Shitzus and Lhasa Apsos

[vinjashira]

I saw a nice dog one day and told the owner tha she has a lovely shitzu. She wasn't too happy when I said that because it turned out that her dog was a lhasa apso. Do you guys know how to tell them apart? they look very similiar to me :confused:

[jenluckenbach]

Those 2 breeds should look different, but with today's bad breeding they often can not be distinguished. Also many mixes look the same, o I find it impossible to tell them apart with certainty.

BUT!

A shih Tzu should be smaller and a Lhasa larger.
A Shih Tzu has a very short nose, possibly even flat, a Lhasa has a bit of a longer nose.
Lhasas almost always have crooked (bowed) front legs.

[Giselle]

I agree. Irresponsible breeding and materialistic owners are ruining a LOT of Toy breeds, among them Poodles, Lhasas, Shih Tzus, and Pekes.

When in full show coat, Lhasas leave their hair draping down in a 'puffy'ish look. The hair almost covers the Lhasa's eyes. Shih Tzus have the topknot and they gather the hair on top of the head and use a bow to tie it creating a cascading effect. The hair looks much silkier and fuller, while Lhasas have a Peke coat- puffy and coarse looking. Lhasas have long, broad noses while Shih Tzus have broad, flat noses very similar to the Peke. The bottom jaw almost juts out, but not quite (again, similar to the Pekingese). Shihs also have distinctive beards, but you can only see this in full show coats.
Lhasas almost always have crooked (bowed) front legs.
Those Lhasas must not do so well in the show ring considering it's a fault. Forelegs should be straight.

[vinjashira]

Thanks Jen & Giselle!