Lhasa Apso vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Lhasa Apso and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Lhasa Apso
A loyal, spirited companion with a luxurious coat and keen senses. Thrives in homes that appreciate its playful charm and independent personality.
Golden Retriever
A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.
Quick comparison
Small
6–8 kg
Long, dense
12–15 years
5–7 kg
Moderately active
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Lhasa Apso
Reserved with strangers, affectionate with family
Quick learner, can be independent-minded
Moderate exercise needs, not overly active
Enjoys play but not overly boisterous
Copes well with various living situations
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Lhasa Apso
Patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Lhasa Apso
Good option
Easygoing but needs consistent training and grooming
Excellent fit
Small size and low exercise needs suit compact living spaces
Not ideal
Prefers moderate activity and may tire quickly in very active homes
Supervised only
Can be patient but may not tolerate rough handling by young children
Generally compatible
Gets along if socialized early with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Lhasa Apso
- Alert watchdog instincts
- Loyal to family members
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Good longevity for small breed
Golden Retriever
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
- Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Lhasa Apso
- Stubborn during training sessions
- Prone to matting without regular grooming
- Can be wary of strangers
- Sensitive to rough handling
- May develop small dog syndrome if spoiled
Golden Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
- Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
- Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions
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