Lhasa Apso vs. Shih Tzu

It can be very easy to mistake Lhasa Apso for Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu for Lhasa Apso, their appearance is very similar. While they might look very similar, there are many differences between those two adorable dog breeds. Both, Lhasa Apso and a Shih Tzu feature long stunning coat and they are purebred dogs. As beautiful as they both are, they still have certain differences that make them stand out. Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu have different personality traits, different fur colors, and different behavior. Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are both high maintenance dog breeds, their grooming chores are extremely important for their well-being and they both make a great show dog too! If you are stuck thinking about the differences between those two, please continue reading. I have gathered up all of the information you need to understand and know all of their differences.

What is the difference between Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu dog breed? Lhasa Apso is just a little bit bigger dog breed than a Shih Tzu, but there is nothing a Shih Tzu cannot do that Lhasa Apso can. Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu both have beautiful and very glamorous long coats. Lhasa Apso is known for having a little bit denser, harder double coat than a Shih Tzu who features a luxurious flowing double coat. Shih Tzu has mastered their ways of cuteness, but Lhasa Apso will always be a truly loyal friend to their family.

(Also check out answers to related questions you may have at the end of this article)

You would be very surprised to know how many differences there are between those two dog breeds. Lhasa Apso was originally only bred to guard monasteries and temples back in the day, Shih Tzu was bred as a lapdog. While they are very similar when it comes to the appearance itself, their personality and behavior are a lot different.

Lhasa Apso is a rather active dog breed, they are all about exploration and activity, always ready for fun activities. However, Shih Tzu is much more likely to spend their time moving from one lap to another and they are fine with it.

Neither of these two dog breeds likes being alone, they prefer being around their family and if left alone for a long time, they can develop behavioral problems. Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu require a lot of socialization and training in order to be happy and well-behaved. These two dog breeds are not for people who cannot put enough time into socialization, training and grooming chores. Do not be one of those people who get drawn to a Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu just because they look adorable. If you cannot afford taking care of them as supposed to, just look for another dog breed.

Lhasa Apso And Shih Tzu History

It is believed both Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu originate from Tibet. Shih Tzu was actually bred by Tibetan lamas back in the day in order to create a replica of a small lion. Shih Tzu is the smallest Tibetan dog breed, but that does not stop them from being awesome. Shih Tzu dog breed was presented as a tribute to Chinese rulers who then gave them the name ‘’Shih Tzu’’ which means ‘’Little Lion’’ or ‘’Lion Dog’’.

Bejing’s Kennel Club once wrote a poetic description of a Shih Tzu stating they have:

‘’the head of a lion, the round face of an owl, the lustrous eyes of a dragon, the oval tongue of a peony petal, the mouth of a frog, teeth like grains of rice, ears like palm leaves, the torso of a bear, the broad back of a tiger, the tail of a Phoenix, the legs of an elephant, toes like a mountain range, a yellow coat like a camel, and the movement of a fish. ‘’

Right as the end of imperial rulers in China arrived, Shih Tzu dog breed pretty much disappeared from the area. Luckily not all of them were gone, General Douglas, Lady Brownrigg and other people who got them as gifts, gathered up and figured they would try and show them to the world. They took their Shih Tzu dogs to England and it is believed all of our modern Shih Tzu’s actually descent from fourteen dogs that were taken to England.

Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso are not the only dog breeds that come from cold and mountainous country of Tibet, Tibetan Spaniel and Tibetan Terrier do too! Back in the days, Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso were considered to be the same breed, luckily, we learned their differences. Lhasa Apso used to be kept by the people who were noble and important back in the days, they were well-respected presents to foreign rulers by Dalai Lama. Lhasa Apso had always been a very highly respected dog breed, they were and still are great watchdogs with great hearing senses.

Did you know? Proudly, Lhasa Apso was the first Tibetan dog breed who got registered with the American Kennel Club back in 1935. Shih Tzu was recognized by The American Kennel Club back in 1969. Originally, Lhasa Apso was categorized as a Terrier, but only later on, it became a non-sporting dog breed.

Lhasa Apso Temperament Compared To Shih Tzu

Temperament and personality traits of a Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are very different from what you would expect. Knowing Lhasa Apso was bred to be a watchdog, it is easy to say they are fearless, careful and not very fond of strangers, while Shih Tzu is pretty opposite of all that. Shih Tzu is a rather friendly dog breed if properly socialized from a young age. They are playful, they love other dogs and children and they are always going to try and be around you, no matter what you do. Neither of these two enjoys being alone, but a Lhasa Apso can handle it much better than a Shih Tzu. They can both develop behavioral problems if left alone for long periods of time.

Lhasa Apso is an independent ‘’diva’’, they love their family and they are very loyal, but they will never really try to please anyone but themselves. Lhasa Apso’s are very smart dog breed, they are agile and very outgoing, but they will not tolerate unfairness and harsh act. Both Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu require proper training and obedience trials, they are very outgoing dogs who love to socialize and have fun.

Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu will always be willing to participate in activities and explore new areas with you. However, it is important to note that Lhasa Apso is actually very sturdy compared to Shih Tzu, they have a lot of energy that needs to get out at times. Shih Tzu is less demanding on that side, they are not very high on energy levels and they get along with pretty much anyone. Shih Tzu makes a great companion for seniors, they do not need to participate in many activities but they will enjoy anything you come up with at the time. Both Lhasa Apso and a Shih Tzu get along with children, it is just important to teach them how to show love and care for the dogs. Shih Tzu is not as sturdy as a Lhasa Apso, therefore, it might be a better choice to get a Lhasa Apso for families with children.

Unlike Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu dogs are often seen as those who chew on things all the time, those who nip a bit too often, those who jump and lick your the visitors and guests. While this is possible with a Shih Tzu, it can be prevented by training and teaching them how to behave, share and play nicely. Lhasa Apso might not be jumping at your guests, but they will be extremely suspicious, stubborn and sometimes very bored. With a Lhasa Apso, it is important to train them patience and give them a decent walk every single day.

Did you know? Both Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu make great and very popular therapy dogs. This adorable dog duo is all about their outgoing personalities, cuteness, love, and intelligence that are simply extremely hard to resist.

Lhasa Apso And Shih Tzu Appearance

A female Lhasa Apso dog usually weighs between 12-16 pounds, males go up to 20 pounds. Unlike Shih Tzu dog breed who usually weighs between 9-16 pounds and nearly no difference between sexes. Both dog breeds have a similar weight, but Lhasa Apso is slightly bigger than a Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu dog breed has a short muzzle, very dark eyes, hair-covered drop ears and a silky, long coat that reaches the floor. The long coat is white in most cases, or grey, but there are many Shih Tzu dogs featuring other colors as well. The skull of a Shih Tzu dog breed is boarder, it has big round eyes, while Lhasa Apso’s skull features a longer nose, narrow skull and almond-shaped eyes.

Lhasa Apso dog breed has a heavy, dense and very straight coat that comes in many different colors. They have very dark brown eyes and a typical black nose, some Lhasa Apso’s even have dark-tipped ears and beards. Lhasa Apso feet often remind of cats, they are round in shape and nicely feathered, but the feet of Shih Tzu are different – they got padded feet and firm, muscular legs. Both of them have a tail known for flowing towards their back, but when you look at it, you will notice it is different. Shih Tzu has a plumed, curved tail going towards the back, while Lhasa Apso’s tail can be described to be in a shape of a screw, very fluffy too.

Overall, these two dog breeds look very similar, so similar certain people find it very hard to spot the differences.

Did you know? There are certain owners of a Shih-Apso, it is the Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix. Shih Apso’s are very feisty dogs, they are protective of their surroundings and still as adorable as Shih Tzu or a Lhasa Apso.

Health And Care For A Lhasa Apso And Shih Tzu Dog Breed

When it comes to health, both Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso are considered to be healthy dog breeds. Shih Tzu can suffer from common small dog health issues, they can have missing teeth, their kneecaps can easily pop out of position and their eyes are prone to various injuries. Lhasa Apso is overall much sturdier dog breed, they do have certain health problems to pay attention to, but still less than a regular Shih Tzu dog breed. Most of the health problems can be avoided by properly caring for your dog, doing veterinarian check-ups and vaccinations when needed.

Common health problems in a Lhasa Apso

Hip Dysplasia
Juvenile renal disease
Glaucoma
Dry Eye
Intervertebral disc disease
Patellar Luxation

Common health problems in a Shih Tzu

Eye infections
Epiphora
Intervertebral disc disease
Breathing problems
Back problems
Heatstroke
Dry, itchy skin

Grooming

Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are both high maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Their long glamorous coat makes it a rather complicated task for many owners, but it is something that will eventually become a routine for both of you. It is important to teach your Lhasa Apso or a Shih Tzu how to behave when grooming chores have to be done. It is advised you introduce your Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu to grooming chores at a young age, that way it will become something completely normal to them, something they enjoy and are not afraid of at all.

Many owners decide to get a groomer instead of doing it all themselves, but if you are willing to give it a try, here is a couple of things you must know before you give it a try.

Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu require brushing depending on the coat length, those who feature long coats must be brushed on a daily basis.
Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu must be given frequent baths, at least once every two weeks.
Dogs who suffer from a coat or skin disorders may require more frequent baths.
Nails must be cut at least once every five weeks, or whenever you can hear them clap on the floor.
The ears of a Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu should be frequently checked and cleaned when necessary.
Each day, you must wipe the eyes and the face of a Lhasa Apso or a Shih Tzu, doing so may prevent eye problems.
Use a nose balm on your Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso if their nose looks dry or has peeling and cracking issues
Apply a high-quality paw wax to your Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu paws, especially if they are very dry, cracking or damaged on the outer layer.

Paws and nose might look like something less important than their ears, but in reality, it is all equally important. Do not be one of those owners who never pay attention to the paws or the nose of their dog. Nose and paws are the most vulnerable to the elements and they deserve a decent amount of care too.

