American Staffordshire Terrier vs Lhasa Apso

Terrier · Medium vs Non-Sporting · Small

Quick take
  • American Staffordshire Terrier is the larger breed at 55–70 lbs (males) vs 12–18 lbs for the Lhasa Apso.
  • The American Staffordshire Terrier typically lives longer (12–16 years).
  • The American Staffordshire Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Lhasa Apso sheds less.
  • The American Staffordshire Terrier is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAmerican Staffordshire TerrierLhasa Apso
Group
TerrierNon-Sporting
Size
MediumSmall
Origin
USATibet
Height (male)
18–19"10–11"
Height (female)
17–18"10–11"
Weight (male)
55–70 lbs12–18 lbs
Weight (female)
40–55 lbs12–18 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–16 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)Low (2/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Very Low (1/5)Very High (5/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Low (2/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with other dogs
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
shortlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
Ad slot · compare-mid

About the American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a confident, smart, good-natured terrier — the AmStaff, larger cousin of the Staffy. Originally from USA, this medium terrier breed typically weighs 55–70 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as confident, smart, good-natured.

About the Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a confident, smart, comical Tibetan monastery sentinel — small but feels like a big dog inside. Originally from Tibet, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 12–18 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as confident, smart, comical.

Ad slot · compare-bottom

American Staffordshire Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart disease
  • Skin allergies
  • Cerebellar ataxia

Lhasa Apso health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Eye disorders
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Skin issues
  • Kidney disease