Italian Greyhound vs Lhasa Apso

Toy · Small vs Non-Sporting · Small

Quick take
  • Lhasa Apso is the larger breed at 12–18 lbs (males) vs 7–14 lbs for the Italian Greyhound.
  • The Italian Greyhound typically lives longer (14–15 years).
  • The Italian Greyhound has higher daily energy needs.

Side-by-side traits

TraitItalian GreyhoundLhasa Apso
Group
ToyNon-Sporting
Size
SmallSmall
Origin
ItalyTibet
Height (male)
13–15"10–11"
Height (female)
13–15"10–11"
Weight (male)
7–14 lbs12–18 lbs
Weight (female)
7–14 lbs12–18 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
14–15 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Very Low (1/5)Very High (5/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
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
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Low (2/5)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 Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility. Originally from Italy, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–14 lbs and lives 14–15 years. Breeders describe them as playful, alert, sensitive.

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

Italian Greyhound health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Leg fractures
  • Dental issues
  • Hypothyroidism
  • PRA

Lhasa Apso health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

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