Smithfield vs Lhasa Apso - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Smithfield vs Lhasa Apso - Breed ComparisonSmithfield is originated from United Kingdom but Lhasa Apso is originated from China. Smithfield may grow 25 cm / 10 inches higher than Lhasa Apso. Smithfield may weigh 17 kg / 38 pounds more than Lhasa Apso. Both Smithfield and Lhasa Apso has same life span. Both Smithfield and Lhasa Apso has almost same litter size. Both Smithfield and Lhasa Apso requires Moderate maintenance.

History

smithfield - historyThe Smithfield is also known as the Smithfield, Smithy or Tasmanian Smithfield and is a herding dog found in Australia but originating in the UK. There is also the possibility that there was an Australian dog bred at a place known as Smithfield, near Texas which is just inside the Queensland border.

It is thought by some that the Smithfield is extinct. The dog was first introduced to the Land Down Under in colonial times.

The Smithfield isn’t recognised by the Canine Councils, but in 1862 the first Dog Show was held in Australia.

lhasa apso - historyThe Lhasa Apso is a non-sporting dog hailing from Tibet. He was a useful dog to the monks who would use him in the palaces as well as the monasteries to ward off intruders.

He actually takes his name from the holy city of Lhasa, with the history of the breed going back to 600BC.

Today he is a true companion dog, a family dog, known as as the Tibetan Apso, the Bearded Lion Dog, the Apso and Lhasa.

The dog has been recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935, in the Non-Sporting Group category.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Non sporting dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
China
Height Male:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
25 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
25 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
6 - 8 kg
13 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
6 - 8 kg
13 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Smithy, Tasmanian Smithfield
Lhasa, The Lion Dog, Tibetan Apso
Colors Available:
grey or reddish brown., black, White
cream, black and white, white, Gold, tan
Coat:
Medium length, rough shaggy
Long and dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

smithfield puppy - descriptionThe Smithfield is a medium to large sized dog, strong and square-bodied with a wedge shaped head. Many people liken his looks to a Bearded Collie.

He has a rough, medium length coat. The coat has different colors such as white, black, grey or reddish brown. The coat is shaggy and in fact they are often clipped to give them a groomed look and to prevent grass and burrs clinging to the coat.

The tail of the dog can either be a natural bobtail or it could have a longer tail. When the tail is long it is carried low with an upward turn at the tip. The ears are mostly floppy and held close to the head.

He stands at between 46 to 53cm in height and weighs between 16 and 25kg. A bright, alert expression is a distinctive feature of the Smithfield.

Temperament:

The Smithfield is an active, robust dog and they have well balanced, stable personalities. They are often described as being laid-back.

You won’t find any signs of shyness or aggression with these dogs and they are known to be gentle and calm. They are self confident and well adjusted and also hard working.

They are devoted and loving to their human family and are also intelligent. When they’ve been trained and socialized they make splendid family pets, wonderful with children, just loving to run and play. These are dogs you can rely on to be consistent in nature.

lhasa apso puppy - descriptionLhasa Apsos are small dogs which stand at between 25 to 28cm in height and weigh in the region of 6 to 8kg.

The body length of the dog is longer than the height of the dog. He has brown eyes, a black nose and medium length, floppy ears. The long tail is carried over the dog's back.

Many people get used to seeing a sheared or clipped Lhaso, so when they see a dog where the coat has been left uncut they can’t believe the long, straight, dense coat.

Because the dog hails from Tibet where the weather can be extremely cold, he has a double coat – an under- and outer coat. While the coat looks fairly silky, it isn’t really and is in fact quite course to the touch.

Colors of the coat can be gold, tan, cream, white, black and white. Regular brushing will be needed for the coat because this is a dog with continual shedding. These dogs are regarded as being hypoallergenic as they hardly shed.

Temperament:

Looks can be quite deceiving when it comes to the Lhasa Apso as he is a dog who looks as though butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth and that he is essentially just a cuddly lapdog.

This small little dog is tough, robust, strong-willed and in his heart he believes he is a huge Tiger.

He’ll make his human family a loyal and loving pet but he is wary with strangers, distrusting anyone he meets for the first time. He is a dog that will need to be trained and socialized as he may take over your home in his ‘Tiger’ role.

Smart and dominant, this training will turn him into an obedient dog to have around which is important as he can become bossy if left to go his own way.

Characteristics

smithfield dog - characteristicsThose who have owned a Smithfield love them and say that once you’ve owned one, you’ll want another.

These easy going dogs have all the characteristics necessary to ensure a good pet, playmate and companion. They are devoted to their human family, and given the chance will become a very special 4-legged member of any family who appreciates the friendship a such a dog offers.

lhasa apso dog - characteristicsThe Lhasa Apso is a small dog full of surprises. That's because he can be manipulative, naughty and feisty one minute, and sweet and gentle the next. He happens to be a good watch dog too, and will alert you well in advance to intruders.

Because he is small and not a particularly energetic dog, he can slot into life in the city or the countryside with ease. However, exercise is good and necessary for every dog so be sure he joins you on your daily walks or you give him some games indoors.

The Lhasa can be a wonderful family companion and you’ll find that he can get on well with children who have been taught to treat animals with kindness and respect. He isn’t the kind of dog that you keep outdoors but is essentially an indoor dog, relishing the time he spends with his beloved human family and making a wonderful companion.

Health Problems

smithfield puppies - health problemsThese dogs enjoy exceptional good health and can reach between 10 and 14 years of age.

You have to be careful with your pet however, because there are quite a few common dog illnesses that can plague your pet, and we look at a few -

Canine Distemper:

This is caused by a contagious virus. Infected dogs develop symptoms such as runny eyes, fever, coughing, vomiting and even seizures. Unfortunately this disease is often fatal. There is luckily a vaccine against it and it is highly recommended for your pet.

