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Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Comparison - Dog breed selector: Japanese Spaniel or Chrysanthemum Dog or Cotie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear" Compare Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?
 
 
 
Name Japanese Chin Shih Tzu Coton de Tulear
OriginsJapan flagJapan China flagChina Madagascar flagMadagascar
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank1082081
Reviews41910
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear breeds.
Japanese Spaniel
Chin
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Cotie
Coton
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear? Compare adult weight ranges.
4-15 pounds (2-7 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 12-15 pounds (5.5-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9.5 pounds (4.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 13.5 pounds (5.6 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear height comparison:
7-11 inches (18-28 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9 inches (23 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm) 11 inches (27.5 cm)

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Find price differences between these breeds.
$300-$500 $800-$1200 $2400-$3000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?
Frequent: The Japanese Chin is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Coton de Tulear is quite easy to get.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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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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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which is easiest to train?
Japanese Chin dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Coton de Tulear dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is most alert?
Japanese Chin dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Coton de Tulear dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is most protective?
Japanese Chin dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Coton de Tulear dogs are average defenders.
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Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Loving
Independent
Alert
Intelligent
Loyal
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Trainable
Vocal
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Japanese Chin dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Coton de Tulear dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear?
High: Japanese Chin 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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High: Coton de Tulear dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear social needs comparison:
Japanese Chin dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Coton de Tulear dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Japanese Chin dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Coton de Tulear dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Japanese Chin 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.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Japanese Chin barks none to minimal.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Coton de Tulear barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Japanese Chins, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Coton de Tulear is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Chin breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Coton de Tulear breed.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is most flexible?
Japanese Chin 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.
Coton de Tulear dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?
Japanese Chin dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Coton de Tulear 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.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Japanese Chin has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Coton de Tulear has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which uses mouth most during play?
Japanese Chin dogs have a higher 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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Coton de Tulear dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Chin bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Coton de Tulear bite force: Weak.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Chin: 11 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Coton de Tulear: 15 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which handles climate changes best?
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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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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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 health problems common in Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which has fewer health issues?
The Japanese Chin 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.
The Coton de Tulear 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 Japanese Chin 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.
Average
The Coton de Tulear should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Entropion
Heart Disease
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
Hip Dysplasia
Luxating Patella
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which breed is most active?
Japanese Chin dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Coton de Tulear dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Japanese Chin dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Coton de Tulear dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?
Japanese Chin dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Coton de Tulear dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Japanese Chin has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Coton de Tulear has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which needs most food?
1/4 to 1/2 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. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. What colors are available?
Black
White
Sable
Lemon
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Japanese Chin requires average grooming effort.
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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 Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which drools least?
The Japanese Chin 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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The Coton de Tulear is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Japanese Chin has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Coton de Tulear has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Dense Soft
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Japanese Chin dogs shed moderately.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Coton de Tulear dogs are low shedders.
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Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which is best with kids?
Japanese Chin dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Coton de Tulear dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Japanese Chin dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Coton de Tulear dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? Which dog is more friendly?
Japanese Chin dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Coton de Tulear dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?
Japanese Chin dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Coton de Tulear dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?
Japanese Chin dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Coton de Tulear dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear?
Yes
Japanese Chin 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.
Yes
Coton de Tulear dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Japanese Chin is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Coton de Tulear is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Japanese Chins are not the best breed for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Coton de Tulears are usually recommended for elderly people.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. 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.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. 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 Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. 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 Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

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

Coton de Tulear breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. 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.
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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 Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which has most military use?

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.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Which has most puppies?
1-3 puppies 2-5 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. 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.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2014 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Japan Chin and Pekingese section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Coton de Tulear. 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
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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club

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