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Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Apollo of Dogs or Chrysanthemum Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Great Dane vs Shih Tzu" Compare Great Dane and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Great Dane or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Great Dane Shih Tzu
OriginsGermany flagGermany China flagChina
Group Working Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank1420
Reviews315
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Apollo of Dogs
Deutsche Dogge
Gentle Giant
German Mastiff
Dane
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Great Dane vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Is the Great Dane bigger than the Shih Tzu breed? Is a Great Dane smaller than a Shih Tzu?
Giant Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Great Dane vs Shih Tzu weight comparison:
Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 160 pounds (72 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Is a Great Dane taller than a Shih Tzu?
Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 32 inches (81 cm), Female: 30 inches (76 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Great Dane and Shih Tzu?
$800-$1200 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Great Dane or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Great Dane is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Great Dane or Shih Tzu smarter? Which is best? Great Dane vs Shih Tzu intelligence:
Smart: The Great Dane 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.
Trainability
Great Dane vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison. What's the difference between Great Dane vs Shih Tzu?
Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Great Dane or Shih Tzu?
Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Great Dane vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:
Loving
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Great Dane vs Shih Tzu?
Sensitive: Great Dane dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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: Great Dane vs Shih Tzu?
Average: Great Dane dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Great Dane vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Great Dane dogs are a social breed.
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 Great Dane vs Shih Tzu?
Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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 Great Dane vs Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting?
Great Dane 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.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Great Dane vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:
Great Danes are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Great Dane vs Shih Tzu?
Low to Average: The Great Dane rarely barks.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Great Dane or Shih Tzu?
Very house-friendly dog the Great Dane breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: Great Dane 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Great Dane or Shih Tzu?
Great Dane 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.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Great Dane or Shih Tzu?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Dane bite force: The Strongest.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Great Dane more dangerous than a Shih Tzu?

Low 🔽

The Great Dane has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Great Dane vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:
Great Dane dogs have a higher than 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.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Great Dane vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Great Dane vs Shih Tzu?
Great Danes 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Great Dane vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Great Dane vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Cancer
Bloat
Mitral Valve Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
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
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Great Dane vs Shih Tzu?
Rare
The Great Dane 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.
Life Expectancy
Great Dane vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Great Dane and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Great Dane and Shih Tzu?
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Great Dane vs Shih Tzu?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Great Dane vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison:
Great Dane dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Great Dane vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Great Dane dogs exercise need is minimal.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Great Dane or Shih Tzu?
Great Dane dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Does the Great Dane breed eat more than the Shih Tzu breed?
8 to 10 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Great Dane vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The Great Dane has a low to the 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.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Great Dane vs Shih Tzu coat comparison:
Dense Dense
Colors
What are the original Great Dane and Shih Tzu color? Great Dane vs Shih Tzu color comparison:
Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Brindle
Merle
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Great Dane vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Do Great Dane dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs?
Great Dane dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Great Dane or Shih Tzu?
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.
Hypoallergenic
Great Dane vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Great Dane or Shih Tzu?

Medium

The Great Dane has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Great Dane vs Shih Tzu?
The Great Dane drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Great Dane dogs are generally with other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Great Dane or Shih Tzu?
Great Dane dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Great Dane or Shih Tzu?
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Can a Great Dane and a Shih Tzu be friends? Do Great Dane dogs get along with Shih Tzu dogs?
Great Dane 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: Great Dane vs Shih Tzu?
Yes
Great Dane 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
Great Dane 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?
Great Danes are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu 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.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Great Dane or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
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.
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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Great Dane vs Shih Tzu?

Not really

Great Dane 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.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Yes

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.
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.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Great Dane and Shih Tzu have? Great Dane vs Shih Tzu litter size comparison:
10-15 puppies 2-5 puppies

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds 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
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
Canadian Canine Registry

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