Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Borders or Chrysanthemum Dog or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever" Compare Border Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?

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	Border Terrier	Shih Tzu	Golden Retriever
Origins	England Scotland	China	Scotland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	92	20	3
Reviews	1	16	14
User Ratings

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

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Which is the smallest dog, Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?	Small	Small	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever weight comparison:	Males 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg), Female: 11-14 pounds (5-6 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Males 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (5.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever height comparison:	Male: 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 14.5 inches (37 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Which is more expensive?	$1200-$1400	$800-$1200	$1000-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?	Very frequent: The Border Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever intelligence:	Smart: The Border Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever trainability comparison.	Border Terrier dogs are easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?	Border Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Border Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:	Alert Intelligent Affectionate Obedient Outright Tempered Fearless	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Intelligent Confident Friendly Reliable Kind Trustworthy
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Border Terrier 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.	Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?	High: Border Terrier 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.	High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:	Border Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	The wanderlust potential of the Border Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Border Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	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. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever playfulness comparison:	Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?	Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?	Very house-friendly dog the Border Terrier breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Border Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Golden Retriever 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 Border Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever mouthiness comparison:	Border Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?	The Border Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:	Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Hypothyroidism Cryptorchidism Seizures Malocclusions Pulmonic 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	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Hemangiosarcoma Osteosarcoma Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Border Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Border Terrier, Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Terrier: 13 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Border Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever energy level comparison:	Border Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Border Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?	Border Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?	1 to 1.5 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.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever weight gain potential comparison:	High: The Border Terrier 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.	High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever coat comparison:	Rough	Dense	Silky Wavy Shiny Straight
Colors What are the original Border Terrier, Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever color?	Tan Red Blue Grizzle Wheaten	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Golden Light
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever grooming comparison:	Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Border Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?	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.	2-3 weeks Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. See more.
Hypoallergenic Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?	Medium ⏺ The Border Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Border Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	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.

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Border Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?	Border Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Golden Retriever dogs are very 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 Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?	Border Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?	Border Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?	Border Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?	Yes Border Terrier 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.	Yes Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Border Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	Yes Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Border Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever 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.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Border Terrier or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? 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.	Yes This breed makes a perfect 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.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
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.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?	Not really Border Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes 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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever 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 Border Terrier and Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever have?	2-8 puppies	2-5 puppies	5-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers 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 Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc. Club Espanol De Terriers	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	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

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