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Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Golden Flat Coat or Chrysanthemum Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu" Compare Golden Retriever and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever Shih Tzu
OriginsScotland flagScotland China flagChina
Group Gun Dog Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank320
Reviews1415
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Is the Golden Retriever bigger than the Shih Tzu breed? Is a Golden Retriever smaller than a Shih Tzu?
Large Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu weight comparison:
Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Is a Golden Retriever taller than a Shih Tzu?
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Golden Retriever and Shih Tzu?
$1000-$2000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu smarter? Which is best? Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu intelligence:
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Trainability
Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison. What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu?
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu?
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu?
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu?
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu?
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Golden Retriever more dangerous than a Shih Tzu?

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu?
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu?
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Golden Retriever and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Golden Retriever and Shih Tzu?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu?
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Does the Golden Retriever breed eat more than the Shih Tzu breed?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu coat comparison:
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Dense
Colors
What are the original Golden Retriever and Shih Tzu color? Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu color comparison:
Golden
Light
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Do Golden Retriever dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs?
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu?

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu?
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu?
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu?
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Can a Golden Retriever and a Shih Tzu be friends? Do Golden Retriever dogs get along with Shih Tzu dogs?
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu?
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu?

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Golden Retriever and Shih Tzu have? Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu litter size comparison:
5-10 puppies 2-5 puppies

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Rate This Comparsion - Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu

Reviews

  • golden retrievers

    Jul 12, 2020, 4:50:31 AM:

  • Golden retriever

    Mar 6, 2021, 4:32:56 AM:

    Sooo cute

  • leo

    Mar 26, 2021, 5:46:57 AM:

    SUCKY SUCKYYYYYYYYYYYYY Shih tzus and goldens are VERY FRIENDLY ADND EPIC AIN JK4TNRGCPO3RE

  • M

    Aug 11, 2021, 10:39:26 PM:

    Shih Tzu breed description is not accurate some are highly intelligent and easy to train. Mine learned in one day with constant commands and it’s very capable of doing many tricks and learns fast! Also, he is a service dog

  • Shih-tzu

    Oct 1, 2021, 6:55:19 AM:

    Very kid friendly dog

  • golden retreiver

    Jan 18, 2022, 5:29:51 AM:

    my goldu is so friendly and cute cannot stay without her

  • Ivy

    Jul 20, 2022, 5:43:41 AM:

    Very informative..Well done ✅