Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Jack or Chrysanthemum Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu" Compare Jack Russell Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Jack Russell Terrier	Shih Tzu
Origins	England	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	78	20
Reviews	2	15
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Jack Russell Terrier	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Is the Jack Russell Terrier bigger than the Shih Tzu breed? Is a Jack Russell Terrier smaller than a Shih Tzu?	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu weight comparison:	11-18 pounds (5-8 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	14.5 pounds (6.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Is a Jack Russell Terrier taller than a Shih Tzu?	8-15 inches (20-38 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	11.5 inches (29 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Jack Russell Terrier and Shih Tzu?	$700-$1000	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Jack Russell Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu smarter? Which is best? Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu intelligence:	Very smart: Jack Russell Terrier is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison. What's the difference between Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu?	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:	Stubborn Independent Energetic Alert Courageous Cheerful	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	They are a little bit more 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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	High: Jack Russell Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Jack Russell Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average. 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	The wanderlust potential of the Jack Russell Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting?	Jack Russell Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:	The Jack Russell Terrier is a highly playful breed. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	A lot: Jack Russell Terrier is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu?	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Jack Russell Terrier breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Jack Russell Terrier 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Jack Russell Terrier 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.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Jack Russell Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Is a Jack Russell Terrier more dangerous than a Shih Tzu?	Low 🔽 The Jack Russell Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:	Jack Russell Terrier 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.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	The Jack Russell Terrier 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:	Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Glaucoma Lens Luxation	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: Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	Average The Jack Russell Terrier 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Jack Russell Terrier and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Jack Russell Terrier and Shih Tzu?	12-16 years The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier: 14 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Jack Russell Terrier 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.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison:	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Jack Russell Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu?	Jack Russell Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Does the Jack Russell Terrier breed eat more than the Shih Tzu breed?	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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Jack Russell Terrier'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.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu coat comparison:	Rough	Dense
Colors What are the original Jack Russell Terrier and Shih Tzu color? Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu color comparison:	Black Tan White	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:	Easy to groom: The Jack Russell Terrier doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Do Jack Russell Terrier dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs?	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu?	Medium ⏺ The Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	The Jack Russell Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu?	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu?	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Can a Jack Russell Terrier and a Shih Tzu be friends? Do Jack Russell Terrier dogs get along with Shih Tzu dogs?	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	Yes Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier 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?	Jack Russell Terriers are commonly okay with elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Jack Russell Terrier 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?	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.
Therapy Dog Breeds
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: Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu?	Yes Jack Russell Terrier breed usually likes 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?	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.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	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.

Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier and Shih Tzu have? Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu litter size comparison:	4-8 puppies	2-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2012 as a Terrier 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 Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers 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 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 Irish Kennel Club Club Espanol De Terriers Jack Russell Terrier 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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