Australian Cattle Dog vs Lhasa Apso

Herding · Medium vs Non-Sporting · Small

Quick take
  • Australian Cattle Dog is the larger breed at 35–50 lbs (males) vs 12–18 lbs for the Lhasa Apso.
  • The Australian Cattle Dog typically lives longer (12–16 years).
  • The Australian Cattle Dog has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Lhasa Apso sheds less.
  • The Australian Cattle Dog is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAustralian Cattle DogLhasa Apso
Group
HerdingNon-Sporting
Size
MediumSmall
Origin
AustraliaTibet
Height (male)
18–20"10–11"
Height (female)
17–19"10–11"
Weight (male)
35–50 lbs12–18 lbs
Weight (female)
35–50 lbs12–18 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–16 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with kids
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Low (2/5)Low (2/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
shortlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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About the Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is an alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise. Originally from Australia, this medium herding breed typically weighs 35–50 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, curious, pleasant.

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.

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Australian Cattle Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Progressive retinal atrophy

Lhasa Apso health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

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