Breed Comparison
Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso
Side-by-side breakdown of shedding, trainability, cost, temperament, and whether either breed suits your lifestyle — with honest UK context.
Shih Tzu
Bred purely as a companion. The Shih Tzu lives to be with people and is perfectl…
Lhasa Apso
A Tibetan temple dog that considers itself your equal. Aloof with strangers, int…
Shih Tzus are low-energy, Lhasa Apsos are moderate-energy. Shih Tzus tend to be better with young children than Lhasa Apsos. Puppy prices: Shih Tzu £700–£1 800, Lhasa Apso £700–£1 800 from UK breeders.
Side-by-side comparison
| Shih Tzu | Lhasa Apso | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Weight | 4–8 kg | 5–8 kg |
| Lifespan | 13–16 yrs longer | 12–15 yrs |
| Shedding | Minimal shedding | Minimal shedding |
| Barking | Moderate barker | Moderate barker |
| Trainability | Challenging | Challenging |
| Good with kids | Yes | Not ideal |
| Good with cats | Yes | Chases cats |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
| UK puppy price | £700–£1 800 | £700–£1 800 |
| Insurance/month | £20–£45/mo | £20–£45/mo |
Green highlight = advantage on that trait. Prices are UK averages from reputable KC-registered breeders (2024–25).
Quick verdict
Shih Tzu
Lhasa Apso
Which should you choose?
Both the Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso have their merits — the right choice depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and what matters most in a dog. Here is an honest breakdown of who each breed suits best.
Choose the Shih Tzu if…
- You have young children and need a reliably family-friendly breed
- You already have a cat and need a dog that will coexist peacefully
- Longevity matters to you — Shih Tzus tend to live longer
- Their temperament — affectionate, outgoing, playful — matches what you are looking for
Choose the Lhasa Apso if…
- Their temperament — assertive, confident, loyal — matches what you are looking for
Energy and exercise requirements
The Lhasa Apso is the higher-energy breed here — Lhasa Apsos need 90–120 minutes of exercise daily, while the Shih Tzu is more manageable at 60–90 minutes per day. This difference matters significantly if you have a small home, work long hours, or aren't an active exerciser.
Cost comparison
Buying a Shih Tzu costs £700–£1 800 from a reputable UK breeder, compared to £700–£1 800 for a Lhasa Apso. Insurance is another key variable: Shih Tzus run £20–£45/mo monthly versus £20–£45/mo for Lhasa Apsos. Over a dog's lifetime, insurance and food costs typically dwarf the initial purchase price — factor both into your budget.
Which is easier to live with day-to-day?
Energy level is the dominant practical difference here. Both breeds have moderate exercise needs that most owners can meet comfortably.
The honest summary
On balance, the Shih Tzu edges ahead on the metrics that matter most to the majority of UK dog owners — but "better" is always personal. If the Lhasa Apso's specific traits match your situation, go with the Lhasa Apso.
Both the Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso can be wonderful dogs in the right hands and the right home. The worst outcome is choosing based on looks or trend alone — make sure their energy level, grooming needs, and temperament fit your life before you commit.
Before you decide
Whatever breed you choose, buy from a reputable breeder who health-tests their breeding stock — not a puppy farm or pet shop. For the Shih Tzu, check what health testing the relevant breed club recommends (KC Assured Breeders follow minimum health testing requirements). The same applies to the Lhasa Apso. A slightly higher purchase price from a responsible breeder is almost always cheaper than the veterinary bills from a poorly-bred dog.
If you're still undecided after reading this comparison, consider meeting dogs of both breeds in person — at a breed club event, through a local rescue, or by contacting a reputable breeder who allows you to meet the parents. Temperament on paper and temperament in the room are not always the same thing. Spend time with both breeds before committing: it's a 10–15 year relationship.