The complete Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu guide: surprising secrets every dog lover needs to know

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!