Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Shih Tzu | Lhasa Apso | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Small | Small |
| Adult weight | 4.1 to 7.3 kg | 5.4 to 8.2 kg |
| In pounds | 9 to 16 lb | 12 to 18 lb |
| Adult height | 23 to 27 cm | 25 to 28 cm |
| Energy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Grooming | High | Moderate |
| Coat | Long double | Long silky |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| Lifespan | 10 to 18 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Fine with supervision |
| Good with other dogs | Reliably good | Fine with supervision |
| Country of origin | Tibet (China) | Tibet (China) |
The main differences
- The Lhasa Apso is the bigger dog: 5.4 to 8.2 kg against 4.1 to 7.3 kg for the Shih Tzu.
- Both have moderate energy in their published profiles.
- The Shih Tzu takes more grooming (high) than the Lhasa Apso (moderate).
- Life expectancy is similar: 10 to 18 years for the Shih Tzu and 12 to 15 years for the Lhasa Apso.
- With children, the Shih Tzu is rated reliably good and the Lhasa Apso fine with supervision.
Temperament
Shih Tzu: Friendly and independent, intelligent, active and alert.
Lhasa Apso: Gay and assertive, alert and steady, but somewhat aloof with strangers. A long coated Tibetan breed originally kept as an indoor watchdog.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Shih Tzu
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), graded by a vet on an exercise tolerance test
- Hereditary eye disease screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
- Skin problems in the facial folds, found on a routine veterinary skin check and kept down by daily fold cleaning
- Dental crowding and periodontal disease, found at a routine dental check and kept down by regular teeth cleaning
Lhasa Apso
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA4), detectable by DNA test
- Hereditary eye disease including cataract and glaucoma, screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
- Patellar luxation, detected on orthopaedic examination for a skipping gait and confirmed by imaging
- Renal dysplasia, detected by blood and urine testing and abdominal ultrasound, with kidney biopsy for a definitive diagnosis
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), detected by a Schirmer tear test at eye examination
- Dental and periodontal disease, detected at veterinary dental examination and managed by cleaning under anaesthetic
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Shih Tzu or the Lhasa Apso?
The Lhasa Apso. Adults weigh 5.4 to 8.2 kg, against 4.1 to 7.3 kg for the Shih Tzu, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Shih Tzu or the Lhasa Apso?
The published life expectancy is 10 to 18 years for the Shih Tzu and 12 to 15 years for the Lhasa Apso. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Shih Tzu or the Lhasa Apso better with children?
The Shih Tzu scores higher for children (5 against 3 out of 5). Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin