Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Lhasa Apso Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
- Lhasa Apso versus Shiba Inu: Overview
- Lhasa Apso versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu
- The Similarities Between the Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Lhasa Apso versus Shiba Inu
- Lifespan of Lhasa Apso versus Shiba Inu
- Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Lhasa Apso
- Price of Lhasa Apso versus Price of Shiba Inu
- Adopting the Lhasa Apso versus Adopting the Shiba Inu
- The Popularity of Lhasa Apso versus Popularity of Shiba Inu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Lhasa Apso versus Shiba Inu
- Do Lhasa Apsos shed more than Shiba Inus?
- Which one drools more, the Lhasa Apso or the Shiba Inu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Lhasa Apso or the Shiba Inu?
- Does the Lhasa Apso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
- Do Lhasa Apsos Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
- Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Lhasa Apso vs. Shiba Inu
- Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lhasa Apso or the Shiba Inu?
- Are Lhasa Apsos good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
- How Kid-friendly are Lhasa Apsos and Shiba Inus?
- Is the Lhasa Apso Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lhasa Apso
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Lhasa Apso versus Shiba Inu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Lhasa Apso Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu? 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 Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu 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 Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu 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 Lhasa Apso and for the Shiba Inu. 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 Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Lhasa Apso or the Shiba Inu.
Lhasa Apso versus Shiba Inu: Overview
A very important difference between the Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Lhasa Apso is a tiny-sized dog while the Shiba Inu is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu are Companion Dogs. This means both the Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu 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.
Lhasa Apso versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Lhasa Apso to the Shiba Inu 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 Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu
| Factor | Lhasa Apso | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 12 to 15 pounds | 17 to 23 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1780 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $1996 | $1600 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 70.4 percent | 67.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 71 | 44 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lhasa Apso 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Lhasa Apso is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shiba Inu is a better pet than the Lhasa Apso. So, you should get the Shiba Inu!
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 Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu
Below is a list of where the Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu
The Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Lhasa Apso versus Shiba Inu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu.
Lhasa Apsos weigh 12 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lhasa Apsos are 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Lhasa Apso versus Shiba Inu
The lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.
Shiba Inus live longer than Lhasa Apsos.
Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso has a better temperament than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the temperament score for the Lhasa Apso is 70.4 percent while the temperament score for the Shiba Inu is 67.9 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 70.4 percent, the Lhasa Apso has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 67.9 percent, the Shiba Inu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu by measuring the temperaments of 27 Lhasa Apsos and 28 Shiba Inus.
Price of Lhasa Apso versus Price of Shiba Inu
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 a Lhasa Apso can be as low as $200 and as high as $3499. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 104 Lhasa Apso puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Shiba Inu puppy is $2130. The price of the Shiba Inu typically ranges from $1600 – $2500. However, the price of the Shiba Inu can be as low as $600 and as high as $6995. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shiba Inu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shiba Inu is more expensive than the Lhasa Apso.
| Lhasa Apso | Shiba Inu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1780 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $1996 | $1600 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Lhasa Apso and Shiba Inu. For different price points, the charts show how many Lhasa Apso puppies or how many Shiba Inu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Lhasa Apsos. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Lhasa Apso puppy or the Shiba Inu 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.
Adopting the Lhasa Apso versus Adopting the Shiba Inu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Lhasa Apsos and many Shiba Inus 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 Lhasa Apso named Max that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Lhasa Apsos like Max on pefinder.com.
Also, like Lhasa Apsos, Shiba Inus are also available for adoption. For example, Montie is a Male Shiba Inu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shiba Inus like Montie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Tramp is the name of another Lhasa Apso (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Larry* is an adorable Male Shiba Inu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Lhasa Apsos and Shiba Inus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Lhasa Apso versus Popularity of Shiba Inu
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 Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shiba Inu is more popular with dog owners than the Lhasa Apso. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shiba Inu is 44 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Lhasa Apso is 71 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Lhasa Apso
Popularity of Shiba Inu
| Year | Lhasa Apso Popularity Rank | Shiba Inu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 63 | 46 |
| 2014 | 67 | 47 |
| 2015 | 65 | 45 |
| 2016 | 71 | 44 |
| 2017 | 77 | 45 |
| 2018 | 71 | 44 |
| 2019 | 78 | 45 |
| 2020 | 78 | 43 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Lhasa Apso versus Shiba Inu
Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.
Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Lhasa Apsos shed more than Shiba Inus?
Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.
Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Lhasa Apso or the Shiba Inu
Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Lhasa Apso or the Shiba Inu?
Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.
Does the Lhasa Apso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
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.
Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Lhasa Apsos Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
Lhasa Apsos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Lhasa Apso vs. Shiba Inu
Lhasa Apsos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Shiba Inus have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Lhasa Apsos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Shiba Inus can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lhasa Apso or the Shiba Inu?
Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Lhasa Apsos good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
Lhasa Apsos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Lhasa Apsos and Shiba Inus?
Lhasa Apsos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Lhasa Apso Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.
Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
Is the Lhasa Apso Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?
Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.
Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Lhasa Apso or the Shiba Inu?
Lhasa Apsos are very good for new dog owners.
Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.
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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Lhasa Apso and how the Shiba Inu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Lhasa Apso and of the Shiba Inu to other breeds:
Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lhasa Apso versus Miniature Schnauzer Lhasa Apso versus Sussex Spaniel Lhasa Apso versus Frenchton Lhasa Apso versus Giant Schnauzer Lhasa Apso versus American Eskimo Dog Lhasa Apso versus Toy Fox Terrier Lhasa Apso versus Pointer Lhasa Apso versus Scottish Terrier Lhasa Apso versus Black Russian Terrier Lhasa Apso versus Leonberger Lhasa Apso versus Portuguese Pointer Lhasa Apso versus Japanese Spitz Lhasa Apso versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Lhasa Apso versus Papillon Lhasa Apso versus Bluetick Coonhound Lhasa Apso versus Affenpinscher Lhasa Apso versus German Wirehaired Pointer Lhasa Apso versus Stabyhoun Lhasa Apso versus Ibizan Hound Lhasa Apso versus Harrier Lhasa Apso versus Bichon Frise Lhasa Apso versus Redbone Coonhound Lhasa Apso versus Chinese Shar-Pei Lhasa Apso versus Afghan Hound Lhasa Apso versus Dachshund
Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu versus Berger Picard Shiba Inu versus German Shorthaired Pointer Shiba Inu versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Shiba Inu versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shiba Inu versus Braque du Bourbonnais Shiba Inu versus Chinook Shiba Inu versus Black and Tan Coonhound Shiba Inu versus Collie Shiba Inu versus Leonberger Shiba Inu versus American Bulldog Shiba Inu versus Border Terrier Shiba Inu versus Estrela Mountain Dog Shiba Inu versus Bluetick Coonhound Shiba Inu versus Boerboel Shiba Inu versus Stabyhoun Shiba Inu versus German Pinscher Shiba Inu versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Shiba Inu versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Shiba Inu versus Fila Brasileiro Shiba Inu versus Portuguese Water Dog Shiba Inu versus Whippet Shiba Inu versus Yorkshire Terrier Shiba Inu versus Giant Schnauzer Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier Shiba Inu versus Chorkie
Conclusion: Lhasa Apso versus Shiba Inu. 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 Lhasa Apso and the Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.