Lhasa Apso vs. Poodle

It is hard not to notice Lhasa Apso and Poodle playing outside, they are both just as lovely as they are adorable. Poodle and Lhasa Apso are often these dog breeds we all wish to give a hug. If you found yourself wondering what are the differences between Lhasa Apso and Poodle, please continue reading. After doing research about both of these dog breeds, I thought to myself it would be a great idea to share some of the things I learned. I will give you a full comparison of Poodles and Lhasa Apso dog breeds. What is the personality of these two dog breeds? Do they get along with children? Are they easily trained?

What are the differences between Lhasa Apso and Poodle dog breed? Lhasa Apso is a couple of centimeters smaller than Poodle and also weighs a couple of kilograms less. Poodle has a corded, curly, dense coat, Lhasa Apso’s coat is long and coarse. Unlike Lhasa Apso, Poodle has no undercoat at all. They are both hypoallergenic, they love children and they hate being left alone for a long time.

If you thought Lhasas Apso has a complicated grooming schedule, Poodles and their grooming chores can get even worse. While Lhasa Apso might not be as easily trainable as Poodle, Lhasa Apso is just as loving as Poodle. As playful as they both are, it is no wonder people consider them to be therapy dogs.

(Also, check out answers to your related questions at the end of this article).

If you ever owned or you own any of these two dog breeds, you must be well-entertained at all times! Current owners of Poodles and Lhasa Apso’s often speak of the insane amounts of playfulness and loyalty of these two adorable dog breeds. Poodle is a real clown everyone will find hilarious, but Lhasa Apso will make sure you also reward him for being funny.

Personalities of Lhasa Apso And Poodle Dog Breed

It is no surprise an intelligent dog breed such as Lhasa Apso gets called stubborn. While they are stubborn, they are only stubborn because they are not happy with what you are offering to them. Lhasa Apso has a dominant nature and will always protect his/her territory, they are fearless and often forget how small they are. Poodles are a little bit different, they get along with strangers, cats, dogs, basically everyone, they are also extremely intelligent, but they do not seem as stubborn as Lhasa Apso. Poodles love pleasing their owners and they are truly lovely souls, Lhasa Apso, however, wishes to be pleased and will often manipulate you into giving him a treat, even when he/she does not deserve one. Both of these dogs love children, they can spend hours and hours playing with children and never get too tired of it, however, it is important your children know how to respect and care for the dog.

People often consider Poodles to be show dogs, but this is not true, poodles can do everything other dogs can and they are easily trainable to your surprise! If you are a first time owner of a dog, having a Poodle might be a great experience for you! If you live in an apartment and you barely spend time at home, do not consider getting any of these two breeds. While Lhasa Apso can enjoy apartment living, they hate being alone and are prone to depression. Poodles require a lot of activity, they are always ready for a long walk and they also hate being alone. Lhasa Apso might be a better choice for people who are not willing to walk a couple of hours a day with their dog, but if you are an active person, Poodle will be a great choice for you, they are empathetic and always ready to please their owners.

Poodles tend to be very patient, they are easily focused just as they are easily distracted. They are considered to be very easy to train and they do not seem very destructive at all. Lhasa Apso, however, might find it difficult to focus and be patient, they are independent and they do not like being told what to do unless you have a way to reward them, food if possible!

There are three types of Poodles, Standard, Miniature, and Toy, currently, Toy Poodles seem to be the most popular worldwide, they are just like standard poodles but very tiny! While Toy Poodles might look very fragile, they also love to do many things! There are certain healthcare differences between the three kinds of Poodle, but these are something you need to see with your veterinarian.

Lhasa Apso and Poodle will always try their best to get engaged in family activities, they will follow you in the bathroom, kitchen and even enjoy watch series with you! While this is adorable, you also need to make sure you still treat your dog as a dog. Knowing they are both hypoallergenic dog breeds, they shed very little, that means you do not have to worry about all the hair around your apartment.

