Shih Tzu
VS
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso
Compare Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Shih Tzu
Lhasa Apso
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
23 – 27 cm
25 – 26 cm
Weight
5 – 8 kg
5 – 7 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 16 years
13 – 14 years
Child friendly
4/5
5/5
Energy level
2/5
3/5
Intelligence
2/5
3/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
5/5
Grooming needs
4/5
4/5
Shedding
2/5
3/5
Barking level
3/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
1/5
3/5
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Characteristics
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Lhasa Apso
Great with kids
Easy to train
Tiny
Summary
About Shih Tzu
Small, sturdy companion dog from Tibetan and Chinese palaces, 4.5–8 kg with a long, flowing coat and chrysanthemum-like face. Affectionate, cheerful, and confident, it suits many homes. Needs moderate exercise, intensive grooming, and patient, reward-based training.
About Lhasa Apso
Small but sturdy Tibetan companion once kept as an indoor watchdog. Rectangular body, dense floor‑length coat with many colors, low shedding but high grooming needs. Loyal and protective with family, reserved with strangers, alert and vocal. Suits apartments if well trained and exercised.
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