Differences between Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu?

Question

There is a little dog in a local shelter.. my guess would have been shih tzu, but he's listed as a lhasa..

Besides the size differences.. what are some other differences? I know most shih tzus I had met had nice laid-back personalities. What kind of temperment do Lhasas tend to have?

Here's the little dog
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=14876186

Answer 1

http://www.smalldogsparadise.com/small-dog-breeds/shih-tzu-vs-lhasa-apso/ should help you a little bit.



I'm not sure that I'd describe any shih tzu I've met as laid back. They are usually little spitfires who while they aren't biting to go for 10 mile jog are pretty demanding when they do want something, or more truthfully, when they DON'T want something. lol.

Answer 2

They are very very stubborn...wost then most terriers.Very independent,STRONG willed,dominate,and suspicious...I HAVE met a few very sweet Lhasa Apso dogs though!A lady that lives by me that I see at the park frequently says that they(her 2) really make her work...almost like she must earn their respect first before she asks them to do anything.But they are sweet dogs and love playing with my dogs,they are pretty outgoing...though they bark up a storm.If they decided they don't like you you will hear it,that's for sure.



DIfferences are...longer nose,different coat,bred to be guardians of the house shih tzu dogs were bred purely for companionship..



Hopefully the dog on petfinder wont have any major socialization issues that you wouldn't be able to sort out.Maybe the dog will be a sweet fun loving companion and wont have too many negative traits.



And most of the shih tzus that I have met have all been really sweet and laid-back as well.



AKC description.

Their temperament is unique: joyful and mischievous, dignified and aloof. An independent breed, the Lhasa's goal in life is not necessarily to please their master. Popular in the show ring, the breed also excels at activities that provide constant challenges, such as agility.

Answer 3

Lhasa Apso are a litte different. They are NOT a

low shedding breed.



Lhasa Apso

The Tibetan Apso looks like a lap dog but behaves like the Lion Dog of Tibet. Lhasas are one of the toughest and strongest willed of all the small dog breeds. The Lhasa is an intelligent, very self-confident and lively dog that dislikes strangers. This Tibetan breed is regal and dignified but can also be lively and playful. The Lhasa can be jealous of other animals. The Lhasa doesn’t do well around small children because it doesn’t like being handled roughly. The Tibetan Lhasa must have lots of early obedience training and socialisation while a puppy and this must be continued through adolescence. You must take control of this dog or the Lhasa will rule your household like the emperor he thinks he is. Not to be too negative, Lhasas are really enjoyable and playful dogs who love their families and will accept obedience training fairly readily. Lhasa Apsos do best with experienced dog owners who can train this breed as required.

Answer 4

This is absolutely a Shih Tzu. Lhasa's look different and they have that alert look while Shih Tzu's have the "be my friend"look. Seems like a nice dog, my 1 penny worth of advice, take it :-)

Answer 5

Thanks but dont do links on answers. Thought urls werent allowed....



The difference between these these two types of dirty dogs is only in the spelling.... Really dogs should form a ring. A dozen arselickers forming a circle......

Answer 6

It is a Lhasa. My sister used to raise them. They are very seet loyal little dogs. We had one for about 15 years. Very sweet dog. You would be very lucky to get that beautiful little dog for that price. I'd say go for it.