Which is Better between the Komondor and the Lhasa Apso? A Very Detailed Review.

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Komondor Versus Lhasa Apso: Introduction

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

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

Komondor versus Lhasa Apso

Komondor versus Lhasa Apso: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Komondor 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.

Komondor versus Lhasa Apso: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Lhasa Apso

Factor Komondor Lhasa Apso
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Height 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
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
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 12 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $840 $1780
Price Range $550 – $800 $1500 – $1996
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 70.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 170 71

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

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

  • Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Lhasa Apsos are good for new dog owners.
  • Komondors do not like to be left alone. However, Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Lhasa Apsos adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Lhasa Apso

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

  • Both the Komondor and the Lhasa Apso are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Komondor and the Lhasa Apso do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Komondor and the Lhasa Apso require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Komondor and the Lhasa Apso have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Lhasa Apso can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Komondor and the Lhasa Apso are very easy to train.
  • Both the Komondor and the Lhasa Apso are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Komondor and the Lhasa Apso require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Komondor and the Lhasa Apso are very playful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Lhasa Apso are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Komondor and the Lhasa Apso are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Lhasa Apso

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

    Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 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 Komondor versus Lhasa Apso

    The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors 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 Komondors.

    Temperament of the Lhasa Apso Versus the Komondor

    The Komondor has a better temperament than the Lhasa Apso.

    This is because the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Lhasa Apso by measuring the temperaments of 10 Komondors and 27 Lhasa Apsos.

    Price of Komondor versus Price of Lhasa Apso

    The average price of the Komondor puppy is $840. The price of the Komondor typically ranges from $550 – $800. However, the price of a Komondor can be as low as $500 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Komondor 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 Komondor.

    Komondor Lhasa Apso
    Average Price $840 $1780
    Price Range $550 to $800 $1500 to $1996

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. 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 Komondor 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.

    The Popularity of Komondor 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 Komondor 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 Komondor. 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 Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Lhasa Apso

    Popularity of Lhasa Apso

    Year Komondor Popularity Rank Lhasa Apso Popularity Rank
    2013 159 63
    2014 168 67
    2015 163 65
    2016 177 71
    2017 163 77
    2018 173 71
    2019 181 78
    2020 178 78

    Tolerates Being Alone: Komondor versus Lhasa Apso

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Komondors shed more than Lhasa Apsos?

    Komondors shed moderately.

    Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Lhasa Apso

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Komondors 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 Komondor Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lhasa Apso?

    Komondors have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Lhasa Apsos?

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

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

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

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Lhasa Apso

    Komondors 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 Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Komondors 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 Komondor or the Lhasa Apso?

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Lhasa Apsos?

    Komondors 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 Komondors and Lhasa Apsos?

    Komondors get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Lhasa Apso?

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.

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

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Komondors 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 Komondor

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

  • Belgian Tervuren (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Black Russian Terrier (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Giant Schnauzer (72 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • 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 Komondor vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Komondor versus Kuvasz     Komondor versus Briard     Komondor versus Bouvier des Flandres     Komondor versus Manchester Terrier     Komondor versus Pyredoodle     Komondor versus Canaan Dog     Komondor versus Irish Water Spaniel     Komondor versus Clumber Spaniel     Komondor versus Maremma Sheepdog     Komondor versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Komondor versus Irish Wolfhound     Komondor versus Sloughi     Komondor versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Komondor versus Spinone Italiano     Komondor versus Japanese Spitz     Komondor versus Cesky Terrier     Komondor versus Pomchi     Komondor versus Tibetan Mastiff     Komondor versus Irish Water Spaniel     Komondor versus Kishu Ken     Komondor versus Korean Jindo Dog     Komondor versus Clumber Spaniel     Komondor versus Rottweiler     Komondor versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Komondor versus German Shorthaired Pointer     

    Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lhasa Apso versus Maltipoo     Lhasa Apso versus Border Collie     Lhasa Apso versus Dogo Argentino     Lhasa Apso versus Sloughi     Lhasa Apso versus Irish Setter     Lhasa Apso versus Shihpoo     Lhasa Apso versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Lhasa Apso versus Keeshond     Lhasa Apso versus Siberian Husky     Lhasa Apso versus Coton de Tulear     Lhasa Apso versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Border Collie     Lhasa Apso versus Korean Jindo Dog     Lhasa Apso versus American Foxhound     Lhasa Apso versus Korean Jindo Dog     Lhasa Apso versus Pharaoh Hound     Lhasa Apso versus Italian Greyhound     Lhasa Apso versus Doberman Pinscher     Lhasa Apso versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Lhasa Apso versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Australian Cattle Dog     Lhasa Apso versus French Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Italian Greyhound     Lhasa Apso versus Samoyed     Lhasa Apso versus Brussels Griffon     

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