Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso.

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Boerboel Versus Lhasa Apso: Introduction

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

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

Boerboel versus Lhasa Apso: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Boerboel belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Boerboel versus Lhasa Apso: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boerboel 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 Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso

Factor Boerboel Lhasa Apso
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 110 to 200 pounds 12 to 15 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Height 22 to 28 inches 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2660 $1780
Price Range $2225 – $3000 $1500 – $1996
Temperament Score 94.7 percent 70.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boerboel 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 Boerboel is 70 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 Boerboel. 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 Boerboel 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 Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso

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

    • Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Lhasa Apsos adapt well to apartment living.
    • Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Lhasa Apsos are good for new dog owners.
    • Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool. However, Lhasa Apsos do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Boerboels are very easy to groom. However, Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso

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

    • Both the Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso are not easy to train.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Boerboel versus Lhasa Apso

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

    Boerboels weigh 110 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Boerboels are 22 to 28 inches 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 Boerboel versus Lhasa Apso

    The lifespan of Boerboels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boerboels is 11.0 years.

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

    Lhasa Apsos live longer than Boerboels.

    Temperament of the Lhasa Apso Versus the Boerboel

    The Boerboel has a better temperament than the Lhasa Apso.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boerboel is 94.7 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 94.7 percent, the Boerboel 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 Boerboel and the Lhasa Apso by measuring the temperaments of 57 Boerboels and 27 Lhasa Apsos.

    Price of Boerboel versus Price of Lhasa Apso

    The average price of the Boerboel puppy is $2660. The price of the Boerboel typically ranges from $2225 – $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 58 Boerboel 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. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 104 Lhasa Apso puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Boerboel is more expensive than the Lhasa Apso.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels. 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 Boerboel 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boerboel versus Lhasa Apso

    Boerboels do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Boerboels shed more than Lhasa Apsos?

    Boerboels shed moderately.

    Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Boerboel or the Lhasa Apso

    Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.

    Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Boerboels are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Boerboels 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 Boerboels Bark and Howl? What about Lhasa Apsos?

    Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boerboel vs. Lhasa Apso

    Boerboels 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 Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boerboels 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 Boerboel or the Lhasa Apso?

    Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.

    Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Boerboels good family dogs? What about Lhasa Apsos?

    Boerboels 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 Boerboels and Lhasa Apsos?

    Boerboels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Boerboel Easier to Train than the Lhasa Apso?

    Boerboels are not easy to train.

    Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.

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

    Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Lhasa Apsos are very good for new dog owners.

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