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Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Chowdren or Chrysanthemum Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu" Compare Chow Chow and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Chow Chow or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Chow Chow Shih Tzu
OriginsChina flagChina China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank7620
Reviews619
User Ratings

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

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Chow Chow and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is heavier?
45-70 pounds (20-32 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
57.5 pounds (26 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Chow Chow or Shih Tzu? Is a Chow Chow taller than a Shih Tzu?
Male: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
20 inches (51 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Chow Chow and a Shih Tzu. Which breed costs more?
$600-$800 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Chow Chow or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Chow Chow is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Low: The Chow Chow is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare training requirements.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare alertness levels.
Chow Chow dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare territorial behaviors.
Chow Chow dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Chow Chow and a Shih Tzu. How do their temperaments differ?
Aloof
Independent
Protective
Intelligent
Loyal
Quiet
Detached
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu?
Chow Chow dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu?
Slightly Below Average: Chow Chow dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Chow Chow dogs are kinda antisocial.
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 Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu?
Chow Chow dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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 Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting?
Chow Chow dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low: The Chow Chow barks none to minimal.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare play drive and energy.
Chow Chows are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare adaptability levels.
Chow Chow dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Chow Chow or Shih Tzu?
Chow Chow dogs handle alone time quite well.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare biting tendencies.

Moderate

The Chow Chow has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Chow Chow 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.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Chow Chow bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare average lifespans.
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Chow Chow: 14 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers cold weather
The Chow Chow can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also 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 Chow Chow and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is healthier?
The Chow Chow 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: Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu?
Average
The Chow Chow 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: Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Ectropion
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

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare activity levels.
Chow Chow dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chow Chow or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Chow Chow dogs exercise need is minimal.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Chow Chow or Shih Tzu?
Chow Chow dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Chow Chow's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare daily food needs.
4 to 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.

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Chow Chow and Shih Tzu? Compare breed colors.
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
Cinnamon
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare maintenance needs.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare drooling amounts.
The Chow Chow is an average drooler.
See more.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and a Shih Tzu? Compare fur types.
Rough Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Chow Chow or Shih Tzu? Do Chow Chow dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs?
Chow Chow dogs shed above average.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare kid-friendliness.
Chow Chow dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Chow Chow dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Chow Chow or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Chow Chow dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Chow Chow or Shih Tzu?
Chow Chow dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Chow Chow or Shih Tzu? Can a Chow Chow and a Shih Tzu be friends? Do Chow Chow dogs get along with Shih Tzu dogs?
Chow Chow dogs are not dog-friendly.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu?
No
Chow Chow dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn 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
Chow Chow 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?
Chow Chows are not the best breed for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Chow Chow 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.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Chow Chow 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.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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.

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Chow Chow and Shih Tzu. Which has larger litters?
3-6 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Chow Chow and Shih Tzu breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Chow Chow 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.

Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Chow Chow and Shih Tzu. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Chow Chow and Shih Tzu. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Chow Chow 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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