Is the Chinese Crested Better than the Lhasa Apso as a Pet? Answer…

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Chinese Crested Versus Lhasa Apso: Introduction

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

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

Chinese Crested versus Lhasa Apso

Chinese Crested versus Lhasa Apso: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso are Companion Dogs. This means both the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso 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.

Chinese Crested versus Lhasa Apso: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso

Factor Chinese Crested Lhasa Apso
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Height 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Weight Up to 12 pounds 12 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1430 $1780
Price Range $1000 – $1600 $1500 – $1996
Temperament Score 76.5 percent 70.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • RCD3-PRA DNA Test
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 75 71
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 61 68

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lhasa Apso is 79 out of 125.

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

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

    Chinese Crested versus Lhasa Apso

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso

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

  • Chinese Cresteds do not like to be left alone. However, Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso

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

  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chinese Crested versus Lhasa Apso

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

    Chinese Cresteds weigh Up to 12 pounds when fully grown. Chinese Cresteds are 11 to 13 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 Chinese Crested versus Lhasa Apso

    The lifespan of Chinese Cresteds is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Chinese Cresteds is 12.0 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 Chinese Cresteds.

    Chinese Crested versus Lhasa Apso

    Temperament of the Lhasa Apso Versus the Chinese Crested

    The Chinese Crested has a better temperament than the Lhasa Apso.

    This is because the temperament score for the Chinese Crested is 76.5 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 76.5 percent, the Chinese Crested has a below-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 Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso by measuring the temperaments of 34 Chinese Cresteds and 27 Lhasa Apsos.

    Price of Chinese Crested versus Price of Lhasa Apso

    The average price of the Chinese Crested puppy is $1430. The price of the Chinese Crested typically ranges from $1000 – $1600. However, the price of a Chinese Crested can be as low as $500 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 157 Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested.

    Chinese Crested Lhasa Apso
    Average Price $1430 $1780
    Price Range $1000 to $1600 $1500 to $1996

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Chinese Cresteds. 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 Chinese Crested 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.

    Chinese Crested versus Lhasa Apso

    Adopting the Chinese Crested versus Adopting the Lhasa Apso

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested named Romeo that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Chinese Cresteds like Romeo on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Chinese Cresteds, Lhasa Apsos are also available for adoption. For example, A706115 is a Male Lhasa Apso that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Lhasa Apsos like A706115 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Sebastian (California) is the name of another Chinese Crested (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.

    Chinese Cresteds and Lhasa Apsos are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Chinese Cresteds and Lhasa Apsos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Intelligence of the Chinese Crested versus the Intelligence of the Lhasa Apso

    Chinese Crested Lhasa Apso
    Intelligence Rank 61 out of 130 dog breeds 68 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions!

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:

  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
  • Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Chinese Crested has an obedience intelligence rank of 61 out of 130 dog breeds. The Chinese Crested belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Chinese Cresteds tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.

    The Lhasa Apso has an obedience intelligence rank of 68 out of 130 dog breeds. The Lhasa Apso belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Lhasa Apsos tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.

    The Chinese Crested is more intelligent than the Lhasa Apso.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    The Popularity of Chinese Crested versus Popularity of Lhasa Apso

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Lhasa Apso is more popular with dog owners than the Chinese Crested. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Lhasa Apso is 71 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Chinese Crested is 75 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Chinese Crested

    Popularity of Chinese Crested

    Popularity of Lhasa Apso

    Popularity of Lhasa Apso

    Year Chinese Crested Popularity Rank Lhasa Apso Popularity Rank
    2013 68 63
    2014 65 67
    2015 75 65
    2016 77 71
    2017 79 77
    2018 79 71
    2019 80 78
    2020 79 78

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chinese Crested versus Lhasa Apso

    Chinese Cresteds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Chinese Cresteds shed more than Lhasa Apsos?

    Chinese Cresteds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Chinese Crested or the Lhasa Apso

    Chinese Cresteds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinese Crested or the Lhasa Apso?

    Chinese Cresteds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Chinese Crested Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lhasa Apso?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Cresteds Bark and Howl? What about Lhasa Apsos?

    Chinese Cresteds bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Chinese Cresteds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chinese Cresteds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chinese Crested vs. Lhasa Apso

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Cresteds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested or the Lhasa Apso?

    Chinese Cresteds get along very well with other dogs.

    Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Chinese Cresteds good family dogs? What about Lhasa Apsos?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Cresteds and Lhasa Apsos?

    Chinese Cresteds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Chinese Crested Easier to Train than the Lhasa Apso?

    Chinese Cresteds are very easy to train.

    Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Chinese Crested Better for Apartment Owners than the Lhasa Apso?

    Chinese Cresteds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Chinese Cresteds are OK for new dog owners.

    Lhasa Apsos are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chinese Crested

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested:

  • Bolognese (75 percent match with Chinese Crested). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Bolognese.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Chinese Crested). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Japanese Chin.
  • 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 Chinese Crested vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Chinese Crested vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Chinese Crested and how the Lhasa Apso compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Chinese Crested and of the Lhasa Apso to other breeds:

    Chinese Crested Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chinese Crested versus Shih Tzu     Chinese Crested versus German Longhaired Pointer     Chinese Crested versus Yorkshire Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Chinese Crested versus Goldador     Chinese Crested versus Sealyham Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Hovawart     Chinese Crested versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Chinese Crested versus Chi-Poo     Chinese Crested versus Newfoundland     Chinese Crested versus American Hairless Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Lhasapoo     Chinese Crested versus Giant Schnauzer     Chinese Crested versus Cocker Spaniel     Chinese Crested versus German Shepherd Dog     Chinese Crested versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Chinese Crested versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Chinese Crested versus Jack Russell Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Pomeranian     Chinese Crested versus German Pinscher     Chinese Crested versus Sealyham Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Alaskan Malamute     Chinese Crested versus Peek A Poo     Chinese Crested versus Hovawart     

    Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lhasa Apso versus Japanese Spitz     Lhasa Apso versus Labrador Retriever     Lhasa Apso versus Miniature Pinscher     Lhasa Apso versus Cocker Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus English Springer Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Miniature Poodle     Lhasa Apso versus Bloodhound     Lhasa Apso versus Rottweiler     Lhasa Apso versus Frenchton     Lhasa Apso versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Chow Chow     Lhasa Apso versus Saint Bernard     Lhasa Apso versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Lhasa Apso versus Beaglier     Lhasa Apso versus Bracco Italiano     Lhasa Apso versus Australian Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus English Springer Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Dutch Shepherd     Lhasa Apso versus Norwich Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Karelian Bear Dog     Lhasa Apso versus Berger Picard     Lhasa Apso versus English Cocker Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Lhasa Apso versus Finnish Spitz     Lhasa Apso versus Papillon     

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