Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Alpine Molosser or American Akita? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita" Compare Shih Tzu and Alpine Mastiff. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Shih Tzu	Alpine Mastiff	Akita
Origins	China	Switzerland	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Extinct	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	538	47
Reviews	15	0	9
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Alpine Molosser	American Akita Japanese Akita Great Japanese Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita? Which is the smallest dog, Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita?	Small	Giant	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Alpine Mastiff? Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita weight comparison:	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	340-350 pounds (154-160 kg)	Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	345 pounds (157 kg)	Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita? Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	35-40 inches (89-101 cm)	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	37.5 inches (95 cm)	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita? Which is more expensive?	$800-$1200	Unavailable	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Unavailable: This dog breed, unfortunately, is no longer available, it may even be extinct.	Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita intelligence:	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita trainability comparison.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Alpine Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Akita dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Alpine Mastiff dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Alpine Mastiff dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita? Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Friendly	Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita?	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Alpine Mastiff dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Alpine Mastiff dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Alpine Mastiff dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Alpine Mastiff dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita playfulness comparison:	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Alpine Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita?	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Alpine Mastiff barks occasionally. See more.	Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita?	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alpine Mastiff breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Alpine Mastiff dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Alpine Mastiff dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Alpine Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Alpine Mastiff has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita mouthiness comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Alpine Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita?	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Alpine Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.	The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita health problems comparison:	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	No data available	Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Alpine Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu, Alpine Mastiff and Akita breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Alpine Mastiff: 11 years	10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Alpine Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers cold weather The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita? Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita energy level comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Alpine Mastiff dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Alpine Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.	Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita?	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Alpine Mastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita?	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	15 to 16 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Alpine Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita coat comparison:	Dense	Rough	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight
Colors What are the original Shih Tzu, Alpine Mastiff and Akita color?	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Brindle Brown	Black Red White Brown Fawn
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita? Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita grooming comparison:	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Easy to groom: The Alpine Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita? Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or {name3 shedding:	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Alpine Mastiff dogs shed above average. See more.	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Alpine Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Alpine Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. See more.	The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Alpine Mastiff dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Alpine Mastiff dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Alpine Mastiff dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Alpine Mastiff dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Alpine Mastiff dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita?	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Alpine Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Alpine Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Alpine Mastiffs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Shih Tzu or Alpine Mastiff or Akita? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	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?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a 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: Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita?	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Alpine Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Akita 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.	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.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	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.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Shih Tzu and Alpine Mastiff and Akita have?	2-5 puppies	5-12 puppies	3-12 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Shih Tzu vs Alpine Mastiff vs Akita Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related 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 Canadian Canine Registry	No data available	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club

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