Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu – Do You Know How to Tell Which Is Which?

Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu: can you tell the difference?

The Lhasa Apso is a lesser-known dog that has been around for at least a thousand years.

They’re super fluffy, adorable, and energetic.

A Shih Tzu, on the other hand, is a more popular dog breed.

They are generally known for their long flowing coat and loyalty.

If you’re looking at a picture of the two breeds, it can be hard to tell them apart!

They’re both small, fluffy, and absolutely adorable.

However, they do have some key differences that can be important if you’re trying to determine which one better fits your lifestyle.

To help you make the hard decision between these two dogs, we’ll look at all the Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu differences and similarities.

Dog Breed: Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Difference

So what are some of the major differences between a Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso?

First, both breeds have different overall life expectancies and are prone to different health problems.

Both breeds also have astonishingly different histories despite their similar appearance.

Plus, the temperament between the breeds can differ quite a bit.

We will discuss each of these differences one-by-one to give you a clear view of which dog might be a better choice for you.

Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Life Expectancy

The first major difference between the two breeds is their life expectancy.

Lhasa Apsos usually live between 12 to 15 years, while Shih Tzus have a broader range at 10 to 16 years.

Of course, how long a particular dog lives depends on a number of factors, including diet and genetics.

As we will discuss later, both breeds of dog are also prone to a few health problems, which can affect their lifespan considerably.

No matter what breed of dog you decide to get, you can help them live a long and happy life by making sure they eat a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise, and see the vet regularly for checkups.

Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu Health

Both of these breeds are prone to health problems, but the exact issues they are prone to differ.

Lhasa Apsos

Lhasa Apsos are prone to a specific clotting disorder called hemophilia B.

This disease is caused by a genetic mutation that can be passed down from parent to puppy.

They are also prone to patellar luxation, also called a dislocated kneecap.

Shih Tzus

On the other hand, Shih Tzus are extremely prone to brachycephalic problems.

These problems are created due to the shortness of the Shih Tzu’s nose and can lead to difficulty breathing and other respiratory problems.

Many Shih Tzus are also prone to eye problems, such as third eyelid prolapse, corneal ulcers, and retinal detachment.

Health Similarities

Both breeds are prone to intervertebral disc disease due to their body shape.

This condition is created when the cushioning disc located in the spine shifts into the spinal column.

This causes pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis.

Some dogs recover with only rest, while others need surgery, and some might not recover at all.

My Shih Tzu, for example, made an almost complete recovery after she completely lost all use and feeling in her hind legs.

Other dogs, though, are not so lucky.

This condition can be serious and life-changing.

Both the Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apsos are also prone to bladder stones, which can be serious but are very treatable.

As you can see, both dogs share differences and similarities when it comes to health.

Neither breed is necessarily healthier than the other; both have their potential problems.

Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu Temperament

The Lhasa Apso is known for its independence.

They are the guardians of family homes and temples in Tibet and have a strong personality to match.

This can make training somewhat difficult but not impossible.

The Shih Tzu is known to be somewhat more laid back, though each dog is, of course, different.

Both dogs require lots of socialization and training since they are not people pleasers like some other breeds.

Both can snap and become irritated easily if not properly socialized.

It is very important that you get them around many different kinds of people, dogs, and animals when they are young.

Due to their small size, we cannot recommend either dog to a family with children.

They might look like cute and adorable stuffed animals, but they are not and can react to improper handling and energetic children quite negatively.

Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu Size

Lhasa Apso females generally weigh between 11–15 pounds, while males weigh between 13–18.

Shih Tzus generally weigh between 9–16 pounds without much difference between sexes.

As you can see, both dogs have similar weights, though Shih Tzus can be slightly smaller than Lhasa Apsos.

When choosing a puppy from either breed, we recommend choosing one that is as proportional as possible.

Being too short and weighing too much can put unnecessary strain on the dog’s back, which can lead to some of those health problems we mentioned earlier.

Lhasa Apso versus Shih Tzu

The discussion of the Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu brings to light the similarities and differences between both breeds.

However, while they are similar in various ways, they also have plenty of differences that can be important to note for potential owners.

Both dogs are prone to various health problems and have slightly different temperaments.

In the end, it comes down to what is important to you.

A dog of either breed can be a healthy companion if you choose a healthy puppy, meet their needs correctly, and take them to the vet regularly.

Whichever breed you pick, we highly recommend getting a puppy from a reputable breeder and ensuring that both parents are healthy.

This goes a long way to ensuring that your puppy is as healthy as possible.

References and Further Reading

Mauser. “A deletion mutation causes hemophilia B in Lhasa Apso dogs.” Blood Journal. 1996.

Campbell, Courtney. “Severity of patellar luxation and frequency of concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: 162 cases.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2010.

Christmas, Richard. “Common ocular problems of Shin Tzu dogs.” The Canadian Veterinary Journal. 1992.

Priester, William. “Canine intervertebral disc disease — Occurrence by age, breed, and sex among 8,117 cases.” Theriogenology. 1976.

Houston, Doreen. “Canine urolithiasis: A look at over 16 000 urolith submissions to the Canadian Veterinary Urolith Centre from February 1998 to April 2003.” The Canadian Veterinary Journal. 2004.