Lhasa Apso vs Papillon
Non-Sporting · Small vs Toy · Toy
Lhasa ApsoSmall
A confident, smart, comical Tibetan monastery sentinel — small but feels like a big dog inside.
Weight: 12–18 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
PapillonToy
A friendly, alert, happy butterfly-eared toy — the most trainable toy breed, fixture in agility podiums.
Weight: 5–10 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
Quick take
- • Lhasa Apso is the larger breed at 12–18 lbs (males) vs 5–10 lbs for the Papillon.
- • The Papillon typically lives longer (14–16 years).
- • The Papillon has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Lhasa Apso sheds less.
- • The Papillon is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Lhasa Apso | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
Group | Non-Sporting | Toy |
Size | Small | Toy |
Origin | Tibet | France |
Height (male) | 10–11" | 8–11" |
Height (female) | 10–11" | 8–11" |
Weight (male) | 12–18 lbs | 5–10 lbs |
Weight (female) | 12–18 lbs | 5–10 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 14–16 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | No |
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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.
About the Papillon
The Papillon is a friendly, alert, happy butterfly-eared toy — the most trainable toy breed, fixture in agility podiums. Originally from France, this toy toy breed typically weighs 5–10 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, alert, happy.
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Lhasa Apso health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Eye disorders
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Skin issues
- • Kidney disease
Papillon health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Dental issues
- • Progressive retinal atrophy