Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Toto Dog or Chrysanthemum Dog?

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

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	Cairn Terrier	Shih Tzu
Origins	Scotland	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	69	20
Reviews	3	19
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Cairn Terrier and Shih Tzu. What other names are these breeds known by?	Toto Dog Cairn	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Cairn Terrier and a Shih Tzu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small	Small
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Cairn Terrier and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is heavier?	Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu? Is a Cairn Terrier taller than a Shih Tzu?	Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Cairn Terrier and a Shih Tzu. Which breed costs more?	$700-$1000	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Smart: The Cairn 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.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare training requirements.	Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare alertness levels.	Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare territorial behaviors.	Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Cairn Terrier and a Shih Tzu. How do their temperaments differ?	Active Courageous Intelligent Fearless Assertive	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	Cairn 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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	High: Cairn 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.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	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 Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	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 Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting?	Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Shih Tzu 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

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare vocalization tendencies.	A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare play drive and energy.	The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare living space needs.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Cairn Terrier indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare adaptability levels.	Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu?	Cairn Terrier 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.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare average lifespans.	11-15 years The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare climate tolerances.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Cairn 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.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Cairn Terrier and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is healthier?	Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	Frequent The Cairn Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:	Cataracts Legg-perthes Disease Luxating Patella Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Cryptorchidism Glaucoma Craniomandibular Osteopathy Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy Microvascular Dysplasia Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)	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

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare activity levels.	Cairn Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu?	Cairn Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Cairn 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare allergy friendliness.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Cairn Terrier and Shih Tzu? Compare breed colors.	Black Gray Red Cream Silver Brindle Wheaten	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare drooling amounts.	The Cairn 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.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and a Shih Tzu? Compare fur types.	Waterproof	Dense
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Cairn 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. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu? Do Cairn Terrier dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs?	Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare kid-friendliness.	Cairn Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu?	Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu? Can a Cairn Terrier and a Shih Tzu be friends? Do Cairn Terrier dogs get along with Shih Tzu dogs?	Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	Yes Cairn 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?	Yes Cairn Terrier 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?	Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare service capabilities.	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 Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare therapy capabilities.	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
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Cairn 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 Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier or a Shih Tzu? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Cairn 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.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Cairn 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. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military history between Cairn Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which has stronger military background?	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.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Cairn Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which has larger litters?	2-10 puppies	2-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Cairn Terrier and Shih Tzu breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Cairn Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which needs longer recovery?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Cairn Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Cairn Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Cairn 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 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

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu

Reviews