Canine parvovirus:

Also a very contagious disease which attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing fever, vomiting and diarrhea. It is often spread by contaminated stools and feeding utensils of dogs. Many dogs die from parvo but there is also a vaccine against it.

Heatstroke:

This is terrible for your pet and is a huge risk for dogs during Summer. Never leave your pet in a car unattended, especially on a hot day. Remember that stub-nosed dogs such as Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are more prone to respiratory problems and heat can be deadly for them.

lhasa apso puppies - health problemsEvery dog can develop genetic health problems, but it is highly unlikely that with good care, your Lhasa Apso is going to get sick.

He’s a healthy dog breed that can get to 14 years of age and even older. With Lhasas, health problems can include things like hip dysplasia, eye problems and intervertebral disc disease.

If you are buying a puppy, be careful from where you buy him from. You want careful breeders who screen their parent dogs for genetic diseases. Keeping your dog at the right weight and preventing obesity will also help to ensure he remains healthy.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

smithfield dogs - caringThe Smithfield has plenty of energy and loves nothing more than lots of games with the children. He will also look forward to a walk every day as well as other activities.

Grooming:

When it comes to grooming, you can save money by grooming your dog at home. Whether you have your pet’s hair cut or you leave it as is, get into the habit of brushing the fur at least twice a week. You can speak to your vet or groomer and get advice on what comb of brush to use on your Smithfield.

It you want to cut your pet’s hair, it is important to use the right equipment so you don't accidentally injure him. Certainly if you feel unsure about shaving your dog at home, leave this grooming aspect to the experts.

Have your pet’s nails trimmed.

Check your pet’s eyes. They must be clear and bright. Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Check inside his ears to make sure they aren’t red with infection.

Diet:

Your Smithfield is relying on you to provide him with good food. For convenience, it is always a good idea to have a packet of the best dry kibble there is. Check out the label and make sure to buy one that has a good balance of vitamins and minerals.

Give him some tasty homemade food too. Remember to keep it plain and simple. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are nutritious and tasty. This food can all be chopped up and small portions added to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

You’ll never have to worry about digestion problems with your dog. A little bit of raw meat can also go a long way to ensuring his skin stays healthy and free of skin infections. Ensure that he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

lhasa apso dogs - caringThe Lhasa Apso is going to require regular brushing of his coat as it can get long and then it will matt and tangle easily.

There are owners of this dog breed who prefer to send their dog to their grooming parlor where the coat is trimmed short the way they prefer, minimizing the time spent grooming the dog. At the grooming parlour they also check the ears, the teeth of the dog and the nails, particularly if they don’t wear down naturally.

Diet:

The Lhasa was bred to be a watchdog, so even though he is a small dog, he does his best to guard and protect you. He is no pushover, and training him and socializing him makes him even more adorable to be around.

As man’s best friend, he needs a high-quality, nutritious diet because this helps to protect him from disease. You can feed him the best commercially manufactured foods, but study the packaging details on what the ingredients are. You want to be avoiding corn and wheat, colorants and preservatives.

Your Lhasa has 4 – 6 puppies and as these get older and are weaned they will require 4 meals a day. Once your dog reaches one year of age, he can have 2 meals a day instead of one larger meal.

Every dog loves a little bit of home-made food as a treat, and your Lhasa will wag his tail when you add in some cooked chicken, brown rice and some raw or cooked vegetables into his kibble. Include some raw meat in the diet occasionally as well as this helps to avoid dog skin problems.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a skin disease starting in the hair follicles of the dog and often occurs in conjunction with other skin disorders like mange. It is found mostly on the dog's abdomen, his armpits and groin and you’ll notice scaly rings with pus and scabs.

To avoid nasty skin diseases which can be very distressing for your pet, remember that your dog's dietary intake plays a huge role in the maintenance of a healthy skin and some raw meat is key to his wellbeing.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Miniature Poodle vs Lhasa Apso - Breed Comparison
  2. Tibetan Spaniel vs Lhasa Apso - Breed Comparison
  3. Pomeranian vs Lhasa Apso - Breed Comparison
  4. Maltese vs Lhasa Apso - Breed Comparison
  5. Pug vs Lhasa Apso - Breed Comparison
  6. Maltipoo vs Lhasa Apso - Breed Comparison
  7. Miniature Schnauzer vs Lhasa Apso - Breed Comparison
  8. Mal-Shi vs Lhasa Apso - Breed Comparison
  9. Papillon vs Lhasa Apso - Breed Comparison
  10. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Lhasa Apso - Breed Comparison
  11. Miniature English Bulldog vs Lhasa Apso - Breed Comparison
  12. Miniature Dachshund vs Lhasa Apso - Breed Comparison
  13. Lhasa Apso vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Lhasa Apso vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  15. Lhasa Apso vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Lhasa Apso vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  17. Lhasa Apso vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  18. Lhasa Apso vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Lhasa Apso vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  20. Lhasa Apso vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Lhasa Apso vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  22. Lhasa Apso vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  23. Lhasa Apso vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  24. Lhasa Apso vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Lhasa Apso vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison
  26. Smithfield vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  27. Smithfield vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Smithfield vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  29. Smithfield vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Smithfield vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  31. Smithfield vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. Smithfield vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  33. Smithfield vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Smithfield vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  35. Smithfield vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Smithfield vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Smithfield vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  38. Smithfield vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Smithfield vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  40. Smithfield vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Smithfield vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  42. Smithfield vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  43. Smithfield vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Smithfield vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  45. Smithfield vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  46. Smithfield vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Smithfield vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  48. Smithfield vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  49. Smithfield vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  50. Smithfield vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds