• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Ameri or Curly Retriever or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu" Compare Miniature American Shepherd and Goldendoodle. Which is better: Miniature American Shepherd or Goldendoodle or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Miniature American Shepherd Goldendoodle Shih Tzu
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States Canada flagCanada China flagChina
Group Working Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank3544720
Reviews1719
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu breeds.
Ameri
Mini American
North American Shepherd
Curly Retriever
Goldenpoo
Curly Golden
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Cross Breed Purebred

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?
Small
Medium
Large Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.
15-35 pounds (6-16 kg) Miniature: 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)Standard: 45-100 pounds (20-45 kg), Medium: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
25 pounds (11 kg) Miniature: 22.5 pounds (10.5 kg)Standard: 72.5 pounds (32.5 kg), Medium: 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Miniature American Shepherd or Goldendoodle or Shih Tzu? Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
Male: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm) 13-24 inches (33-61 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$900-$1000 $600-$800 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Miniature American Shepherd or Goldendoodle or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Miniature American Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Goldendoodle dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Goldendoodle dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Goldendoodle dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Intelligent
Loyal
Devoted
Energetic
Intelligent
Friendly
Trainable
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
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.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu?
Average to High: Miniature American Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Goldendoodle 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.
Social Needs
Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Miniature American Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Goldendoodle 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?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
Goldendoodle dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Goldendoodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Miniature American Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The Goldendoodle barks occasionally.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?
The Miniature American Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Goldendoodle is a playful breed.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Miniature American Shepherd indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Goldendoodle breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most flexible?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Goldendoodle 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Miniature American Shepherd or Goldendoodle or Shih Tzu?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
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.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Miniature American Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Goldendoodle has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which uses mouth most during play?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Goldendoodle dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature American Shepherd bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Goldendoodle bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Miniature American Shepherd: 14 years
9-15 years
The average lifespan of Goldendoodle: 12 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. 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.
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.
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 Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has fewer health issues?
Miniature American Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Goldendoodles are commonly healthy dogs.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Miniature American Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Goldendoodle should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
No data available Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Addison's Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
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

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most active?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Goldendoodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Miniature American Shepherd or Goldendoodle or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs have an average exercise need.
Goldendoodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Miniature American Shepherd or Goldendoodle or Shih Tzu?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Goldendoodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Miniature American Shepherd has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Goldendoodle 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.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?
Black
Blue
White
Merle
Black
Gray
Red
White
Brown
Yellow
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Miniature American Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?
The Miniature American Shepherd is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Goldendoodle 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.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Miniature American Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Goldendoodle has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Smooth Curly
Wavy
Smooth
Straight
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most frequent baths?
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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Miniature American Shepherd or Goldendoodle or Shih Tzu? Miniature American Shepherd or Goldendoodle or {name3 shedding:
Miniature American Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Goldendoodle dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Goldendoodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Goldendoodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Miniature American Shepherd or Goldendoodle or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Goldendoodle dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Miniature American Shepherd or Goldendoodle or Shih Tzu?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Goldendoodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Miniature American Shepherd or Goldendoodle or Shih Tzu?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Goldendoodle dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu?
No
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Goldendoodle 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
Miniature American Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Goldendoodle 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?
Miniature American Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.
Goldendoodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for service work?

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.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?

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.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. 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 Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. 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 Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Miniature American Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Goldendoodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for draft work?

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. 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.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?
2-6 puppies 4-8 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. 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.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Miniature American Shepherd, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has most recognition?
No data available Dog Registry of America Inc.
American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Breed Registry
Designer Dogs Kennel Club
International Designer Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Rate This Comparsion - Miniature American Shepherd vs Goldendoodle vs Shih Tzu

Reviews