Both Lhasa Apso and Poodle come in various coat colors, you can choose between white, cream, black, black and white, gold and tan Lhasa Apso. But with Poodles, the choices are neverending, you can find Poodles in all possible colors, black, tan, apricot, white, cream, sable, silver, brown, blue.

History of Lhasa Apso And Poodle Dog Breed

It is believed Poodles originate from Germany, they used to be called Pudel which means ‘’splash in the water’’ – it was a reference to their job as water retrievers. They used to sniff out truffles and were extremely popular circus dogs back in the days. Knowing they are intelligent, they love attention and good show, Poodles were easily taught how to do special tricks that would impress people.

King Louis XVI was impressed by Poodles, they even became France’s national dog. Today they are ranked ninth in popularity by the American Kennel Club and they are beloved everywhere around the globe. No wonder though, Poodles are real dog-entertainers!

Lhasa Apso is one of the three dog breeds originating from the cold and mountainous country of Tibet. Back in the days, Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso were considered to be the same breed, today they are separated by the height. In the Lhasa Apso’s land, he was kept by noble people. These noble people would often present Lhasa Apso dogs as gifts to foreign rules, this is how the first Lhasa Apso came to the United States!

Lhasa Apso is the first Tibetan breed that was registered within the American Kennel Club. Today, Lhasa Apso owns a 62nd rank on the dog list of the American Kennel Club.

Grooming and Healthcare of Lhasa Apso and Poodles

Lhasa Apso and Poodles are actually rather healthy dog breeds, with regular care, proper food, and daily activities, they can both live up to 15 or more years!

If you are looking for a dog that has an easy-care coat, you should not be looking at Lhasa Apso and Poodle. They both require a lot of grooming, especially Poodle.

Lhasa Apso Grooming and Healthcare

The glamorous coat of Lhasa Apso requires detailed daily brushing, this is to prevent mats and tangles. While many Lhasa Apso owners decide to cut their dog’s hair short, it is beautiful to see the amazing coat it actually has. Lhasa Apso is a low shedding dog, but you will still be able to find a few hairs here and there, do not worry, that is completely normal! To achieve the stunningly beautiful coat on your Lhasa Apso, you will have to give him/her a bath at least once every two to three weeks. A neglected Lhasa Apso coat can be dangerous, painful and lead towards some serious skin infections. Of course, Lhasa Apso also requires basic nail trimming at least once a week.

Just like most dogs, Lhasa Apso also has possible health problems that might occur. In Lhasa Apso, it is often they have hip dysplasia, eye problems, glaucoma, patellar luxation, and juvenile renal disease. While these conditions are not always detectable in a growing puppy, it is advised you look for a reputable breeder who is known for having healthiest animals possible.

Lhasa Apso is prone to dental issues as well, you will be required to brush their teeth at least two times a week, this is done to remove the excess bacteria and tartar that builds up in their tiny mouth. Many owners buy dental chews for their dogs, these are great tasty chews your dog will surely love!

Poodle Grooming and Healthcare

If Lhasa Apso’s grooming chores seem too much for you, Poodles will shock you even more! Grooming is a significant thing for Poodles, their curly, fine coat needs to be cut regularly, around every six to eight weeks. Depending on your preferences of course! Poodle’s coat mats easily and it requires daily brushing at home. Even if you pay professional grooming, you will have to brush your Poodle at home. If the coat is left untrimmed it will curl into cords and look rather messy, however, some people prefer it that way.

Poodle ears flop over their ear canals, that means they do not get airflow circulating to keep their ears moisture-free and dry. Knowing this, it is obvious Poodles are prone to ear infections, some even suffer chronically from them. It is important to do weekly ear-cleaning on your Poodle, that way you will keep the infections at bay and have no worry at all!

Just like with Lhasa Apso dog breed, Poodles also require their nails to be trimmed at least once a week, if you hear the nails clicking on the floor, it is time for nail trimming!

