Shih-tzu or Lhaso!

Question
Hello All Knowing Cindy!

I am scouring the internet looking for pictures of the dogs named above. (getting tired of typing shih-tzu all the time!)

We adopted a dog about 3 years ago. We wanted a shihtzu because my husband is allergic. I called the local pound and they had just had one dropped off the night before. I guess they tied his leash to the door in the middle of the night and left him there in the rain. He was suffering from a horrible home shave and was matted with poop. Hate to have seen him before the shave!

Anyway, I just put a post on a site asking about his colouring. He is blonde/tan and his face looks as though he has stuck it in the mud. I have heard from friends that that colouring in a shihtzu is rare. Someone on this site asked if he could be a Lhaso Apso! Now my dogs whole identity is at stake!

I was reading a post that you answered about someones lhaso being territorial and barking at passersby. Exactly what my dog does. My dog has never licked or kissed, it seems he is snubbing us!(we figure his other people told him off when he kissed)

He is about 4 now we think and weighs about 11lbs. Is that small for a shistzu? I've seen ones that make him look tiny.

Is there anyway to tell the two breeds apart?

Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!
Jenn

Answer
Hello Jenn, I understand your problem.  It is an age old question.  Here is a website that will help answer your questions.  Compare the Shih Tzu and the Lhasa.

http://www.thebreedsofdogs.com/

They both come in the color you described and usually a shih tzu is smaller than the Lhasa.  Personalities vary, but in my experience the Lhasa are more aggressive and more tempermental, however any dog can be that way.  Most Shih tzu's I come in contact with are sweet, but then again just as I have said any dog can be bad.  I hope this website gets you closer to determining your dogs breed.
Thanks, Cindy Lou :)