It really depends on your individual needs and preferences as to which breed of dog is better for you, whether it’s a Shih Tzu or a Lhasa Apso. Both breeds make wonderful companions and have their own unique traits.
The Shih Tzu is a loyal and friendly dog that makes a great family pet. They are known for being lively and alert and can be quite vocal. They crave attention and love being around people, so they tend to do best with families who have plenty of time to devote to them.
They also do well with other dogs and other pets. Shih Tzus do not need too much exercise, but still enjoy going for walks and playing fetch.
The Lhasa Apso is a smaller dog with a lot of personality. They don’t need a lot of exercise and they can be quite independent, but they still enjoy going out and warrant daily walks. Lhasa Apsos are highly intelligent and are usually quite obedient if they are properly trained.
They make great watchdogs and they can adapt well in shared houses.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference as to which breed is right for you. If you are looking for a small and affectionate dog, you might want to consider a Shih Tzu. However, if you need a more independent and intelligent companion, a Lhasa Apso may be a better fit.
Additionally, take into consideration any allergies you may have, as both breeds do have long fur.
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What is the main difference between Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu?
The main difference between Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu is their size. Shih Tzu tend to be smaller than Lhasa Apsos, with a typical weight of between 9 and 16 pounds. Lhasa Apsos, on the other hand, can weigh up to 20 pounds, and are also taller and longer than Shih Tzus.
Additionally, Lhasa Apsos have a dense coat and a straight or slightly wavy outer coat, while Shih Tzus have a much softer coat that is usually longer and more profuse, with a moderate amount of curl or wave.
Other differences between the two breeds include their lifespan, with Shih Tzus having a slightly longer average lifespan than Lhasa Apsos, and their temperaments, with Lhasa Apsos being more active and independent, while Shih Tzus tend to be more outgoing and people-oriented.
Do Lhasa Apso bark a lot?
Yes, Lhasa Apsos tend to bark a lot. They have a natural instinct to protect and will bark to alert you to danger or a stranger. They can also bark out of boredom, loneliness, hunger, or frustration.
The Lhasa Apso shares many canine characteristics with other breeds and therefore, like other dogs, can be prone to excessive barking. In order to curb excessive barking, it’s important to socialize your pup early and teach them boundaries.
Start training them at an early age, and make sure their basic needs are met so that their stress or anxiety levels don’t rise. Exercise is also important for Lhasa Apsos as it will help them stay well-behaved.
Additionally, you can use positive reinforcement to reward your pup for good behaviors and to silence excessive barking. Last but not least, if you ever hear your Lhasa Apso barking excessively, it’s important to check in on him and ensure that he is not in an uncomfortable situation.
What are the pros and cons of Lhasa Apso?
The Lhasa Apso is a small, loyal canine that was originally bred as a guard dog in Tibet. This feisty, independent-minded companion is full of love and affection and is a fine choice for many different types of households.
Pros
The Lhasa Apso is highly intelligent and relatively easy to train. This breed is very loyal and affectionate to its family, and likes to please. They can be calm but very active when needed and make great watchdogs, alerting to visitors and changes in their environment.
This breed has little to no shedding and is easy to groom.
Cons
The Lhasa Apso is a very independent breed that can sometimes have a stubborn streak. Training needs to be consistent, positive and firm. They are vocal little dogs and like to bark frequently, although not excessively.
They have a strong desire to belong to a pack and can become very attached so they do not adapt well to change. Lhasa Apsos need regular daily exercise and are prone to boredom if left alone for too long.
With its long coat, potential owners should be prepared for daily brushing and occasional trips to the groomer for a trim.
Is Lhasa Apso good for first time owners?
The Lhasa Apso is a great breed for first time owners, and this is due to their gentle and loyal nature. These dogs are also known for their independent and protective spirit, so that means that they do not require constant attention like some high-energy breeds.
Lhasas can be content either with you or simply snoozing nearby. These dogs are normally quite content with reasonable daily walks, and they are surprisingly resilient in cold climates, making them an excellent companion for outdoor activities.
As the breed can be quite vocal at times, owners should ensure that their Lhasa is trained to understand commands, as well as being consistent with their behavior. As with all walks of life, any first time owners should ensure that they fully research the breed prior to taking ownership of one.
Can Lhasa Apso be left alone at home?
Generally speaking, it is not recommended to leave a Lhasa Apso alone at home for long periods of time. Lhasa Apsos are highly sociable dogs and they thrive on companionship and interaction with their humans.
They can become anxious and distressed when left home alone for extended periods of time. If a Lhasa Apso must be left alone for long periods of time, it is important to ensure that their environment is safe, comfortable, and secure.
This might include providing comfortable bedding, toys and chewing items, as well as ensuring that their exercise and potty break needs are met. It is also recommended to consult with a professional dog behaviorist to develop a plan that works for the specific dog which may include crate training, desensitization and behavior modification techniques.
How long can a Lhasa Apso stay home alone?
It’s generally not recommended to leave a Lhasa Apso home alone for an extended period of time and no longer than four to six hours. These small, energetic dogs need plenty of social interaction and mental stimulation or else they may become stressed and unhappy.
Additionally, since they can be quite vocal, leaving them alone for extended periods of time can cause them to develop destructive habits such as excessive barking. While it is possible for some dogs to be able to tolerate being left home alone for a full workday, it’s best to ideally have someone pop in to let them out and keep them company periodically.
Doing so will keep your Lhasa Apso from becoming lonely, anxious, and frustrated.
How do I get my Lhasa Apso to stop barking?
Getting a Lhasa Apso to stop barking can be a difficult task, but with patience and consistency it can be achieved. It’s important to remember that barking can often be a result of an under-stimulated or lonely dog, so it’s important to make sure your pet is getting enough exercise, toys, and attention from you.
