Help me with the cute little mop dogs

Criosphynx · 05-20-2008, 01:45 AM

I mean mop dog affectionately of course!

How on earth can you tell the difference between a shihtzu and a Lhasa?

Forgive me but they all look the same to me.

What are the main, easy to spot diffences physically i should look for? I feel silly asking people what type of dog they have, and i always guess wrong!

K8IE · 05-20-2008, 05:50 PM

Lhasa Apsos have a more prominent snout and less protruding eyes. They also seem a little taller, heavier, and not quite as long bodied to me as a Shih Tzu. Kinda OT as far as what they look like, but I rescued a purebred Lhasa Apso off the street last year and she was the sweetest thing. I fostered her and ended up placing her with a good friend of mine so I can still see her whenever I want. She is absolutely precious.

Criosphynx · 05-20-2008, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K8IE

Lhasa Apsos have a more prominent snout and less protruding eyes. They also seem a little taller, heavier, and not quite as long bodied to me as a Shih Tzu. Kinda OT as far as what they look like, but I rescued a purebred Lhasa Apso off the street last year and she was the sweetest thing. I fostered her and ended up placing her with a good friend of mine so I can still see her whenever I want. She is absolutely precious.

Thank you, that helps alot actually. I did notice the eyes were more "googly" on the shih tzus now that i think about it. Cute little boogers.
My hubby grew up with lhasas and he likes them alot. I've just never really been around them. He said they were good guard dogs?

Thanks for fostering too btw!

Lorina · 05-20-2008, 08:50 PM

I don't know if I'd say they're good guard dogs, but they're excellent watch dogs. They were originally the "alarm system" for Budhist temples.

From what I've heard and seen, Shih Tzus tend to have the sweeter, more mellow disposition of Tzus, Lhasas and Pekingese. I've seen several Lhasa Apso and Pekingese listed with rescues who were very gentle, and described as having a "Shih Tzu Personality." Lhasas and Pekes tend to be more suspicious of or at least aloof around strangers.

Criosphynx · 05-20-2008, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorina

I don't know if I'd say they're good guard dogs, but they're excellent watch dogs. They were originally the "alarm system" for Budhist temples.
.

haha, thats what i meant, watch dogs, they sat at the windows and barked at things he says. I personally like pekinese, but he likes his little mops, odd trait for a guy.

Dogstar · 05-21-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Criosphynx

haha, thats what i meant, watch dogs, they sat at the windows and barked at things he says. I personally like pekinese, but he likes his little mops, odd trait for a guy.

Their temperaments are different- I would say that the Peke is about halfway between the two, to be honest, but I've had fewer Pekes in my classes and as clients. (I think it's a shame more people don't like them, they really seem to be lovely dogs!) Lhasas are watchdog barkers, and more independent, Shih Tzu are verymuch a toy/companion breed and live to be with people. Shih Tzu seem to be considerably easier for novice owners to train and there seem to be more of them competing in performance events.

The heads on the ST and Lhasa are TOTALLY diffrent. The Shih Tzu should have a MUCH shorter muzzle in proportion to the backskull and I believe the earset is different as well. The Lhasa's eyes are less round, and in general, they're a slightly larger dog, but not by much.

They're typically groomed differently- the shih tzu's hair above their eyes is frequently put up in a topknot with a bow or band, and the lhasa's ususally isn't, but this is going to vary by the owner's preference. With both of their popularity with puppy mills and BYBs, they tend to look more alike (although solid color Lhasas seem to be more common and shih tzus seem to be white with colored markings). With well-bred dogs though, the difference is pretty significant.

Criosphynx · 05-21-2008, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogstar

They're typically groomed differently- the shih tzu's hair above their eyes is frequently put up in a topknot with a bow or band, and the lhasa's ususally isn't, but this is going to vary by the owner's preference. With both of their popularity with puppy mills and BYBs, they tend to look more alike (although solid color Lhasas seem to be more common and shih tzus seem to be white with colored markings). With well-bred dogs though, the difference is pretty significant.

Thats probably why i'm having problems telling them apart. I rarely see "correctly" groomed dogs. Most people leave them very shaggy. So all i see is a dust mop running at me.

Im also sure im not running into prime examples of the breeds either. Most people here are buying them at a local pet store in the fancy new mall out here. ONe lady paid $1500 for a Lhasa at this store. I dont' get it.