Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu
Why this comparison exists: Lhasa Apso (non-sporting) vs Shih Tzu (toy) in a similar size class — a genuine either/or choice buyers actually make.
Head-to-head
| Lhasa Apso | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Non-Sporting | Toy |
| Origin | Tibet | China |
| Weight | 5–8 kg | 4–7 kg |
| Height | 25–28 cm | 23–28 cm |
| Lifespan | 12–15 yrs | 10–18 yrs |
| Coat | long straight dense | long silky |
| Trait ratings (our 1–5 editorial scoring) | ||
| Shedding | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Grooming need | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Exercise need | 2/5 | 1/5 ▲ |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Apartment suitable | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Barking tendency | 4/5 | 3/5 ▲ |
| Monthly cost (est.) | $80–160 | $80–160 |
- These breeds are close on every measured trait — decide on size, coat and lifestyle fit.
What buyers also compare
Price and the Lhasa–Shih Tzu mix. There is no cost gap to exploit here: our dataset estimates both breeds at $80–$160/month to keep, and the grooming bill — the real driver at 5/5 grooming need — runs about the same for both. You will also see “Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix” puppies advertised; that is a mix of two flat-faced, high-grooming companions, so expect the coat maintenance and eye-and-breathing vulnerabilities of both parents. Judge the individual dog and the breeder, not the designer label.
Temperament and lifespan. The real split is personality, not upkeep: the Lhasa Apso is the warier watchdog of the two (barking 4/5 vs 3/5), while the Shih Tzu is the softer, quieter lapdog (exercise 1/5). The Shih Tzu's lifespan range also edges higher (10–18 vs 12–15 years) — both are long-lived companions if you stay on top of grooming and weight.
- you simply prefer its look and temperament overall
- you simply prefer its look and temperament overall
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for families, Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu?
For kid-friendliness: Lhasa Apso scores 3/5, Shih Tzu scores 3/5. They're evenly matched — supervise any dog with small children.
Which sheds more, Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu?
Lhasa Apso scores 1/5 for shedding vs Shih Tzu at 1/5. About the same.
Which is easier to train, Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu?
Lhasa Apso: 3/5, Shih Tzu: 3/5. Both train similarly.
Which costs more to keep, Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu?
Estimated $80–$160/mo for the Lhasa Apso vs $80–$160/mo for the Shih Tzu. Larger, heavier-groomed breeds cost more.
Which is better, a Lhasa Apso or a Shih Tzu?
Neither beats the other outright — they are near-twins on paper: both score 5/5 for apartment suitability and 1/5 for shedding, with identical 5/5 grooming needs. The Lhasa Apso is the warier watchdog of the two (barking 4/5 vs 3/5) and slightly more active (exercise 2/5 vs 1/5); the Shih Tzu is the softer, quieter lapdog. Pick on temperament, not on looks.
How can you tell a Lhasa Apso from a Shih Tzu?
At a glance they look alike — but the face gives it away: the Shih Tzu has a rounder, flatter face with a shorter muzzle, while the Lhasa Apso's nose is a touch longer and the expression more aloof. Size barely helps (5–8 kg vs 4–7 kg) since the ranges overlap. In practice, the barkier, more suspicious one is usually the Lhasa (barking 4/5 vs 3/5).
What are the pros and cons of a Lhasa Apso?
Pros: a loyal, long-lived (12–15 years) apartment companion (5/5) with minimal shedding (1/5). Cons: grooming is demanding (5/5 — that long dense coat mats without constant brushing), barking runs high (4/5), and trainability is middle of the road (3/5) with an independent streak. It is a watchdog in a lapdog's coat.
Which is more expensive, Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu?
Neither — our dataset estimates both at $80–$160/month to keep, and the grooming bill (the real cost driver for both) runs about the same. Any price gap you see is in purchase price from individual breeders, not in what the dog actually costs you over its life.
Lhasa Apso full profile
Shih Tzu full profile
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Trait ratings are our editorial scoring, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough estimates and vary by location. Health notes are general guidance — consult your veterinarian.