Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better American Gentlemen or Chrysanthemum Dog?
"Find similarities and differences between Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu"
Compare Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Name | Boston Terrier | Shih Tzu |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 21 | 20 |
Reviews | 4 | 19 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu. What other names are these breeds known by? |
American Gentlemen Boston Bull Terrier Boxwood Boston Bull |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
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Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Boston Terrier and a Shih Tzu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds. | Purebred | Purebred |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare size differences between these breeds. | Small | Small |
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Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Boston Terrier and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is heavier? | 10-25 pounds (6-11kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 17.5 pounds (8.5 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu? Is a Boston Terrier taller than a Shih Tzu? | 15-17 inches (38-43 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | 16 inches (40.5 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Boston Terrier and a Shih Tzu. Which breed costs more? | $600-$800 | $800-$1200 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu? | Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. | |
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare training requirements. | Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | |
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare alertness levels. | Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | |
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare territorial behaviors. | Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Boston Terrier and a Shih Tzu. How do their temperaments differ? |
Playful Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Lively Gentle Aggressive |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle | |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu? | Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu? | High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | |
Social Needs
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison: | Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed. | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu? | Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting? | Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare vocalization tendencies. | Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | |
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare play drive and energy. | Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | |
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare living space needs. | Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. | |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare adaptability levels. | Boston 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. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu? | Boston Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare biting tendencies. | Moderate ⏺ The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | |
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Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare mouthing behaviors. | Boston Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | |
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare bite force PSI. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Boston Terrier bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare average lifespans. |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare climate tolerances. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Boston Terrier and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is healthier? | The Boston 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. |
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu? |
Average The Boston 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. |
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison: |
Cataracts Heart Murmurs Patellar Luxation Allergies Deafness Cherry Eye Brain Tumors Megaesophagus Reverse Sneezing | 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 |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare activity levels. | Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Boston Terrier dogs have an average exercise need. | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. | |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu? | Boston 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. | |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare obesity risks. | Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
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Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare daily food needs. | 0.5 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. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare allergy friendliness. | No See more. | Yes See more. | |
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Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu? Compare breed colors. |
Black White Brindle Seal |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold | |
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare maintenance needs. | Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | |
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare drooling amounts. | The Boston Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | |
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare natural smell levels. | Medium ⏺ The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. | |
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Boston Terrier and a Shih Tzu? Compare fur types. | Fine | Dense | |
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare bathing frequencies. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu? Do Boston Terrier dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs? | Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare kid-friendliness. | Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | |
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Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Boston Terrier dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly? | Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu? | Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu? Can a Boston Terrier and a Shih Tzu be friends? Do Boston Terrier dogs get along with Shih Tzu dogs? | Boston Terrier 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: Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu? |
Yes Boston 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. | |
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Boston Terrier is not the best dog breed 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? | Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare service capabilities. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare therapy capabilities. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare scenting abilities. | 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 & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare SAR abilities. | 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. |
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare maritime abilities. | Not really Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Boston Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare draft work capabilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which has stronger military background? | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which has larger litters? | 3-5 puppies | 2-5 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu breeds. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which needs longer recovery? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which groups do they belong to? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which groups are they in? | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which is more widely recognized? |
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 |
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