Lhasa Apso versus Tibetan Mastiff. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Lhasa Apso Versus Tibetan Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff. 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 Tibetan Mastiff.

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 Tibetan Mastiff.

Lhasa Apso versus Tibetan Mastiff

Lhasa Apso versus Tibetan Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Tibetan Mastiff 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.

Lhasa Apso versus Tibetan Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lhasa Apso to the Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff

Factor Lhasa Apso Tibetan Mastiff
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Weight 12 to 15 pounds 75 to 160 pounds
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Height 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 2 feet to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1780 $3190
Price Range $1500 – $1996 $1500 – $3000
Temperament Score 70.4 percent 52.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 71 135

    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 Tibetan Mastiff. 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 Tibetan Mastiff is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lhasa Apso is a better pet than the Tibetan Mastiff. 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 Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff

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

  • Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Tibetan Mastiffs are very easy to groom.
  • Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Tibetan Mastiffs do not like to be left alone.
  • Lhasa Apsos adapt well to apartment living. However, Tibetan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Lhasa Apsos are good for new dog owners. However, Tibetan Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff

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

  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff 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 Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lhasa Apso versus Tibetan Mastiff

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

    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, Tibetan Mastiffs weigh 75 to 160 pounds when fully grown. Tibetan Mastiffs are 2 feet to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Lhasa Apso versus Tibetan Mastiff

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

    The lifespan of Tibetan Mastiffs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Tibetan Mastiffs is 12.0 years.

    Lhasa Apsos live longer than Tibetan Mastiffs.

    Temperament of the Tibetan Mastiff Versus the Lhasa Apso

    The Lhasa Apso has a better temperament than the Tibetan Mastiff.

    This is because the temperament score for the Lhasa Apso is 70.4 percent while the temperament score for the Tibetan Mastiff is 52.9 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 52.9 percent, the Tibetan Mastiff has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff by measuring the temperaments of 27 Lhasa Apsos and 17 Tibetan Mastiffs.

    Price of Lhasa Apso versus Price of Tibetan Mastiff

    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 Tibetan Mastiff puppy is $3190. The price of the Tibetan Mastiff typically ranges from $1500 – $3000. However, the price of the Tibetan Mastiff can be as low as $1000 and as high as $8000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 18 Tibetan Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Tibetan Mastiff is more expensive than the Lhasa Apso.

    Lhasa Apso Tibetan Mastiff
    Average Price $1780 $3190
    Price Range $1500 to $1996 $1500 to $3000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Lhasa Apso and Tibetan Mastiff. For different price points, the charts show how many Lhasa Apso puppies or how many Tibetan Mastiff 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 Lhasa Apsos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Tibetan Mastiffs

    A breakdown of the prices of Tibetan Mastiffs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Lhasa Apso puppy or the Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Lhasa Apsos and many Tibetan Mastiffs 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, Tibetan Mastiffs are also available for adoption. For example, Beau is a Male Tibetan Mastiff that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Tibetan Mastiffs like Beau that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Tramp is the name of another Lhasa Apso (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Mav is an adorable Male Tibetan Mastiff on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

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

    The Popularity of Lhasa Apso versus Popularity of Tibetan Mastiff

    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 Tibetan Mastiff over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Lhasa Apso is more popular with dog owners than the Tibetan Mastiff. 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 Tibetan Mastiff is 135 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Lhasa Apso

    Popularity of Lhasa Apso

    Popularity of Tibetan Mastiff

    Popularity of Tibetan Mastiff

    Year Lhasa Apso Popularity Rank Tibetan Mastiff Popularity Rank
    2013 63 132
    2014 67 135
    2015 65 133
    2016 71 135
    2017 77 153
    2018 71 131
    2019 78 128
    2020 78 140

    Tolerates Being Alone: Lhasa Apso versus Tibetan Mastiff

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Lhasa Apsos shed more than Tibetan Mastiffs?

    Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.

    Tibetan Mastiffs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Lhasa Apso or the Tibetan Mastiff

    Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tibetan Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lhasa Apso or the Tibetan Mastiff?

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Lhasa Apso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Tibetan Mastiff?

    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.

    Tibetan Mastiffs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Lhasa Apsos Bark and Howl? What about Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Tibetan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Tibetan Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lhasa Apso vs. Tibetan Mastiff

    Lhasa Apsos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Tibetan Mastiffs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Tibetan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lhasa Apsos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Tibetan Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lhasa Apso or the Tibetan Mastiff?

    Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Tibetan Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Lhasa Apsos good family dogs? What about Tibetan Mastiffs?

    Lhasa Apsos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Tibetan Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Lhasa Apsos and Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Lhasa Apso Easier to Train than the Tibetan Mastiff?

    Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.

    Tibetan Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Lhasa Apso Better for Apartment Owners than the Tibetan Mastiff?

    Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Tibetan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Lhasa Apsos are very good for new dog owners.

    Tibetan Mastiffs are not the best dogs 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:

  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (77 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Tibetan Mastiff vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Tibetan Mastiff vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Tibetan Mastiff

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

  • Bernedoodle (71 percent match with Tibetan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Bernedoodle.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (70 percent match with Tibetan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lhasa Apso versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Lhasa Apso versus Scottish Deerhound     Lhasa Apso versus Dachshund     Lhasa Apso versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Lhasa Apso versus Borzoi     Lhasa Apso versus Bluetick Coonhound     Lhasa Apso versus Bullmastiff     Lhasa Apso versus Welsh Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Cavapoo     Lhasa Apso versus Bedlington Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Dalmatian     Lhasa Apso versus Sealyham Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Samoyed     Lhasa Apso versus English Cocker Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Coton de Tulear     Lhasa Apso versus Clumber Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Chinook     Lhasa Apso versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Cairn Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Patterdale Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Lhasa Apso versus Siberian Husky     Lhasa Apso versus Bich Poo     Lhasa Apso versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Keeshond     

    Tibetan Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Tibetan Mastiff versus Cairn Terrier     Tibetan Mastiff versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Tibetan Mastiff versus Cockapoo     Tibetan Mastiff versus Scottish Deerhound     Tibetan Mastiff versus Ibizan Hound     Tibetan Mastiff versus German Longhaired Pointer     Tibetan Mastiff versus Cockalier     Tibetan Mastiff versus Borzoi     Tibetan Mastiff versus Standard Poodle     Tibetan Mastiff versus Puli     Tibetan Mastiff versus Norwegian Lundehund     Tibetan Mastiff versus Dachshund     Tibetan Mastiff versus Finnish Spitz     Tibetan Mastiff versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Tibetan Mastiff versus Portuguese Pointer     Tibetan Mastiff versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Tibetan Mastiff versus Shetland Sheepdog     Tibetan Mastiff versus Pomeranian     Tibetan Mastiff versus Sheepadoodle     Tibetan Mastiff versus Cavapoo     Tibetan Mastiff versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Tibetan Mastiff versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Tibetan Mastiff versus Australian Terrier     Tibetan Mastiff versus Pomeranian     Tibetan Mastiff versus Keeshond     

    Conclusion: Lhasa Apso versus Tibetan Mastiff. 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 Tibetan Mastiff better suits you and your family.