One of the best ways to get a Lhasa Apso to stop barking is to teach them to bark on command. Start by teaching your pup a simple “speak” command. Whenever they bark, reward them with a treat or praise.
When they stop barking, ignore them until they start again. Repeat this process until they understand that they will get a reward by only barking when they’re asked.
If your Lhasa Apso is barking out of aggression, fear, or loneliness, it’s important to address the underlying problem. Comfort your pup if they’re scared, or take them for a walk if they seem lonely.
If necessary, consider hiring a professional dog trainer and behaviorist to help you understand and manage your dog’s behavior.
You can also try introducing background noise in your home, such as a fan, television, or radio, as this can help reduce barking from boredom. Finally, make sure to reward your pup when they’re not barking.
This will reinforce the behavior you’re trying to teach and help make it easier for your pup to remain quiet.
Are Lhasa Apso high maintenance?
The Lhasa Apso is a beautiful and loyal dog that requires a fair amount of maintenance, particularly when it comes to grooming. They require regular brushing with a pin brush two to three times a week and should be clipped or trimmed every one to two weeks.
To maintain a healthy coat, they should also be bathed every two to four weeks. As with all breeds, they need regular exercise, like walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. Additionally, the Lhasa Apso needs regular dental care, just like all other dog breeds.
Daily brushing, as well as an occasional scale and polish, should be included in their maintenance routine. Finally, they benefit from regular vet visits, which should include vaccinations and routine check-ups.
All of these maintenance tasks combined make the Lhasa Apso a high maintenance breed.
What problems do Lhasa Apso have?
Lhasa Apso dogs are prone to a few medical conditions, including hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. They may also suffer from eye infections, ear infections, and allergies. In addition, the breed is known to have a long life span, which can mean increased risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease, as the dog ages.
Lastly, because of their thick, long coats, Lhasa Apso need regular grooming to keep their coat and skin healthy and their long hair from becoming matted. As such, it is important for owners to be aware of and take preventive measures for these common health issues in order to provide their dog with the best quality of life and health throughout their lifetime.
Is Lhasa Apso cheaper than shih tzu?
The answer to whether a Lhasa Apso is cheaper than a Shih Tzu depends on a few factors. Generally, a purebred Lhasa Apso is more expensive than a Shih Tzu, but the exact price can depend on many factors like breeders, size of the litter and demand.
A puppy from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $1000 – $3000 for either breed, but there are also less expensive options like adopting from a rescue or a shelter. Depending on the physical and behavioral health of the dog you are looking for, Lhasa Apsos may be cheaper than Shih Tzus.
Ultimately, researching the different options and price points is key to finding the right fit in terms of budget, size, and medical needs.
Are Shih Tzu dogs expensive?
Shih Tzu dogs can be expensive, depending on the breeder, the quality of the dog, and the dog’s overall health. On average, purebred Shih Tzu puppies can range anywhere from $500 to $2,500. The price of the puppy can depend mostly on the breeder’s reputation and their desire to produce healthy and sound Shih Tzu puppies, as well as the quality of the puppy.
Some puppies may come with limited registration, meaning they’re not show quality and are not allowed to be bred. Other puppies have full registration and do come with a high price tag due to their purebred status and show quality.
Health clearances, vet visits, and vaccinations should also be factors in the cost of a Shih Tzu puppy. Adult dogs of various ages may also be more affordable than puppies, and all of these expenses should be taken into consideration.
Ultimately, Shih Tzu dogs can be expensive, but there are also a variety of factors that can influence how expensive they are.
What two breeds make a Shih Tzu?
A Shih Tzu is a breed of dog that combines two of the oldest breeds in the world: the Tibetan Lhasa Apso and the Chinese Pekingese. The origin of this breed is unknown, though it has been suggested that the Shih Tzu was a combination of both of these ancient breeds and was later developed in China and Tibet in the 17th century.
The result is a small, lively, and often mischievous dog that is known for its outgoing and affectionate personality. The breed is most recognizable by its long, flowing coat that can come in a variety of colors, including black and white, red and white, and solid colors.
The breed standards for the Shih Tzu require that the head be slightly rounded and the muzzle shorter than the skull, with eyes that are round and dark. The body should be sturdy and slightly longer than tall, with a thick, long double coat that covers the neck, chest, and back.
The tail is usually curled up over the back and can be docked in some countries.
How do I know if my dog is a Lhasa Apso?
If you’re wondering whether your dog is a Lhasa Apso, you should look at the physical characteristics of the breed. The Lhasa Apso is a small to medium sized dog, usually between 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 14 to 19 pounds.
It has a medium-length, double-coat with a long, straight, and silky outer coat and a soft, short undercoat. The most common color is black and tan, although gray and white, sand or grayish red are also sometimes seen.
The facial features of the Lhasa Apso include a medium-length face, wide, round eyes, and small ears. Its coat tends to stand out from the body and may be either shaggier or smoother in texture. Additionally, the breed is known for its distinctive, lion-like mane of fur around the head and neck.
With its unique features, you should be able to determine if your pup is a Lhasa Apso. To confirm for certain, you can contact a veterinarian or breed specialist for a professional opinion.
How much walking does a Lhasa Apso need?
The Lhasa Apso is a breed of small dog known for its loving nature and loyalty to its owners. As with any breed, the exact amount of physical activity required depends on the individual dog, as some may need more or less than others due to their unique personality and energy level.
Generally speaking, however, the Lhasa Apso will benefit from at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. This can include a combination of walking, running and playing in an enclosed area such as a dog park.
It is important to ensure any exercise is done safely, so using a harness is recommended while walking and ensuring off-leash areas are securely fenced is important. The Lhasa Apso is an excellent breed for those with moderate levels of time and energy to dedicate to their four-legged friend.