If you understand how is it all done, you are just one step away from giving it a try. You need basic grooming tools next, slicker brush, pin brush, shampoo, tangle tweezer, scissors, clippers, and conditioner – these are all important to a Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu dog breed, they will make them feel better as well as make them look better. (Check out the products I use)

If you are unfamiliar with the grooming chores, but you still want to try and learn, it is advised you find someone who is willing to teach you.

If you dislike grooming and you have no time to ever do it, you should probably not consider getting a Lhasa Apso or a Shih Tzu. These two are really a high maintenance dog breeds when it comes to grooming and they need owners who are willing to put time and effort into their appearance and behavior.

Feeding

Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu simply love food, treats and anything they consider edible. Those two dog breeds are known for being prone to obesity, more than other dogs. It is important to note that too many carbohydrates in their diet are a thing you should avoid. Both Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu will be more than fine enough eating only twice a day, try to give them ½ ounce of food per pound of their body weight. As puppies, these two actually require more food throughout the day, but this is due to their higher activity levels and calories required for growing.

Weighing your dog is one of the most important things to pay attention to. Knowing Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu will always eat, no matter whether they are hungry or not should be enough for you to give their weigh more attention to than you normally would to some other breed. It is advised you take your Shih Tzu or a Lhasa Apso to the veterinarian and have them professionally weighted. That way you will know the exact meal portions you should be giving to your dog. (Check out our recommended Dog Bowls)

Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu require a healthy diet in order to maintain their health and the beautiful look of their luxurious coat.

Here are a couple of recommended foods for these two fluffy companions:

Fish
Organs such as heart or liver
Chicken breast
Lamb
Whole Yogurt
Green Beans
Carrots

Foods you should avoid giving to your Lhasa Apso or a Shih Tzu:

Chocolate
Coffee or tea
Fruit seeds
Grapes
Onions
Soda

Activities And Training For Shih Tzu And Lhasa Apso Dog Breeds

Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are both rather lively dog breeds, they do not require a lot of activity, but they will gladly participate in anything you come up with for them. The more things you do with them, the healthier and happier they will be.

Tips for training a Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu dog breed

When it comes to training, a Lhasa Apso is said to be a little bit harder to train. Lhasa Apso is a stubborn dog breed, they are independent and they do not care to please you as an owner, they care for themselves and their own fun. It is important to know how to motivate and praise your Lhasa Apso in order to achieve a good training session. Keep the training sessions short and fun for them, otherwise, they will end up bored and refuse to do anything you ask them to do.

Shih Tzu is very much the same, but they are less independent so you will actually have an easier time finding a way to get them motivated. Shih Tzu’s can be stubborn but a treat will have them do anything at all.

It might be a fun thought, having a dog who will do anything on your command, but really, that takes time and a lot of effort. Before you up onto hard and complicated tasks, try to teach your Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu to sit, to bark and to stop barking, teach them basic word commands and only then try to show them some fun tricks.

An example of how basic commands should be taught:

Stand before your dog and tell them to ‘’sit’’, once your dog does this, take a treat and do an arc movement over their head. This will make them realize it is their treat and reward for doing a good job, praise them and continue with the training.

It is important to note that giving too many treats or too much praise may end up giving your dog a wrong perspective. They may end up seeing this as a way of playing and will have a hard time focusing on what’s important. Give treats and praise only when they truly deserve it.

Positivity, good praise, and a hug can have a huge effect on how the training sessions go. Neither, Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu like yelling, pushing and negativity, they will refuse to do any training at all if their owners are being negative about it. Training should be a positive experience, a bonding experience for both of you. Negativity will turn to be a completely wrong method of teaching your Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu about life. They will start making decisions you will not like, manipulate you and try to shape your life around them, instead of another way around. Proper reactions and behavior are just as important for the owners as it is for the dogs.

Activities for a Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu dog breed

Activities are just as important as training, your Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu love to participate in events and they will always enjoy spending time with you, no matter what you are doing. Shih Tzu might seem like a very small dog who cannot do much at all, but they both can handle activity rather well and they will actually fully enjoy it too.

Keeping your dog entertained will make them realize you really do want them in your life, they will do their best to keep up with you and your ideas. Here are a few things you can do to entertain and get your dog involved in daily activities:

Go jogging with your Shih Tzu or a Lhasa Apso
Take a long walking tour throughout the city or your favorite park
Teach your dog how to fetch
Teach them a new trick and have them gather all of the attention they deserve
Make a photoshoot with your Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu, post their pictures to social media
Go explore the beach or forest nearby
Spend an entire day with your dog doing the things you both enjoy
Have your dog participate in a local event
Play treasure hunting games with your dog

All of these activities will not only teach your dog a few important things, but they will also show them the enormous amount of love you have for them. Be one of those owners who always have enough time for their dogs, show them your love and let them love you back. Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are both loving and very cuddly dog breeds, they will always return all of the love, sometimes even more than you would expect.