Poppy trotted into the living room yesterday, her long coat swishing against the floor like a royal train. A neighbour popped round for tea and immediately cooed, “What a gorgeous Shih Tzu!” I smiled, already used to the mix-up. “Actually, she’s a Lhasa Apso,” I corrected gently. The confused look that followed is one I’ve seen hundreds of times.
If you’ve ever found yourself squinting at a small, long-haired dog, wondering whether you’re looking at a Lhasa Apso or a Shih Tzu, you’re in good company. These two breeds can look like doggy doppelgängers to the untrained eye. But beneath those flowing locks lie two quite different dogs with fascinating histories and distinct personalities.
The quick comparison: at a glance
Before we dive paws-first into the details, here’s what separates these fluffy nobles:
Feature | Lhasa Apso | Shih Tzu |
---|---|---|
Origin | Tibet (monastery guard dogs) | China (royal companions) |
Size | 10-11 inches, 13-15 pounds | 9-10.5 inches, 9-16 pounds |
Face Shape | Longer muzzle, narrower skull | Shorter muzzle, flatter face |
Coat | Heavier, harder texture | Softer, silkier texture |
Temperament | Independent, watchful, slightly stubborn | Affectionate, friendly, social |
Exercise Needs | Moderate – enjoys patrol walks | Low to moderate – brief strolls suffice |
Watchdog Ability | Strong – they’ll let you know about EVERYTHING | Mild – they might bark, they might not |
Lifespan | 12-15 years | 10-16 years |
Trainability | Clever but headstrong | Eager to please, more biddable |
Ancient origins: From mountains to palaces
The roots of these breeds tell us everything about their modern personalities.
Lhasa Apso: the mountain sentinel
Lhasa Apsos hail from the harsh Himalayan mountains of Tibet, where they served as watchdogs in Buddhist monasteries for over 2,000 years. Their name “Lhasa Apso” roughly translates to “bark lion sentinel dog” from Tibetan – a nod to their guardian role.
These dogs weren’t merely pets; they were the first line of defence. When danger approached, Lhasas would bark to alert the larger Tibetan Mastiffs, who would then handle the heavy security work. They lived in a cold, rugged environment that shaped their hardy constitution and independent spirit.
Poppy still shows these traits when she stands at our front window, scanning the street with suspicion. The postman remains public enemy number one, despite years of peaceful mail delivery.
Shih Tzu: the Imperial lapdog
While Lhasas were working the monastery security detail, Shih Tzus were living a life of luxury in Chinese imperial palaces. They were bred specifically to be companions to Chinese emperors and empresses, lounging on silk pillows and being carried in flowing sleeves.
The name “Shih Tzu” means “lion dog” in Chinese, a reference to lions in Buddhist art rather than any actual lion-like qualities. These pampered pooches existed purely to charm and delight their royal owners.
Looks that deceive: physical differences
Put a Lhasa and a Shih Tzu side by side, and the differences become more apparent.
Face and head Shape
Lhasa Apso: They have a longer muzzle, a narrower skull, and a more serious, almost dignified expression. Their eyes are medium-sized and set more deeply.
Shih Tzu: Their face is notably flatter with a short, pushed-in muzzle. They have large, round eyes set wide apart that give them that sweet, sometimes slightly shocked expression.
Last summer, Poppy met a Shih Tzu at the park named Biscuit. Standing side by side, Poppy looked like she was interviewing for a security job while Biscuit looked ready for a photoshoot. Same size, wildly different vibes.
Coat and colours
Lhasa Apso: Their double coat is heavy, straight, and hard in texture – built for Tibetan winters. It parts down the middle of their back and comes in colours like honey, black, white, slate, or parti-colour.
Shih Tzu: Their coat is luxuriously soft and silky with a slight wave. It comes in nearly any colour, though many have the distinctive white blaze on the forehead and white-tipped tail.
A breeder once told me you can feel the difference even as puppies – run your hand down a Lhasa puppy and it’s like touching fine wool; a Shih Tzu puppy feels more like silk.
Size and build
They’re close in size, but Lhasas tend to be slightly larger and more solidly built. Shih Tzus often have a more delicate, lighter frame. Both breeds should be longer than they are tall.
Personality: watchdog vs social butterfly
The biggest differences between these breeds aren’t in how they look – it’s in how they behave.
Lhasa Apso: the cautious guardian
Lhasas approach life with a healthy dose of suspicion. Strangers are guilty until proven innocent. New situations warrant careful assessment. Their loyalty to family is fierce, but they’re not desperate for attention or approval.
Poppy maintains what we call her “three-circle system”:
- Inner circle (family): You get all the love, cuddles, and playfulness
- Middle circle (regular visitors): Polite acknowledgment after thorough vetting
- Outer circle (strangers): Hard stare, possible warning bark, general distrust
Training a Lhasa requires patience, consistency, and respect for their independent nature. They think for themselves and sometimes decide your commands are more like suggestions. As Poppy often demonstrates, a Lhasa has no problem walking away mid-training session if they’ve had enough.
