Difference between Shitzu & Lhasa Apso?

catlou

Hi all

Might seem like a stupid question............but I thought someone on here may be able to help!!!

I'm considering getting a small dog and from what I have seen I really like both of these breeds.

I was just wondering can anyone tell me what exactly is the difference between a shitzu and a Lhasa Apso as sometimes when I see a dog I'm not sure which it is?

I think Lhasa's are the biggest (correct me if I'm wrong?) and am just wondering "generally" whats the difference in size and temperament of both dogs?

Thanks in advance!

5AM

To be honest there isn't much difference at all appearance wise!

Size wise, they are the same (The average height of a Shih Tzu is 27cm and the average for the Lhasa Apso is between 25 and 28cm!)

They are both categorised as being Gentle and Loyal for their personality traits although of course every dog is different. Lhasas can be own for being quite stubborn though wheras Shih Tzus are quite biddable.

The only real difference is the very slight differences in body shape and hair type/growth direction.

The Shih Tzu is a little stockier for their size with the Lhasa Apso being more slight in bone structue.

The Shih Tzu coat usually has a wave to it wheras the Lhasa Apsos coat should be straight. Also, the hair on the face of the Shih Tzu usually naturally grows upwards resulting in the tradition of tying the Shih Tzus hair on top of its head, wheras the Lhasa Apsos head hair is usually allowed to fall freely over their eyes.

Needless to say, both these breeds require extensive grooming !

BabyKat

i would say the only thing i have noticed is the eyes a shih tzu are more bugged out...sorry doesnt sound nice but they are moe bulgy then a lhasas.
I have a snapso...lhasa x mini snauzer and a pure lhasa whos only 5 months old and yes they need constant grooming. I have mine cut every 12 weeks very short as i think they like it better and it keeps them cleaner.
Good luck lhasas really are lovely little dogs i just love them

Errata

My Lhasa is stubborn, so is my friends and so is her mums ! He's been neutered but can still be a thug, although he is affectionate when he wants to be and does follow me around the house.
I have him clipped very short every 5/6 weeks so he only needs his ears and tail combed through every other day and I clip the fur underneath his feet every week otherwise I'd need dog paw printed carpets ! Very good at barking when something's going on outside that he thinks isn't quite right, otherwise as quiet as a mouse.
They're very long lived and I understand reasonably healthy and hardy. There's some good info on the Kennel Club website and there's also a breed rescue website. HTH

springchicken

The Lhasas snout is also more pronounced whereas the shihtzu has a puggy nose.
We have both these dogs in the family ,and I highly recommend any for an ideal family pet .

harveybobbles

We have two Shih Tzu's and they are like chalk and cheese. One is extreemly gently and is scared of her own shaddow and the other is a right playful little boy! Both are full pedigree.

Here they both are infront of the fire last winter...

http://i37.tinypic.com/1554fsz.jpg

catlou

Thanks everyone I have only just noticed the replies - I gave up looking after a few days!! and just remembered to look again - I should have known better Mser's are always helpful!

Still no dog yet but from all your comments both dogs sound lovely.

I was also wondering whether there is generally much difference in size & temperament between a dog and a female? (good job I just re-read the post as the word for female dog had been automatically taken out lol!!)

My main issue really is, the best way to get a Lhasa or Shitsu would be buying a puppy which I would love - but having never had a puppy I'm a bit daunted by the whole house training lark (especially as we have carpets everywhere!?) and wouldn't know where to start! So I will also look about the breed rescue

Harveybobbles your two are SO cute!! Both are posing perefectly too!

Cheers again :T

Errata

I've had both dogs and ladies and haven't noticed a great deal of difference, however my dog clipper says ladies are better !
Pups are great fun, my Lhasa was 12 weeks old when I got him, I put him outside for a wee etc when he woke up, after a meal, and at least every two hours during the day. He leaned in a week to go to the door himself (and give me a dirty look !) when he wanted to go outside and in all only had 3 accidents in the house for which we were both to blame.

sassyshamrock

we got a female lhasa apso in january as an 8 week old pup. She has been one of the best things we have ever done as a family. She was quick and easy to train in every sense. We have two children and a cat and she gets on well with both! Our vet said that the breed is known to be hardy and they don't tend to suffer with minor dog ailments. They are fun, loving and loyal. Based on our experience, i couldn't recommend them highly enough. She is the first dog we have ever had and couldn't imagine not having a dog again. Good Luck with your decision.

Mely

Hi...i have a male Llhasa Apso and a male Shihtzu. The main difference lookswise is that the Llhasa has a longer nose and mine has a Mutley type overbite lol. The Shihtzus face is quite flat which means he snorts quite a bit due to the soft palate and his tongue sticks out almost constantly lol. They both snore sometimesl. Either breed make wonderful pets, and i cant see much of a difference temperament wise. Their coats are very thick and need regular grooming or they get matted (be warned!). So bear this in mind! We keep our dogs coats cut short, and its much easier. I tend to think females are a good first dog, as SOME males can tend to mark their territory, and therefore it makes house training harder. I hope this helps.

catlou

Hi Everyone!!

Well I am still in shock.........:j

After "dithering" for ages we saw some cross puppies for sale in the paper last night for £200 and they were in a breeders about a mile from where we live! They breed & show both types of dog and one of them escaped when she was on heat so this litter was an accident!

There were only two left when we got there a bigger white fluffy one with huge paws which looked like he will be most like a and a much smaller cute fluffy black and white one which we fell in love with paid for and bought him straight home!!

He is 9 weeks old and here now!

So basically any tips or suggestions appreciated as I said previous we have had a dog but never a puppy before and he has been weeing and pooing quite a bit! At the moment we are trying to just tell him off "No" and then take him immediately to newspaper in the Kitchen and hope he gets the idea? Is this the best way?

We can't let him out until after we have been shopping tomorrow to buy him a collar lead etc. as at the moment although out garden is secure round the edges etc. we don't have a gate so we will be looking for one ASAP.

Any info gratefully appreciated.

Phew what a mad day!!