Differences and Similarities between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso.

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Lhasa Apso: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Lhasa Apso. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Lhasa Apso.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasa Apso

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasa Apso: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Lhasa Apso is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Lhasa Apso belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasa Apso: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Lhasa Apso based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Lhasa Apso
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 12 to 15 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1140 $1780
Price Range $400 – $1200 $1500 – $1996
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 70.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Lhasa Apso. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

The Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lhasa Apso is 79 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lhasa Apso is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, you should get the Lhasa Apso!

Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasa Apso

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso

Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone. However, Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Lhasa Apsos are good for new dog owners.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Lhasa Apsos are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are most similar:

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are very easy to train.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasa Apso

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Lhasa Apsos weigh 12 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lhasa Apsos are 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasa Apso

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is 13.5 years.

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Lhasa Apsos.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasa Apso

    Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Lhasa Apso

    The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Lhasa Apso.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the Lhasa Apso is 70.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 70.4 percent, the Lhasa Apso has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 27 Lhasa Apsos.

    Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Lhasa Apso

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Lhasa Apso puppy is $1780. The price of the Lhasa Apso typically ranges from $1500 – $1996. However, the price of the Lhasa Apso can be as low as $200 and as high as $3499. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 104 Lhasa Apso puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lhasa Apso is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    American Pit Bull Terrier Lhasa Apso
    Average Price $1140 $1780
    Price Range $400 to $1200 $1500 to $1996

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Lhasa Apso. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Lhasa Apso puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lhasa Apsos

    A breakdown of the prices of Lhasa Apsos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy or the Lhasa Apso puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasa Apso

    Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Lhasa Apso

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Lhasa Apsos are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier named Prince that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Prince on pefinder.com.

    Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Lhasa Apsos are also available for adoption. For example, Max is a Male Lhasa Apso that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Lhasa Apsos like Max that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    David Bowie is the name of another American Pit Bull Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Tramp is an adorable Male Lhasa Apso on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    American Pit Bull Terriers and Lhasa Apsos are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers and Lhasa Apsos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasa Apso

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Lhasa Apsos?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Lhasa Apso

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Lhasa Apso?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lhasa Apso?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Lhasa Apsos have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Lhasa Apsos?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Lhasa Apsos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Lhasa Apso

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Lhasa Apsos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Lhasa Apsos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Lhasa Apso?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Lhasa Apsos?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Lhasa Apsos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Lhasa Apsos?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Lhasa Apsos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Lhasa Apso?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Lhasa Apso?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Lhasa Apso?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Lhasa Apsos are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs German Shepherd Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lhasa Apso

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lhasa Apso that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Lhasa Apso:

  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (77 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Lhasa Apso compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Lhasa Apso to other breeds:

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bracco Italiano     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sloughi     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saluki     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pomchi     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Briard     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Boxer     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Labradoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Mastiff     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pomsky     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Plott     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     

    Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lhasa Apso versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Lhasa Apso versus Weimaraner     Lhasa Apso versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Lhasa Apso versus Sealyham Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Japanese Spitz     Lhasa Apso versus Whippet     Lhasa Apso versus Mountain Cur     Lhasa Apso versus Fila Brasileiro     Lhasa Apso versus Mudi     Lhasa Apso versus Pomsky     Lhasa Apso versus Keeshond     Lhasa Apso versus Peek A Poo     Lhasa Apso versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Lhasa Apso versus Bichon Frise     Lhasa Apso versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Lhasa Apso versus Mal Shi     Lhasa Apso versus Chinese Crested     Lhasa Apso versus Redbone Coonhound     Lhasa Apso versus Morkie     Lhasa Apso versus Yorkipoo     Lhasa Apso versus Belgian Malinois     Lhasa Apso versus Bichon Frise     Lhasa Apso versus Labrador Retriever     Lhasa Apso versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Lhasa Apso versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasa Apso. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Lhasa Apso better suits you and your family.