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Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Japanese Spaniel or Chrysanthemum Dog or King Charles Spaniel? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel" Compare Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or English Toy Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Japanese Chin Shih Tzu English Toy Spaniel
OriginsJapan flagJapan China flagChina England flagEngland
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank10820134
Reviews4190
User Ratings

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

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel? Compare adult weight ranges.
4-15 pounds (2-7 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9.5 pounds (4.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or English Toy Spaniel? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel height comparison:
7-11 inches (18-28 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 12-13 inches (30-33 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9 inches (23 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm) 12.5 inches (31.5 cm)

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. Find price differences between these breeds.
$300-$500 $800-$1200 $1200-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or English Toy Spaniel?
Frequent: The Japanese Chin is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The English Toy Spaniel is easier than average to get.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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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English Toy Spaniel dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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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English Toy Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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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English Toy Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
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Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Loving
Independent
Alert
Intelligent
Loyal
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Playful
Loving
Happy
Affectionate
Gentle
Reserved
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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English Toy Spaniel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel?
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: English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel 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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English Toy Spaniel dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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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The wanderlust potential of the English Toy Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
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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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English Toy Spaniel 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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Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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 to High: The English Toy Spaniel is a vocal breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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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Average: English Toy Spaniels, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel breed.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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.
English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel?
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.
English Toy Spaniel dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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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English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel. 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 🔽

English Toy Spaniel bite force: Weak.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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
10-14 years
The average lifespan of English Toy Spaniel: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel. 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.
English Toy Spaniels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
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.
Frequent
The English Toy Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel 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
Legg-perthes Disease
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Umbilical Hernias
Retinal Dysplasia
Mitral Valve Disease
Cryptorchidism
Cleft Palate
Hydrocephalus
Seborrhea
Fused Toes

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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.
English Toy Spaniel dogs are low-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or English Toy Spaniel? 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.
English Toy Spaniel dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or English Toy Spaniel?
Japanese Chin dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
English Toy Spaniel dogs need a lot of sleep.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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 to High: If you don't pay attention to the English Toy Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. What colors are available?
Black
White
Sable
Lemon
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Blenheim
Ruby
Black & Tan
Black & White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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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Average: The English Toy Spaniel requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Dense Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or English Toy Spaniel? 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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English Toy Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
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Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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.
English Toy Spaniel dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
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.
English Toy Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or English Toy Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?
Japanese Chin dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
English Toy Spaniel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or English Toy Spaniel?
Japanese Chin dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
English Toy Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or English Toy Spaniel?
Japanese Chin dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel?
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
English Toy Spaniel 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
English Toy Spaniel 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.
English Toy Spaniels are commonly okay with elderly people.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs English Toy Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel. 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

English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. Which has most puppies?
1-3 puppies 2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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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 English Toy Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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 1886 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Toy Spaniel. 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
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

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