Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Comparison - Dog breed selector: Decker Giant or Chrysanthemum Dog or German: Italienisches Windspiel? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound" Compare Rat Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound?

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	Rat Terrier	Shih Tzu	Italian Greyhound
Origins	United States	China	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	97	20	74
Reviews	2	16	2
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Decker Giant Rat Rattie Ratting Terrier American Rat Terrier	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	German: Italienisches Windspiel Piccolo Levriero Italiano Galgo Italiano French: Petit Levrier Italiane
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound? Which is the smallest dog, Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound weight comparison:	Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	6-10 pounds (3-5 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	8 pounds (4 kg)
Height Which is taller, Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound? Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound height comparison:	Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	13.5 inches (34 cm)

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound? Which is more expensive?	$300-$500	$800-$1200	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound?	Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Italian Greyhound is quite easy to get.

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound intelligence:	Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence. 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 Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound trainability comparison.	Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound?	Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound? Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound behavior/temperament comparison:	Loving Alert Affectionate Lively Inquisitive	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Agile Intelligent Affectionate Companionable Athletic Mischievous
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	Sensitive: Italian Greyhound dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound?	High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Italian Greyhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound social needs comparison:	Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound playfulness comparison:	Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Italian Greyhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound?	Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Italian Greyhound 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 Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound?	Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	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 Italian Greyhound indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Italian Greyhound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound?	Rat Terrier 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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Italian Greyhound 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 Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Italian Greyhound has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound mouthiness comparison:	Rat Terrier 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.	Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound health comparison. Which is the healthier: Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound?	The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Italian Greyhound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Heart Problems	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 Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Drug Sensitivity Thyroid Problems Alopecia
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Italian Greyhound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound lifespan comparison. How long do Rat Terrier, Shih Tzu and Italian Greyhound breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Italian Greyhound: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. 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 warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound? Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound energy level comparison:	Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Italian Greyhound dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound?	Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Italian Greyhound dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound?	No data available	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Rat Terrier 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.	Low to Average: The Italian Greyhound has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Italian Greyhound dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound? Which dog is more friendly?	Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound?	Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Italian Greyhound dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound?	Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound?	Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound?	Yes Rat Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Italian Greyhound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Italian Greyhound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Italian Greyhounds are not recommended for elderly people.

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound 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: Rat Terrier or Shih Tzu or Italian Greyhound? 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?	Yes This breed would make an excellent 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: Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound?	Not really Rat Terrier 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 Italian Greyhound 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.

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound 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 Rat Terrier and Shih Tzu and Italian Greyhound have?	5-7 puppies	2-5 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Italian Greyhound Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier 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 Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club United 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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