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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
Reviews1419
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Great Dane and Shih Tzu. What other names are these breeds known by?
Apollo of Dogs
Deutsche Dogge
Gentle Giant
German Mastiff
Dane
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Great Dane and a Shih Tzu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Giant Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Great Dane and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is heavier?
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 Range
Compare puppy prices between a Great Dane and a Shih Tzu. Which breed costs more?
$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

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
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.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare training requirements.
Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare alertness levels.
Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare territorial behaviors.
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

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Great Dane and a Shih Tzu. How do their temperaments differ?
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.
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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? What's the difference between Great Dane vs Shih Tzu?
Great Dane 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 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

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Great Dane rarely barks.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare play drive and energy.
Great Danes 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 Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare living space needs.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare adaptability levels.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Great Dane 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 Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare mouthing behaviors.
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.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare bite force PSI.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Dane bite force: The Strongest.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare average lifespans.
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Great Dane and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is healthier?
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.
Vet Care Frequency
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.
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

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare activity levels.
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

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare obesity risks.
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.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare daily food needs.
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.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Great Dane and Shih Tzu? Compare breed colors.
Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Brindle
Merle
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare maintenance needs.
Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare drooling amounts.
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.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Great Dane 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 Great Dane and a Shih Tzu? Compare fur types.
Dense Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Great Dane 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 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.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare kid-friendliness.
Great Dane dogs are 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?
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.
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 Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Great Dane 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 Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare maritime abilities.

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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Great Dane 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.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Great Dane and Shih Tzu. Which has larger litters?
10-15 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Great Dane and Shih Tzu breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Great Dane 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.

Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Great Dane and Shih Tzu. Which groups do they belong to?
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 Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Great Dane and Shih Tzu. Which groups are they in?
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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Great Dane 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
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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