Dental care is one of the most important things for Poodles, especially Toy and Miniature Poodles (they are prone to dental diseases). It is advised you brush your Poodle’s teeth at least every a couple of days, try to do regular dental checks!

Trainability and Temperament of Lhasa Apso and Poodle Dog Breed

People love Lhasa Apso because it is a small dog full of big surprises, you just never know what to expect. This minute, your Lhasa Apso might be naughty, feisty and manipulative, but the next minute, he/she will become super sweet and gentle. This means it might be a little bit harder to train Lhasa Apso than it is to train Poodle.

Poodles are quick learners no matter what, even if you teach them bad things, they will remember it forever. Both of them are great companions for various activities. Poodle likes water a lot more than Lhasa Apso does, but all in all, they are both breeds ready to participate in anything!

Many people mention the intelligence of Poodle, some even say their Poodles are a lot more intelligent than their owners. Looking at this adorable, yet very wise breed, it is certain they are indeed very intelligent. If they feel you have done something unfair to them, they will easily come up with a plan that will not make you smile for sure. Lhasa Apso will probably not come up with a mischievous plan, but he/she will make sure you give up trying. If Lhasa Apso does not feel like something, he/she will not do it, simple as that!

Lhasa Apso is a good watchdog, he/she will always alert you of the intruders or suspicious strangers, but he/she does not really require a lot of activity. Lhasa Apso is not a particularly energetic breed, they can settle down in an apartment and have a walk on daily basis, they will not complain. However, it is good to bring a little bit of exercise into your dog’s life, no matter whether he/she is a Poodle or a Lhasa Apso. Both of these breeds can join you on your daily walks or participate in a running session whenever you decide to go.

They are wonderful family companions always willing to be around their team. While both of these breeds are usually kept inside, Poodle is a lot more active and might require a little bit more space than a Lhasa Apso dog.

While many people claim Poodle is really easier to train than Lhasa Apso, it is obvious all it takes is a bit of effort and consistency to make both of the breeds well trained.

When starting up the training, make sure you show your dog how much you care, show him how much will you have to teach him/her certain things and remember, you need to keep on rewarding your dog each time he/she does well.

Feeding Lhasa Apso Or Poodle

In case you did not know, Lhasa Apso dog breed usually weighs between five, up to eight kilograms, while Poodle weighs depending on their type. Knowing there are three types of Poodles, Standard, Miniature, and Toy, it is obvious the standard one would be the heaviest. Standard Poodle weighs up to twenty-five kilograms, while Toy Poodle weighs up to five kilograms.

As puppies, dogs require a lot more food than when they are fully grown. Poodle and Lhasa Apso puppies are required to be fed at least three, up to four times a day. It is important you offer them proper food in order to keep them happy and as healthy as possible. Remember, everything your dog eats will impact his health, just like you do. It is important not to pick up a bag of the most expensive commercial dog food just because it is the most expensive. It is important you know what your dog requires.

Today, there are many manufactured brands who offer questionable ingredients, you need to carefully read the labels and make sure you avoid any fillers, artificial coloring or preservatives. Avoid everything without nutritional value.

If you own a Poodle or Lhasa Apso, you might know you should avoid corn and wheat gluten, both of these breeds might face possible problems with foods featuring these ingredients. Try out Orijen or Whole Earth Farms, these are premium dog foods that contain real meat and other healthy ingredients for your dog.

