Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Lion Dog or Mal-Shi?
"Find similarities and differences between Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu"
Compare Lhasa Apso and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is better: Lhasa Apso or Maltese Shih Tzu? 
| Name | Lhasa Apso | Maltese Shih Tzu | 
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Tibet |  United States | 
| Group | Companion Dogs | Designer Dogs | 
| Popularity Rank | 77 | 622 | 
| Reviews | 4 | 3 | 
| User Ratings | ||
| Common Names & Aliases 
Compare different names used for Lhasa Apso and Maltese Shih Tzu. What other names are these breeds known by?  | Lion Dog Lhasa | Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu | 
|---|---|---|
| Breed Classification 
Compare breed classifications between a Lhasa Apso and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.  | Purebred | Cross Breed | 
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison
| Size Classification 
Which is bigger: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare size differences between these breeds.  | Small | Small | 
|---|---|---|
| Weight Statistics 
Compare weight ranges between a Lhasa Apso and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is heavier?  | 13-15 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg) | 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) | 
| Average Weight 
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?  | 14 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg) | 9 pounds (4 kg) | 
| Height 
Which is taller, Lhasa Apso or Maltese Shih Tzu? Is a Lhasa Apso taller than a Maltese Shih Tzu?  | 10-11 inches (25-28 cm) | 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) | 
| Average Height 
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?  | 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) | 11 inches (27.5 cm) | 
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison
| Price Range 
Compare puppy prices between a Lhasa Apso and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed costs more?  | $500-$700 | $500-$800 | 
|---|---|---|
| Availability 
Which is easier to get, Lhasa Apso or Maltese Shih Tzu?  | Very frequent: The Lhasa Apso is quite easy to get. | Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed. | 
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligence Rating 
Which is smarter: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.  | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training Difficulty 
Which is easier to train: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare training requirements.  | Lhasa Apso dogs are quite easy to train. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. | |
| Watchdog Rating 
Which makes a better watchdog: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare alertness levels.  | Lhasa Apso dogs are average watchdogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | |
| Territorial Protection 
Which is more protective: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare territorial behaviors.  | Lhasa Apso dogs are average defenders. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. | |
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Personality Traits 
Compare personalities of a Lhasa Apso and a Maltese Shih Tzu. How do their temperaments differ?  | Playful Alert Intelligent Friendly Obedient Devoted Lively Steady Spirited Assertive | Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level 
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu?  | Sensitive: Lhasa Apso dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | |
| Affection Level 
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu?  | High: Lhasa Apso dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. | |
| Social Needs 
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:  | Lhasa Apso dogs need for social interaction is average. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. | |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam 
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu?  | Lhasa Apso dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. | |
| Prey Drive 
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting?  | Lhasa Apso dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. | |
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Barking Frequency 
Which breed barks more: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare vocalization tendencies.  | A lot: Lhasa Apso is a particularly loud breed. | Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playful Nature 
Which breed is more playful: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare play drive and energy.  | Average: Lhasa Apsos, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. | |
| Apartment Adaptability 
Which is better for apartments: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare living space needs.  | Very house-friendly dog the Lhasa Apso breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed. | |
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison
| Lifestyle Adaptability 
Which adapts better to changes: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare adaptability levels.  | Lhasa Apso dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. | 
|---|---|---|
| Alone Time Tolerance 
Which dog can be left alone: Lhasa Apso or Maltese Shih Tzu?  | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. | 
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Risk Assessment 
Which has lower bite risk: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare biting tendencies.  | Low 🔽 The Lhasa Apso has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mouthing Tendency 
Which is more mouthy: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare mouthing behaviors.  | Lhasa Apso dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | |
| Bite Strength Rating 
Which has a stronger bite: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare bite force PSI.  | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Lhasa Apso bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | |
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Average Lifespan 
Which lives longer: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare average lifespans.  | 11-15 years The average lifespan of Lhasa Apso: 13 years | 12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years | 
|---|---|---|
| Climate Tolerance 
Which handles weather better: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare climate tolerances.  | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | 
| Health Concerns 
Compare common health issues between a Lhasa Apso and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is healthier?  | Lhasa Apsos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. | Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. | 
| Vet Care Frequency 
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu?  | Frequent The Lhasa Apso should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. | Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu 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: Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison:  | Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Sebaceous Adenitis Cherry Eye Familial Inherited Renal Dysplasia Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca | Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome | 
