Is the Azawakh Better than the Lhasa Apso as a Pet? Our Answer.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Azawakh Versus Lhasa Apso: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Azawakh 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 Azawakh 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 Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Azawakh 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 Azawakh 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 Azawakh 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 Azawakh or the Lhasa Apso.

Azawakh versus Lhasa Apso: Overview

A very important difference between the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Azawakh is a large-sized dog while the Lhasa Apso is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Azawakh belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Azawakh versus Lhasa Apso: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Azawakh 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 Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso

Factor Azawakh Lhasa Apso
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Weight 33 to 55 pounds 12 to 15 pounds
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $1996
Average Price No Data $1780
Temperament Score 100.0 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 Azawakh 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 Azawakh is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lhasa Apso is 79 out of 125.

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

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 Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso

Below is a list of where the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso are most different:

  • Azawakhs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Lhasa Apsos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Azawakhs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Lhasa Apsos are good for new dog owners.
  • Azawakhs can tolerate hot weather. However, Lhasa Apsos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Azawakhs are very easy to groom. However, Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

The Similarities Between the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso

The Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso are most similar:

  • Both the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso adapt well to apartment living.

Size Comparison of Azawakh versus Lhasa Apso

Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso.

Azawakhs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Azawakhs are 23 to 27 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 Azawakh versus Lhasa Apso

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

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

Temperament of the Lhasa Apso Versus the Azawakh

The Azawakh has a better temperament than the Lhasa Apso.

This is because the temperament score for the Azawakh is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Azawakh 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 Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso by measuring the temperaments of 1 Azawakhs and 27 Lhasa Apsos.

Tolerates Being Alone: Azawakh versus Lhasa Apso

Azawakhs can be left alone only for a short time.

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

Do Azawakhs shed more than Lhasa Apsos?

Azawakhs shed moderately.

Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.

Which one drools more, the Azawakh or the Lhasa Apso

Azawakhs do have a very low tendency to drool.

Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.

Which is Easier to Groom, the Azawakh or the Lhasa Apso?

Azawakhs are very easy to groom.

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

Does the Azawakh Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lhasa Apso?

Azawakhs 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.

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 Azawakhs Bark and Howl? What about Lhasa Apsos?

Azawakhs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

Can Azawakhs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather?

Azawakhs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

Wanderlust Potential: Azawakh vs. Lhasa Apso

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

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 Azawakhs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather?

Azawakhs can tolerate hot weather.

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

Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Azawakh or the Lhasa Apso?

Azawakhs get along fairly well with other dogs.

Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

Are Azawakhs good family dogs? What about Lhasa Apsos?

Azawakhs 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 Azawakhs and Lhasa Apsos?

Azawakhs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

Is the Azawakh Easier to Train than the Lhasa Apso?

Azawakhs are fairly easy to train.

Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.

Is the Azawakh Better for Apartment Owners than the Lhasa Apso?

Azawakhs adapt very well to apartment living.

Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.

Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Azawakh or the Lhasa Apso?

Azawakhs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

Lhasa Apsos are very good for new dog owners.

Conclusion: Azawakh 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 Azawakh and the Lhasa Apso better suits you and your family.