In case you cook well, you can also try out homemade food for your dog, this type of food may often resolve any issues with food allergies. If you want to offer a healthy mix of everything for your dog, try out the following:

Lean Meats – Turkey, fish and white chicken breast will turn to be a great protein/real food for your Poodle or Lhasa Apso
Vegetables – Spinach, peas, zucchini, and carrots are very healthy for your dog, just avoid corn kernels
Fruits – Fruits are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, dogs usually love melons, bananas, blueberries and raspberries
Organs – Liver, brain, and kidney are extremely healthy for the dogs, they also love eating organs!
Extras – Whole white yogurt or cottage cheese could be one of the things your dog will simply love, just keep it in small amounts

Both Lhasa Apso and Poodle, require Omega fatty acids, these help them keep their coat and skin healthy. Try offering a daily vitamin or a mineral supplement to your dog, that way you will ensure your dog receives enough vitamins.

What suits me best, Lhasa Apso or Poodle Dog Breed?

It is important to know everything about both of these breeds, while they are both mainly house pets, many people believe they are similar, while in real… they both have their own personalities you need to love before anything else. Being the owner of a Lhasa Apso or a Poodle might sound like a fairytale, they are adorable fluffy dog breeds, but they require a lot of effort and care. Not everyone should be the owner of a breed such as these two are.

If you are an active, healthy person who likes spending your time outside, you do many activities and you often socialize with people, Poodle might be a better choice than Lhasa Apso. Poodles get along with everyone, a Poodle will always be a loyal companion and follow you anywhere. Depending on a type of Poodle you are looking to get, make sure you keep in mind Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles might be a little bit too fragile to play much with very small children. Of course, this is all possible, you are just required to keep an eye out on them, never leave them alone if this is the case. You do not want accidental injuries due to an innocent play.

Lhasa Apso is a dog that does not require that much activity and training as Poodle. Lhasa Apso is an independent dog breed who will do something only if he/she can see a profit out of it (food). If you are a person who does not really go out much and you prefer having a dog to sit on your lap while you watch TV, Lhasa Apso is a perfect dog breed for you!

They are both quite pricey dog breeds, and their grooming is also not the cheapest thing in the world. If you can afford the dog, but you cannot afford taking care of him/her properly, think twice. Many people get Poodles and Lhasa Apso’s thinking they will always be pretty dogs no matter what, sadly these dogs can get seriously sick if not taken care of properly. They can suffer emotionally and physically if their owners ignore grooming chores or simply forget about them.

When deciding which one of these two dog breeds you want, make sure you think of how you live, think of what the dog breed wants and how they behave in certain situations, knowing this will help you understand and pick the perfect one for you.

Adoption of Lhasa Apso and Poodle Dog Breed

Today, there are many places you can look for a dog and get one. It is about picking the right place, give it a thought. It is obvious dogs can live up to twenty years or more, when getting a dog, please consider healthcare, vaccinations and all of the possible documentation. This dog will be around you for a long time and you want only the best for him/her. If you are buying a dog from a breeder make sure you first find a good breeder, someone who will be willing to give you all of the information you need. Someone who is going to be honest, and not only care about your money.

Questions to Ask when you visit a breeder:

Where do you keep the puppies?
Can I see the parents of my puppy?
Is the puppy house trained?
How are the parents of the puppy, their temperament and their health conditions?
What kind of activities do you do with puppies?
Can I test their personality?
Do you have a certification and required documents?

Asking these questions will help you figure out how is the breeder you are talking to, as well as help you understand your potential new puppy a bit better. If the breeder refuses to answer any of these questions, you should probably think twice before you get a puppy from him/her.

In case buying a puppy is not what you had planned, you can always turn to animal shelters, this way you are not only going to make yourself happy, you will also save an innocent dog life. There are many dogs located in animal shelters and they are all mostly house trained, they are well-behaved and they will appreciate you saving their life.

There are many animal shelters that will help you find a Poodle or Lhasa Apso in your areas, you just need to ask. There are websites such as Adopt-a-Pet.com, here you can search for the dog breed you are interested in and you will soon be ready to specifically pick a dog of your dreams. A great thing about animal shelters and rescues is the fact that they will often offer fostering opportunities too, they will be very upfront talking about any health conditions the dogs might possibly have and will surely give you valuable advice.