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Rating 
Which breed is more energetic: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare activity levels.  | Lhasa Apso dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need 
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Lhasa Apso or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?  | Lhasa Apso dogs exercise need is minimal. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need. | |
| Sleeping Need 
Which one sleeps the least/most: Lhasa Apso or Maltese Shih Tzu?  | Lhasa Apso dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | |
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Obesity Tendency 
Which gains weight easier: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare obesity risks.  | Average: The Lhasa Apso has an average risk for obesity. | Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. | 
|---|---|---|
| Food Consumption 
Which eats more: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare daily food needs.  | 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. | 
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Allergy Friendliness 
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare allergy friendliness.  | No See more. | Yes See more. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coat Colors 
What color variations exist for Lhasa Apso and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare breed colors.  | Black Red White Brown Yellow | Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black | |
| Grooming Requirements 
Which needs more grooming: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare maintenance needs.  | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. | |
| Drooling Tendency 
Which drools more: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare drooling amounts.  | The Lhasa Apso is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | |
| Stinkiness Rating 
Which has less odor: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare natural smell levels.  | Medium ⏺ The Lhasa Apso has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. | |
| Coat Characteristics 
How do coats differ between a Lhasa Apso and a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare fur types.  | Dense | Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long | |
| Bathing Needs 
Which needs more baths: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare bathing frequencies.  | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | |
| Shedding Level 
Who sheds more Lhasa Apso or Maltese Shih Tzu? Do Lhasa Apso dogs shed more than Maltese Shih Tzu dogs?  | Lhasa Apso dogs shed above average. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | |
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison
| Child Compatibility 
Which is better with children: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare kid-friendliness.  | Lhasa Apso dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Compatibility 
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?  | Lhasa Apso dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family. | |
| Stranger Friendly 
Which dog is more stranger friendly Lhasa Apso or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?  | Lhasa Apso dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | |
| Cat Friendly 
Which dog is more cat friendly Lhasa Apso or Maltese Shih Tzu?  | Lhasa Apso dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs. | |
| Dog Friendly 
Which dog is more dog friendly Lhasa Apso or Maltese Shih Tzu? Can a Lhasa Apso and a Maltese Shih Tzu be friends? Do Lhasa Apso dogs get along with Maltese Shih Tzu dogs?  | Lhasa Apso dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | |
| Good For First Time Owners 
Which dog is best for first time owners: Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu?  | Yes Lhasa Apso dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. | Yes Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. | |
| Office Friendly 
Which one fits better in the office?  | No Lhasa Apso is not the best dog breed for office environment. | Yes Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment | |
| Senior Citizens Friendly 
Which dog is good for elderly people?  | Lhasa Apsos are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people. | |
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog Capability 
Which makes a better service dog: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare service capabilities.  | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | 
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Work Suitability 
Which is better for therapy work: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare therapy capabilities.  | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | 
| Scent Detection Ability 
Which is better at detection work: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare scenting abilities.  | 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 
Which is better for search and rescue: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare SAR abilities.  | 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 
Which is better on boats: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare maritime abilities.  | Not really Lhasa Apso breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | 
| Draft Work Capability 
Which is better at pulling: a Lhasa Apso or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare draft work capabilities.  | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | 
| Military Service Background 
Compare military history between Lhasa Apso and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has stronger military background?  | 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. | 
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison
| Puppy Litter Size 
Compare litter sizes between Lhasa Apso and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has larger litters?  | 4-6 puppies | 3-5 puppies | 
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Duration 
Compare pregnancy duration between Lhasa Apso and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds.  | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 
| Breeding Frequency 
Compare breeding frequencies between Lhasa Apso and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which needs longer recovery?  | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | 
Lhasa Apso vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison
| AKC Classification 
Compare AKC classifications of Lhasa Apso and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which groups do they belong to?  | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Non-Sporting breed. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. | 
|---|---|---|
| FCI Classification 
Compare FCI classifications of Lhasa Apso and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which groups are they in?  | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. | Not recognized by FCI. | 
| Kennel Club Recognition 
Compare kennel club recognition between Lhasa Apso and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is more widely recognized?  | 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 | Not recognized by any clubs. | 
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