• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Chrysanthemum Dog or Lion Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso" Compare Labrador Retriever and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada China flagChina Tibet flagTibet
Group Gun Dog Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank12077
Reviews11194
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso breeds.
Lab
Labrador
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Lion Dog
Lhasa
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is the largest?
Large Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 13-15 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 14 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso? Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 10-11 inches (25-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm) 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$2000 $800-$1200 $500-$700
Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Lhasa Apso is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which is easiest to train?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Lhasa Apso dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is most alert?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Lhasa Apso dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is most protective?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Lhasa Apso dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Obedient
Devoted
Lively
Steady
Spirited
Assertive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: Lhasa Apso dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Lhasa Apso dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Lhasa Apso dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Lhasa Apso dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Lhasa Apso dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Lhasa Apso is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is most playful?
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Average: Lhasa Apsos, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Lhasa Apso breed.

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is most flexible?
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Lhasa Apso dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso?
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Lhasa Apso has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which uses mouth most during play?
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Lhasa Apso dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Lhasa Apso bite force: Weak.

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Lhasa Apso: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which has fewer health issues?
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Lhasa Apsos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Lhasa Apso should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Sebaceous Adenitis
Cherry Eye
Familial Inherited Renal Dysplasia
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is most active?
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Lhasa Apso dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Lhasa Apso dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso?
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Lhasa Apso dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Lhasa Apso has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. What colors are available?
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Red
White
Brown
Yellow
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which drools least?
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Lhasa Apso is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Lhasa Apso has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Dense Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso? Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Lhasa Apso dogs shed above average.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which is best with kids?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Lhasa Apso dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Lhasa Apso dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Lhasa Apso dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Lhasa Apso dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Lhasa Apso dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso?
Yes
Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Lhasa Apso dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Lhasa Apso is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Lhasa Apsos are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Lhasa Apso breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 2-5 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Rate This Comparsion - Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso

Reviews