just love you and enjoy spending time in your presence. An agile and adaptable pet, your pint-sized pooch will love cuddling with you on the couch in front of the TV, but theyre equally happy trotting by your side in the park. The Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are both categorized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as toy in size. Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus are two of the cutest dog breeds around; however, it can be difficult to tell them apart as they look very similar. So as you can see, after doing this further comparison, it is still not very easy to choose one breed out of these two. But both these dogs tend to make not-very-good guard dogs due to their small size and stature. Barking: another difference youll find between the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu is the amount of barker they do or dont do. When it comes to health, both dog breeds have similar problems, so neither breed is healthier than the other. This condition can be fatal in some dogs. First of all, it is important not to use any harsh training or correction methods as both these dogs are very sensitive in nature. Once Lhasas and Shih Tzus are in the right mood, the process of teaching them something new becomes a lot easy and undemanding. Comparing two very similar dog breeds is not an easy task, but here we are pitting Shih Tzu against Lhasa Apso in this breed comparison article. While Shih Tzus are not known to shed their fur a lot, thus not requiring any extra brushing or attention towards their coat, Lhasa Apsos do shed their hair on a fairly regular basis (although the amount of hair shed is not that high). Yeah, these 2 dogs may be similar in size, but the Lhasa Aspo is a little bit bigger than the Shih Tzu. The skull of the Shih Tzu is round, broad and domed, while the Lhasa Apsos skull is narrow and not domed. Intelligent and curious, Lhasas have a moderate energy level and dont require a lot of exercise. Or maybe youd like a combination of these twowith a mix of their characteristics, in which case the Shih Apso, also called the Lhasa Tzu, may be the best choice. All rights reserved. Lhasa Apsos are best for individuals or families with older kids, and they are ideal for people who live in apartments. They know how to use their cuteness to get you to do/give them what they want. Theyre generally not aggressive towards strangers and tend to be good with kids. It depends on what you need and/or want in a dog. I agree with their temperament being different. Which one to buy between these two awesome pooches? Julie is also happily married with two kids. Girl Dog Names: The Top 500 Female Dog Names of 2021, Boy Dog Names: Top 500 Male Dog Names of 2022, The Best Cat Names: 300+ Unique, Cute & Funny Cat Names. Overall, both these dogs are considered to be good family dogs but Shih Tzus do need to be properly trained so that they mix well with small children that might be present in the house. Yes, it is and this mix of breeds even has a name! Now you might be wondering the reasoning behind such unique names of both these dog breeds. They make excellent watchdogs; they are always on alert for someone approaching your home and will let you know theyre coming. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized Lhasa Apsos as a non-sporting breed in the year 1935 and it registered Shih Tzus in the Toy group in the year 1969. In this department as well, both Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos are very much alike. These dogs are usually categorized as hypoallergenic; both dogs do shed, but not as much as other breeds. With their ability to assess situations much faster than other small breeds, the Shih Tzu is so much more than a pretty face. True! Both these breeds are an amazing option to bring home and raise as a pet. Great tolerance to loneliness and can live alone in the house for a good amount of time, while their owners are on their jobs or are out of the house for some work. Extremely high grooming requirements which mean their coat is needed to be brushed at least 2-3 times every week or in some cases, daily brushing of the coat may also become necessary so as to avoid any kind of tangling or matting issues. While they are strong-willed and need lots of training, a first-time pup parent can do well with a Lhasa if they are committed to the training. They love to be lap dogs and stay close to their pet parents and loved ones. In fact, some airline will not allow these dogs to fly because they can develop a problem called brachycephalic airway syndrome. Both Lhasas and Shih Tzus started to move out of their place of origin to other big countries in the 20th centuries.