Shih Tzu: the charming companion
Shih Tzus were bred for one job: to be utterly charming companions. They excel at this with their friendly, outgoing temperament. Where Lhasas question new people, Shih Tzus welcome them as potential new admirers.
They’re affectionate, playful, and generally trusting. Their eager-to-please nature makes them somewhat easier to train, though they still have an independent streak. They’re less likely to appoint themselves as household security and more likely to appoint themselves as household entertainers.
A Shih Tzu’s approach to life seems to be, “Everyone is my friend! You just might not know it yet.”
Living with them: day-to-day differences
Exercise requirements
Lhasa Apso: They need moderate exercise – a couple of 20-30 minute walks daily works well. They enjoy what I call “patrol walks” where they can survey their territory. Poppy treats each walk like a security sweep, checking the perimeter for threats (squirrels, mainly).
Shih Tzu: Their exercise needs are lower. Short, leisurely strolls and indoor play sessions are typically enough. They’re quite happy with brief bathroom walks followed by sofa time.
Both breeds adjust well to flat living but appreciate a garden for occasional outdoor lounging.
Grooming battles
Both breeds have high-maintenance coats that require serious commitment.
Lhasa Apso: Their harder coat is slightly less prone to matting but still needs daily brushing. The texture means dirt doesn’t cling quite as readily.
Shih Tzu: Their silkier coat mats easily and attracts dirt like a magnet. Daily brushing is non-negotiable unless you opt for a puppy cut.
For both breeds, professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is recommended unless you become skilled with clippers and scissors. Many owners (myself included) opt for practical “puppy cuts” rather than maintaining the full floor-length show coat.
Poppy’s grooming routine is what I call “The Sunday Spa Treatment” – complete with special treats as compensation for the indignity of being brushed, bathed, and blow-dried.
Health considerations
Lhasa Apso:
- Typically robust with fewer breathing issues
- Can be prone to eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy
- May develop kidney issues in later life
- Some hereditary skin conditions
Shih Tzu:
- More prone to breathing difficulties due to brachycephaly
- Eye issues including cataracts
- Prone to dental problems
- May struggle in hot weather
Both breeds can live long, healthy lives with proper care, regular vet check-ups, and responsible breeding. They’re generally hardy despite their small size.
Which one is right for you?
If you’re wavering between these two fluffy companions, consider these questions:
Choose a Lhasa Apso if:
- You appreciate a dog with independence and dignity
- You want a small but effective watchdog
- You don’t mind a dog that will sometimes question your authority
- You’re patient enough to earn their trust and respect
Choose a Shih Tzu if:
- You want an affectionate lapdog who loves everyone
- You prefer a more instantly friendly, sociable companion
- You don’t need or want watchdog qualities
- You want a slightly more trainable small breed
Both dogs make brilliant companions in the right homes. Neither breed suits extremely active households or families who can’t commit to their grooming needs.
Common questions about Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus
Are Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus related?
Yes, they’re distant cousins. The Shih Tzu breed was developed in China, likely from Lhasa Apsos gifted to Chinese royalty by Tibetan monks, crossed with Pekingese. So you could say Lhasas are partly responsible for creating their more easy-going relatives.
Which is better with children?
Both can do well with respectful children, but Shih Tzus typically have more patience for the noise and unpredictability of young kids. Lhasas prefer calmer environments and older children who understand boundaries. Neither should be subjected to rough handling.
Do they shed?
Both are considered relatively low-shedding breeds, making them popular choices for allergy sufferers (though no dog is truly hypoallergenic). They lose hair more like humans do – gradually – rather than seasonally like many other breeds.
How much do they cost?
In the UK, both breeds typically cost between £1,000-£2,000 from reputable breeders. Always check for health testing and proper breeding practices. Alternatively, rescue organisations occasionally have both breeds available for adoption.
Poppy’s final thoughts
After living with Lhasa Apsos for many years, we’ve come to appreciate their unique blend of loyalty, intelligence, and stubborn charm. Poppy approaches life with a seriousness that sometimes makes us laugh – especially when she’s standing guard by the window, keeping us safe from the dangerous neighbourhood cats.
Whether you choose a monastery guard or an imperial companion, both of these ancient breeds bring centuries of character and charm into your home. Just be prepared for a lifetime of people asking, “Is that a Lhasa or a Shih Tzu?” – and plenty of grooming appointments.
What’s your experience with these fluffy companions? Does your Lhasa have a favourite surveillance spot, or does your Shih Tzu have a particular way of charming visitors? Share your stories in the comments!
Important information
Information provided by LhasaLife should not be taken as professional veterinary advice or clinical advice. It is important to consult a licensed veterinarian for any health concerns or issues with your pet. The content of the article The complete Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu guide: surprising secrets every dog lover needs to know should not be used as a substitute for veterinary care, or treatment advice for you or your pet, and any reliance on this information is solely at your own risk.
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I have a Lhasa and a Shorkie (Shih and Yorkie mix) and when they are due to have a date at the groomers, they are often thought to be the same breed. Beyond their personality differences, the biggest standout for me is that Lhasa’s are bigger, but due to their smaller skeletal structure they appear slimmer. This is 100% true with my fur babies! More than one trip to the vet scale has had me dumbfounded because I thought for sure Cilly (Shorkie) weighed more than Cole (Lhasa) but every time Cilly weighs less, even if just a few pounds.
