Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Comparison - Dog breed selector: Japanese Spaniel or Chrysanthemum Dog or Carlin? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug" Compare Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug?

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	Japanese Chin	Shih Tzu	Pug
Origins	Japan	China	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	108	20	31
Reviews	4	16	13
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Japanese Spaniel Chin	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Carlin Chinese Pug Dutch Bulldog Dutch Mastiff Mini Mastiff Mops
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug? Which is the smallest dog, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug weight comparison:	4-15 pounds (2-7 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	Male: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 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: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg)
Height Which is taller, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug height comparison:	7-11 inches (18-28 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	Male: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 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)	Male: 13 inches (33 cm), Female: 11 inches (27.5 cm)

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug? Which is more expensive?	$300-$500	$800-$1200	$300-$500
Availability Which is easier to get, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug?	Frequent: The Japanese Chin is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Pug is quite easy to get.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug intelligence:	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug trainability comparison.	Japanese Chin dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug?	Japanese Chin dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Pug dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Japanese Chin dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Pug dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Loyal	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Playful Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Cheerful
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. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Pug 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: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug?	High: Japanese Chin 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.	High: Pug dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug social needs comparison:	Japanese Chin dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Pug dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Japanese Chin dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Pug dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
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. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Pug 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug playfulness comparison:	Average: Japanese Chins, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug?	Low: The Japanese Chin barks none to minimal. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Pug barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug?	Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Chin breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Pug breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	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.	Pug dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug?	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.	Pug 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 Pug Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug?	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 🔽 Pug bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Japanese Chin has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Pug has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug mouthiness comparison:	Japanese Chin 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.	Pug dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug health comparison. Which is the healthier: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug?	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.	Very healthy dog breed.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug 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 Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Entropion Vaccination Sensitivity Demodectic Mange Distichiasis Corneal Ulcers Dry Eye Hemi-vertebrae Cheyletiella Dermatitis Nerve Degeneration Proptosis Pug Dog Encephalitis Staphylococcus Infection Yeast Infection
Veterinarian Visits 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.	Rare The Pug should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug lifespan comparison. How long do Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu and Pug breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Japanese Chin: 11 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. 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.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug energy level comparison:	Japanese Chin dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Pug dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug? 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.	Pug dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug?	Japanese Chin dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Pug dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug?	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.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Japanese Chin has an 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.	High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug coat comparison:	Feathered	Dense	Fine
Colors What are the original Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu and Pug color?	Black White Sable Lemon	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black Fawn
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug grooming comparison:	Average: The Japanese Chin requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug? Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Japanese Chin dogs shed moderately. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Pug dogs shed above average. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug?	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Chin has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Japanese Chin 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.	The Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly 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.	Pug dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug? Which dog is more friendly?	Japanese Chin dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Pug dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug?	Japanese Chin dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug?	Japanese Chin dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug?	Japanese Chin dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug?	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.	No Pug dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn 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 Pug 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.	Pugs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug 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.	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: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Pug? 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.	Yes This breed makes a perfect 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.	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.	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: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug?	Not really Japanese Chin 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.	Not really Pug 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.	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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	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.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu and Pug have?	1-3 puppies	2-5 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Pug Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	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 1885 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	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 Small Molossian type Dogs 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	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

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