Lhasa Apso vs Saint Bernard
Non-Sporting · Small vs Working · Giant
Lhasa ApsoSmall
A confident, smart, comical Tibetan monastery sentinel — small but feels like a big dog inside.
Weight: 12–18 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Saint BernardGiant
A playful, charming, inquisitive Alpine rescue giant — the original mountain rescue with the brandy keg.
Weight: 140–180 lbsLifespan: 8–10 years
Quick take
- • Saint Bernard is the larger breed at 140–180 lbs (males) vs 12–18 lbs for the Lhasa Apso.
- • The Lhasa Apso typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Lhasa Apso has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Lhasa Apso sheds less.
- • The Saint Bernard is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Lhasa Apso | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
Group | Non-Sporting | Working |
Size | Small | Giant |
Origin | Tibet | Switzerland |
Height (male) | 10–11" | 28–30" |
Height (female) | 10–11" | 26–28" |
Weight (male) | 12–18 lbs | 140–180 lbs |
Weight (female) | 12–18 lbs | 120–140 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 8–10 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
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 Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a playful, charming, inquisitive Alpine rescue giant — the original mountain rescue with the brandy keg. Originally from Switzerland, this giant working breed typically weighs 140–180 lbs and lives 8–10 years. Breeders describe them as playful, charming, inquisitive.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Lhasa Apso health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Eye disorders
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Skin issues
- • Kidney disease
Saint Bernard health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Heart disease
- • Eye conditions