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Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chowdren or Barbone or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu" Compare Chow Chow and Toy Poodle. Which is better: Chow Chow or Toy Poodle or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Chow Chow Toy Poodle Shih Tzu
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Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank7644920
Reviews6519
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Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu breeds.
Chowdren
Chow
Barbone
Pudle
Teacup Poodle
Teddy Poodle
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.
45-70 pounds (20-32 kg) Male: 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 7.5 pounds (3.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Chow Chow or Toy Poodle or Shih Tzu? Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
Male: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
20 inches (51 cm) Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $1000-$1500 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Chow Chow or Toy Poodle or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Chow Chow is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?
Low: The Chow Chow is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Outstanding: Toy Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?
A slightly harder to train than average.
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Toy Poodle dogs are very easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?
Chow Chow dogs are average watchdogs.
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Toy Poodle dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?
Chow Chow dogs are average defenders.
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Toy Poodle dogs are average defenders.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.
Aloof
Independent
Protective
Intelligent
Loyal
Quiet
Detached
Active
Alert
Intelligent
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Chow Chow dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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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 Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu?
Slightly Below Average: Chow Chow dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: Toy Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Chow Chow dogs are kinda antisocial.
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Toy Poodle dogs are a social breed.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Chow Chow dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Toy Poodle dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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.
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Toy Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Chow Chow barks none to minimal.
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Average to High: The Toy Poodle is a vocal breed.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?
Chow Chows are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Toy Poodle is a playful breed.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 Toy Poodle breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most flexible?
Chow Chow dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Toy Poodle 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Chow Chow or Toy Poodle or Shih Tzu?
Chow Chow dogs handle alone time quite well.
Toy Poodle 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.

Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Chow Chow has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Toy Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which uses mouth most during play?
Chow Chow dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Toy Poodle dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Chow Chow bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Toy Poodle bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Chow Chow: 14 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Toy Poodle: 15 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Chow Chow can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has fewer health issues?
The Chow Chow is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Toy Poodle 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?
Average
The Chow Chow should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Toy Poodle 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 Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Ectropion
Heart Murmurs
Slipped Stifle
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Skin Allergies
Canine Diabetes Mellitus
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
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 Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Chow Chow's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Toy Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1 cup 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 Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
Cinnamon
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brown
Fawn
Beige
Apricot
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?
The Chow Chow is an average drooler.
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The Toy Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Chow Chow has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Toy Poodle has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Dense
Curly
Thick
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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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 Toy Poodle or Shih Tzu? Chow Chow or Toy Poodle or {name3 shedding:
Chow Chow dogs shed above average.
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Toy Poodle dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?
Chow Chow dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Toy Poodle dogs are very 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.
Toy Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Chow Chow or Toy Poodle or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Chow Chow dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Toy Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Chow Chow or Toy Poodle or Shih Tzu?
Chow Chow dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Toy Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Chow Chow or Toy Poodle or Shih Tzu?
Chow Chow dogs are not dog-friendly.
Toy Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu?
No
Chow Chow dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Toy Poodle 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
Chow Chow is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Toy Poodle 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.
Toy Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Chow Chow breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Toy Poodle 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
Compare cart pulling abilities between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has most military use?

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.

Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?
3-6 puppies 2-4 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. What's recommended?

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.

Chow Chow vs Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903 as a Non-Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Chow Chow, Toy Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has most recognition?
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
Dog Registry of America Inc. 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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