Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Lhasa Apso |  Miniature Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Bred for centuries in Tibet as an indoor watchdog in monasteries and noble households around the city of Lhasa, alerting to strangers while the larger mastiff-type dogs guarded outside. It reached the West in the early twentieth century. | Germany |
| Group | Utility | Utility |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Coat | Long, straight, heavy double coat in gold, cream, honey, slate, smoke, black, white or parti-colour | Wiry, dense double coat with beard and leg furnishings |
| Weight | 5 to 8 kg | 5 to 9 kg |
| Height | 23 to 28 cm | 30 to 36 cm |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 yrs | 12 to 15 yrs |
| Exercise need | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Affection | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Grooming needs | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Barking | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Good with children | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Trainability | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Prey drive | 3/10 | 5/10 |
| Copes alone | 6/10 | 4/10 |
| Drool | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Shedding | 3/10 | 2/10 |
| Flat fit | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Running cost | €140 / month | €92 / month |
Lhasa Apso verdict
The little Tibetan sentinel with a long memory.
Get one if
- · Flats and small homes wanting a compact, calm companion
- · Owners who want a long-lived breed and will invest in socialisation
- · People who enjoy a dog with opinions and an independent streak
Think again if
- · Families with toddlers or grabby young children
- · Owners wanting an instantly friendly, everyone-welcome dog
- · Anyone unwilling to maintain a long coat or pay for regular clipping
Miniature Schnauzer verdict
A sharp witted, wiry coated terrier type that watches the door and minds its diet in equal measure.
Get one if
- · Owners who want an alert, trainable small dog with real character
- · Families with older, sensible children who enjoy an active small breed
- · People willing to commit to a strict, low fat feeding routine
Think again if
- · Households wanting a dog that can share rich table scraps freely
- · Owners unwilling to manage barking at visitors or passers by
- · Anyone hoping for a coat that needs no professional grooming