Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Gentlemen or Chrysanthemum Dog or Csivava? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua?
Name | Boston Terrier | Shih Tzu | Chihuahua |
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Origins | United States | China | Mexico |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 21 | 20 | 32 |
Reviews | 2 | 19 | 17 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
American Gentlemen Boston Bull Terrier Boxwood Boston Bull |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
Csivava Chihuahueño |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? Which is the smallest dog, Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua weight comparison: | 10-25 pounds (6-11kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) | 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 17.5 pounds (8.5 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) | 4 pounds (2 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua height comparison: | 15-17 inches (38-43 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) | 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | 16 inches (40.5 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | 7.5 inches (19 cm) |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? Which is more expensive? | $600-$800 | $800-$1200 | $600-$800 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? | Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua intelligence: | 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. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. |
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Trainability
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua trainability comparison. | Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? | Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua behavior/temperament comparison: |
Playful Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Lively Gentle Aggressive |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | 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. | Sensitive: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua? | 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. | High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua social needs comparison: | Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed. | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | 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. | Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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. | Chihuahua 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. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua playfulness comparison: | Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua? | Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? | Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | 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. | Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? | 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. | Chihuahua 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 vs Chihuahua Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Boston Terrier bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua bite force: Weak. |
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Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | Moderate ⏺ The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua mouthiness comparison: | 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. | Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua health comparison. Which is the healthier: Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua? | 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. | Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua 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 |
Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering |
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
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. |
Rare The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
Life Expectancy
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua lifespan comparison. How long do Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu and Chihuahua breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua? | 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. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua?
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua energy level comparison: | Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | Chihuahua dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? 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. | Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? | 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. | Chihuahua dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? | 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. | Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua weight gain potential comparison: | 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. | Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua coat comparison: | Fine | Dense | Fine |
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Colors
What are the original Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu and Chihuahua color? |
Black White Brindle Seal |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua grooming comparison: | Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding: | Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? | 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. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. |
Hypoallergenic
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | No See more. | Yes See more. | No See more. |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua? | Medium ⏺ The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. | High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell. |
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? | 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. | The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Good With Comparison
Pet Friendly
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. | Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? Which dog is more friendly? | Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? | Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? | Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? | Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua? |
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. |
Yes Chihuahua 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. |
No Chihuahua 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. | Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua 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. | 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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Boston Terrier or Shih Tzu or Chihuahua? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
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: Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua? | 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. | Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
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. | 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. |
Fighting Dog / Military Dog | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. | 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. |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu and Chihuahua have? | 3-5 puppies | 2-5 puppies | 2-4 puppies |
Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Recognition Comparison
AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | 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. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed. |
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FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | 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. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno 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 |
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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