German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Chrysanthemum Dog?
"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu"
Compare German Shepherd and Shih Tzu. Which is better: German Shepherd or Shih Tzu?
Name | German Shepherd | Shih Tzu |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 2 | 20 |
Reviews | 21 | 19 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Shepherd and Shih Tzu. What other names are these breeds known by? |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
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Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds. | Purebred | Purebred |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare size differences between these breeds. | Large | Small |
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Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is heavier? | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Shih Tzu? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Shih Tzu? | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu. Which breed costs more? | $800-$2000 | $800-$1200 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Shih Tzu? | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. | 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 German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare training requirements. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | |
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare alertness levels. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | |
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare territorial behaviors. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu. How do their temperaments differ? |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
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 German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu? | Sensitive: German Shepherd 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: German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu? | High: German Shepherd 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
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison: | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. | 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 German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu? | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting? | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare vocalization tendencies. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | |
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare play drive and energy. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | |
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd indoors. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. | |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare adaptability levels. | German Shepherd 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: German Shepherd or Shih Tzu? | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare biting tendencies. | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high 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 German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare mouthing behaviors. | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, 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 German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare bite force PSI. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare average lifespans. |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is healthier? | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. | 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: German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu? |
Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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: German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison: |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo | 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 |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare activity levels. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. | |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Shih Tzu? | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare obesity risks. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the 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 German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare daily food needs. | 3 to 4 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. |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare allergy friendliness. | No See more. | Yes See more. | |
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Coat Colors
What color variations exist for German Shepherd and Shih Tzu? Compare breed colors. |
Black Tan Red Silver |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold | |
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare maintenance needs. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | |
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare drooling amounts. | The German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare natural smell levels. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu? Compare fur types. | Fuzzy | Dense | |
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare bathing frequencies. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Shih Tzu? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs? | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare kid-friendliness. | German Shepherd 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? | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly? | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Shih Tzu? | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Shih Tzu? Can a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Shih Tzu dogs? | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu? |
Yes German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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? | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people. |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare service capabilities. | Yes This breed makes good 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 German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare therapy capabilities. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare scenting abilities. | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. | 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 German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare SAR abilities. | Yes This breed would make an excellent 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 German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu? Compare maritime abilities. | Not really German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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. |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Shepherd and Shih Tzu. Which has larger litters? | 6-10 puppies | 2-5 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Shepherd and Shih Tzu breeds. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd 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. |
German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Shih Tzu. Which groups do they belong to? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Shih Tzu. Which groups are they in? | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America |
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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I now know that I want a German Shepherd!