Lhasa Apso vs Poodle
Discover the differences between Lhasa Apso and Poodle 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.
Poodle
Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.
Quick comparison
Small
6–8 kg
Long, dense
12–15 years
5–7 kg
Moderately active
Medium
20–32 kg
Curly, dense
12–15 years
18–27 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
Poodle
Warm and sociable with family and guests
Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise
Loves games and interactive playtime
Easily adjusts to new environments and routines
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Lhasa Apso
Patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy
Poodle
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease
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
Poodle
Great choice
Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.
Highly suitable
Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Perfect fit
Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.
Very friendly
Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.
Gets along well
Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.
Prone to anxiety
Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.
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
Poodle
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
- Strong bond with family members
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Excellent performance in canine sports
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
Poodle
- Requires regular professional grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
- Susceptible to certain genetic health issues
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