The Shih Tzu ranks among the most beloved toy dogs ever, and rightly so—this merry charmer is famed as one of the most affectionate, family-friendly breeds. But what of the Shih Tzu's lesser-known co…
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The Shih Tzu ranks among the most beloved toy dogs ever, and rightly so—this merry charmer is famed as one of the most affectionate, family-friendly breeds. But what of the Shih Tzu's lesser-known cousin, the Lhasa Apso? What sets these two look-alike breeds apart? Let's dig in!
The best overnight spot for the crate is your bedroom. That way you hear if he needs a potty break (before whining, he’ll usually pace). Plus your presence soothes him. Fresh from mom and littermates, puppies aren’t used to being alone.
“Puppies are infants; they need security and comfort.”
“Puppies are babies; they need to feel safe,” says Suzanne Bryner of Lucky Fido Dog Training in Friday Harbor, WA. She suggests the crate by the bed. Then, if they wake and you’re sure they want company not a bathroom (just went, or have pee pads), “it’s easy to reach down, let them snuffle your fingers, talk soft and sweet, and give a little tickle.” You may comfort them without opening the crate.
With their long locks and tiny frames—both breeds sit under 20 pounds and under 12 inches at the shoulder—Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus can look near-twins, especially with matching cuts and colours. Of the two, the Lhasa Apso runs slightly bigger (12–18 pounds versus 9–16), though both are surprisingly sturdy for their size and come in every colour under the sun.
The two breeds look alike for good reason—they're kin! Imperial breeders in the Chinese emperor's palace shaped the Shih Tzu centuries back from Tibetan stock that was likely the mix of two even older Sino-Tibetan breeds: the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese, per the AKC.
“Your first night with your puppy may be the toughest,” says Kathrine Christ of Hands Full Dog Training in Wichita, Kansas. “Don’t throw in the towel; your puppy will build a routine over the next few days and things will settle.”
When he cries, take him straight outside in case he needs to go. Carry him to avoid accidents, and pre-stage shoes, coat, and treats (to reward toileting) somewhere handy. Then back in the crate. Kathrine says, “Our goal is for puppies to feel relaxed and comfortable in their crate, so if he won’t settle within a couple minutes, take him out and reintroduce him in a way that avoids those bad feelings.” For now, taking him out is right—you don’t want him to learn to hate the crate.
Very young pups (around six weeks and under) need to toilet every half hour, but after that a rough rule is they can ‘hold it’ about as many hours as their age in months. A 12-week-old should manage roughly three hours, though he may need out well before. For housetraining, take him out every one to two hours and reward toileting outside. If he’s sleeping, don’t wake him. “Some books say every one to two hours without that important caveat,” Kathrine notes. “Some pups sleep several hours at night right away!”
In the West, Shih Tzu comes out as 'sheed-zoo' or 'sheet-su,' while the Chinese say 'sher-zer'.
The Lhasa Apso is known for a floor-length, flat-hanging coat, parted down the middle and draping each side, per the AKC. A feathery tail curls over the back in the classic Tibetan-breed style. Fans swear those dark, oval eyes—peeking through lavish facial fur—are windows to a Lhasa's happy soul.
Suzanne agrees. “If a puppy who had proper crate training, loves his crate, and has no crate issue is crying, I’d wonder why. I think it’s vital to say: with puppies, we do best to err on the side of comfort and kindness. Comforting your puppy is never the wrong thing to do!”
Shih Tzus are known for their long, silky coats, small build, and charming faces. They sport a one-of-a-kind look with button noses, big, soulful eyes, and floppy ears. Their coats run every colour and pattern, and folks often say they resemble 'lion cubs' or 'teddy bears.'
At eight weeks, a puppy can only hold it a couple hours before needing out. A rule of thumb: one hour per month of age. So a two-month-old holds about two hours. In short, you’ll either get up at night or set up a larger kennel/x-pen with room for a puppy pad.
Differences Between the Shih Tzu & the Lhaso Apso
Lhasas have a longer muzzle and a straighter nose, generally meaning fewer respiratory issues.
While they may look alike at a glance, the Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso differ in their historical roles, personalities, and subtle physical features.
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Size it so he can stand, stretch, and turn, but not too big. If you have a big crate for growth, use the divider to size it down. Then add cozy bedding.
Let your puppy play, and when he’s tired, put him in the crate for a happy nap. When he wakes, let him out at once (before he cries) and take him to potty.
Meghan D’Arcy, of Meghan D’Arcy Training and Behaviour in Toronto, says “Make the crate comfy with a bed and blanket—puppies like to burrow and must stay warm—and he’ll be napping in there in no time.”
Use good treats—small but generous. Meghan says, “Begin by tossing treats just inside the door, then gradually farther back. Through the day, sprinkle treats at the crate back for him to find.”
Beyond the plan, feed his meals in the crate to build positive associations. If you like, serve the meal via a rubber chew toy to stretch it out. Meghan says, “At first stay nearby while he eats and let him out the moment he’s done. (Most pups want to potty right after eating.) As he grows comfortable, lengthen his crate time after eating, dropping a treat every 10–15 seconds, and start moving around the room or stepping away briefly.”
Remember, puppies and dogs of any age shouldn’t be crated all day. The crate is a refuge, a nap spot, and for pups a housetraining aid—not a place your dog should generally be confined.
Originally featured in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!
The instant the wanted behavior happens, mark it with a cheerful Yes!
Reward within one second so the win is impossible to miss.
Add one small distraction at a time, and reward the brave choices.
Keep sessions short and always end on a success your dog is proud of.
Hold one treat at your dog's nose level and let the smell do the talking.
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