Author
Home > Veterinary > What is the Difference Between Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are both small, long-haired companion dogs native to East Asia, but they have some key differences:

  1. Origin: Shih Tzu has Chinese ancestry, while Lhasa Apso is Tibetan in origin.
  2. Size: Lhasa Apso is slightly larger, with a height of 10-11 inches and weight of 12-18 pounds, compared to Shih Tzu's height of 9-10.5 inches and weight of 9-16 pounds.
  3. Appearance: Lhasa Apso has a longer nose, narrower skull, and smaller almond-shaped eyes, while Shih Tzu has a wider cranium and large, round eyes. Lhasa Apso coats are floor-length and flat-hanging, while Shih Tzu's coat is more flowing and luxurious.
  4. Temperament: Shih Tzu is sociable, cheerful, and fearless, with a friendly and outgoing nature, while Lhasa Apso is wary and reserved when encountering unfamiliar individuals.

Both breeds have dense double coats, but Lhasa Apso's coat is heavy, straight, and hard, whereas Shih Tzu's coat is luxurious and flowing. They are both suitable for apartment living and can adapt well to different living conditions and family types.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu?
  • Comparative Table: Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu

    • Comparative Table: Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu:

    Feature Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu
    Size 10-11 inches in height, 12-18 pounds in weight 9 inches in height, 9-16 pounds in weight
    Coat Floor-length, flat-hanging, parted in the middle Long, flowing double coat
    Coat Colors Gold, white, black, black and tan, red, cream, white Gold and white, red and white, black mask gold, solid red, black and white, solid black, solid liver, liver and white, blue
    Appearance Longer nose, smaller almond-shaped eyes, smaller bone structure Wider cranium, large round eyes
    Temperament Independent, assertive, devoted Lively, courageous, outgoing
    Social Needs Average High
    Energy Levels Higher than average Lower than average
    Health Problems Cherry eye, inherited renal dysplasia Allergies, hip dysplasia, infections

    Both Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are small, long-haired dog breeds originating from Asia, but they have distinct differences in size, coat, appearance, temperament, and health.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.