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

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Greyhound Versus Lhasa Apso: Introduction

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

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

Greyhound versus Lhasa Apso

Greyhound versus Lhasa Apso: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Greyhound 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.

Greyhound versus Lhasa Apso: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Greyhound 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 Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso

Factor Greyhound Lhasa Apso
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the sho 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Weight 50 to 85 pounds 12 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $660 $1780
Price Range $500 – $800 $1500 – $1996
Temperament Score 79.7 percent 70.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 149 71
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 46 68

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Greyhound 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 Greyhound is 73 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 Greyhound. 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 Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Greyhound versus Lhasa Apso

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso

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

  • Greyhounds do not like to be left alone. However, Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Greyhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Lhasa Apsos are good for new dog owners.
  • Greyhounds can tolerate hot weather. However, Lhasa Apsos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Greyhounds are very friendly towards strangers. However, Lhasa Apsos are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Greyhounds have a very high tendency to drool. However, Lhasa Apsos do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Greyhounds are very easy to groom. However, Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Greyhounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Lhasa Apsos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso

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

  • Both the Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso are very playful.
  • Both the Greyhound 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 Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Greyhound versus Lhasa Apso

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

    Greyhounds weigh 50 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Greyhounds are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the sho 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 Greyhound versus Lhasa Apso

    The lifespan of Greyhounds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Greyhounds 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.

    Greyhound versus Lhasa Apso

    Temperament of the Lhasa Apso Versus the Greyhound

    The Greyhound has a better temperament than the Lhasa Apso.

    This is because the temperament score for the Greyhound is 79.7 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 79.7 percent, the Greyhound 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 Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso by measuring the temperaments of 69 Greyhounds and 27 Lhasa Apsos.

    Price of Greyhound versus Price of Lhasa Apso

    The average price of the Greyhound puppy is $660. The price of the Greyhound typically ranges from $500 – $800. However, the price of a Greyhound can be as low as $400 and as high as $1100. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 20 Greyhound 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 Greyhound.

    Greyhound Lhasa Apso
    Average Price $660 $1780
    Price Range $500 to $800 $1500 to $1996

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Greyhounds. 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 Greyhound 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.

    Greyhound versus Lhasa Apso

    Adopting the Greyhound versus Adopting the Lhasa Apso

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

    Also, like Greyhounds, 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 Greyhound and the Lhasa Apso can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Gangster is the name of another Greyhound (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

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

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

    The Intelligence of the Greyhound versus the Intelligence of the Lhasa Apso

    Greyhound Lhasa Apso
    Intelligence Rank 46 out of 130 dog breeds 68 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 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 Greyhound has an obedience intelligence rank of 46 out of 130 dog breeds. The Greyhound belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Greyhounds tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound. 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 Greyhound is 149 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Greyhound

    Popularity of Greyhound

    Popularity of Lhasa Apso

    Popularity of Lhasa Apso

    Year Greyhound Popularity Rank Lhasa Apso Popularity Rank
    2013 148 63
    2014 147 67
    2015 147 65
    2016 151 71
    2017 156 77
    2018 145 71
    2019 162 78
    2020 142 78

    Tolerates Being Alone: Greyhound versus Lhasa Apso

    Greyhounds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Greyhounds shed more than Lhasa Apsos?

    Greyhounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Greyhound or the Lhasa Apso

    Greyhounds have a very high tendency to drool.

    Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Greyhounds are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Greyhounds 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 Greyhounds Bark and Howl? What about Lhasa Apsos?

    Greyhounds 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 Greyhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Greyhound vs. Lhasa Apso

    Greyhounds 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 Greyhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Greyhounds 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 Greyhound or the Lhasa Apso?

    Greyhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Greyhounds good family dogs? What about Lhasa Apsos?

    Greyhounds 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 Greyhounds and Lhasa Apsos?

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

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

    Is the Greyhound Easier to Train than the Lhasa Apso?

    Greyhounds are very easy to train.

    Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.

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

    Greyhounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Greyhounds 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 Greyhound

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

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (70 percent match with Greyhound). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • Bull Terrier (71 percent match with Greyhound). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Bull Terrier.
  • Weimaraner (69 percent match with Greyhound). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Weimaraner.
  • 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 Greyhound vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Greyhound vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Greyhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Greyhound versus Bich Poo     Greyhound versus Coton de Tulear     Greyhound versus Chow Chow     Greyhound versus Chihuahua     Greyhound versus Leonberger     Greyhound versus Kai Ken     Greyhound versus Pomsky     Greyhound versus Newfoundland     Greyhound versus Shetland Sheepdog     Greyhound versus Swedish Vallhund     Greyhound versus Patterdale Terrier     Greyhound versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Greyhound versus Aussiedoodle     Greyhound versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Greyhound versus Boxer     Greyhound versus Hovawart     Greyhound versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Greyhound versus Weimaraner     Greyhound versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Greyhound versus Kishu Ken     Greyhound versus Chihuahua     Greyhound versus Kooikerhondje     Greyhound versus Lhasa Apso     Greyhound versus Australian Shepherd     Greyhound versus Shiba Inu     

    Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lhasa Apso versus Akbash     Lhasa Apso versus Toy Fox Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Mastiff     Lhasa Apso versus Cockalier     Lhasa Apso versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Lhasa Apso versus Field Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Japanese Chin     Lhasa Apso versus Berger Picard     Lhasa Apso versus Swedish Vallhund     Lhasa Apso versus English Cocker Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Bernedoodle     Lhasa Apso versus Korean Jindo Dog     Lhasa Apso versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Lhasa Apso versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Lhasa Apso versus American Bulldog     Lhasa Apso versus Karelian Bear Dog     Lhasa Apso versus Saint Bernard     Lhasa Apso versus Manchester Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus English Setter     Lhasa Apso versus Miniature Schnauzer     Lhasa Apso versus Papipoo     Lhasa Apso versus Dalmatian     Lhasa Apso versus Clumber Spaniel     

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