Hi Randa
Thank you for writing to us with details of your lovely dogs Cilly the Shorkie and Cole the Lhasa. We love to hear readers comments on our published articles.
Generally speaking, the Lhasa is marginally heavier than the Shih Tzu even though it has a more delicate frame. It is just that the Lhasa is a slightly bigger dog.
Thanks again for your contribution
Thank you for this helpful article. We sometimes question our dog’s breed because so many websites use the same stock photos but label them not just Lhasa Apso or Shitz Zhu, but also Havanese. Teddy Bear, etc. We adopted her from a family who told us she’s a Lhasa, and our vet agreed. Her size (a consistent 16 pounds), eyes and face shape seem to confirm that. But she almost never barks except at a door bell or snow plow noise, she is incredibly friendly with strangers and children, her hair has a slight wave, and she has no center part. Whatever she is, she’s the best dog ever. :)
Yes, we have an older shih tzu, Bebe who will turn 14 in Dec., and Mui Mui, a Lhasa Apso who will turn 7 in August. Both are females, and both are like night and day. As stated in many articles, the differences between the two clearly distinguishes shih tzus’ and Lhasa apsos’ physical, temperament, personality, and breed specific characteristics. Truth be told: we were amazed that
Mui Mui was advertised as a shih tzu when we bought her, but as she grew, we wondered if she
were of another breed similar to BeBe. Alas, we are happy to have both as companions, and their
respective nicknames are ‘Snow White princess’ (BeBe) and Ms Lovely (Mui Mui)!
I think my dog might be a cross of a Shih Tzu and a Lhasa Apso. His head is that of a Lhasa Apso and a fine single coat that parts over his head but his fur isn’t dead straight and has a slight wave. People think he is crossed with a bichon but that has been ruled out. Our vet did a full sinspection based on frame, coat etc and he said shih tzu but looking at the photo above, he face is more lhasa. Is it possible to have a Tzu with a more longer snout?
Hi there Nicola. Thanks for your reply. It’s always interesting to see when dogs show characteristics of two breeds. A longer snout is usually seen in Lhasa dogs. It’s certainly possible though, to have varying characteristics. I’d say your vet is probably best placed to determine the dog’s breed but it is very easy to get the exact classification wrong. Please feel free to email us at contact@lhasalife.com and attach a photo.
I have Lhasas and while they are certainly sentinel dogs, they are also *quite friendly and eager to play with visitors to our home, even if they’ve never met them before. One person told me almost three years ago that they were thinking about getting a Lhasa but backtracked and said she didn’t want an unfriendly dog. Looking at my batch, I have absolutely NO idea where the ‘unfriendly’ tag comes in!
I have Shih tzu with papers stating he is all Shih tzu
My Shi tzu weighs 18 pound with a sturdy build . From what I have read have read his personality appears to be more Lasa than Shih Tzu and people often think he is a Lada because of his size. My question is can a Shi Tzu inherit Lasa traits since the Shih Tzu breed originated from crossing breeding a Lasa Apso and a Pekeines?
I am now on my third generation of Lhasa Apso , not related, and we live together 24/7. My first lived to 19 and my last pair made 16 and 17 and these were litter sisters. My current pair, again litter sisters, are now 7 making 43 years in total. They are great companions loyal and tough. My Molly takes on any perceived threat to me and has never backed down however big or noisy the other breed.
We have a lovely 5 year old Shih Tzu called Reg. He has a fantastic temperament and is kind and
loving. He welcomes strangers after he has checked them out and passed them as safe. He tells me its walk time by sitting in front of me and singing until I get up and say c’mon then walkies at which point he races to the door. He loves a cuddle and a play fight with his toys. He will lie on his back and stretch his legs -back and neck for 5 mins and then invite us to rub his belly and chest whilst moaning and grunting his approval. HE snores and makes noises when he dreams.He goes to bed about 10pm and that it till 8.30-9.00am.
He’s a wonderful chap and we love him dearly. He is very clever and sometimes I think he thinks he is one step ahead of us !sometimes we know he is.
we have had our lhasa apso bitch from 9 weeks old and she is now 18 months old. she is called trixibelle or just trixi to her friends. she is very loyal and friendly,yet quite aloof with strangers when i take her for a walk and she tends to ignore other dogs and if they run up to her she just stands quite still and never growls or snaps but simply waits till they go on their merry way. also after about ten minutes of walking she stands on her back legs nuzzles my hand and takes me back to the car(which she loves riding in, i have never before owned a dog who is so well behaved in a car as trixi). she very rarely barks when away from the house but boy does she like the sound of her own voice when at home. we also have a male tuxedo cat called bing who is a year older than trixi and was with us before trixi was born. hilarious chases and the odd punch up between them but every morning they both rub and kiss each other and even share the odd snack together. im 64 and have congestive heart failure so am at home most of the time and my trixi is my constant daytime and evening best pal.i love her unconditionally.