Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better African Lion Hound or Chrysanthemum Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu" Compare Rhodesian Ridgeback and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Shih Tzu?

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	Rhodesian Ridgeback	Shih Tzu
Origins	Zimbabwe	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	41	20
Reviews	7	19
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Rhodesian Ridgeback and Shih Tzu. What other names are these breeds known by?	African Lion Hound African Lion Dog	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Shih Tzu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Large	Small
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is heavier?	Male: 80-90 pounds (36-41 kg), Female: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 85 pounds (38.5 kg), Female: 70 pounds (31.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Shih Tzu? Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback taller than a Shih Tzu?	Male: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 26 inches (66 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Shih Tzu. Which breed costs more?	$900-$1200	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	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.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare training requirements.	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare alertness levels.	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare territorial behaviors.	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Shih Tzu. How do their temperaments differ?	Dignified Sensitive Intelligent Loyal Strong Willed Mischievous	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu?	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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu?	High: Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are a social breed. 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? What's the difference between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare vocalization tendencies.	Low to Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback rarely barks. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare play drive and energy.	The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a playful breed. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare living space needs.	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 Rhodesian Ridgeback indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare adaptability levels.	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different 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: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Shih Tzu?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have an 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 Which has a stronger bite: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Rhodesian Ridgeback bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare average lifespans.	10-12 years The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback: 11 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare climate tolerances.	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 common health issues between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is healthier?	The Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu?	Average The Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Dermoid Sinus Elbow Dysplasia	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

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare activity levels.	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Shih Tzu?	Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare daily food needs.	Recommended daily amount: 2 3/4 to 4 3/8 cups of a high-quality daily, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Rhodesian Ridgeback and Shih Tzu? Compare breed colors.	Gray Red White Golden Wheaten Copper	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare maintenance needs.	Effortless: The Rhodesian Ridgeback requires minimal grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare drooling amounts.	The Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Which has less odor: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Shih Tzu? Compare fur types.	Dense	Dense
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare bathing frequencies.	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Rhodesian Ridgeback or Shih Tzu? Do Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare kid-friendliness.	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or Shih Tzu?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or Shih Tzu? Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Shih Tzu be friends? Do Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs get along with Shih Tzu dogs?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu?	Yes Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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?	Rhodesian Ridgebacks are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare service capabilities.	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 Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare therapy capabilities.	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.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare scenting abilities.	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 Which is better for search and rescue: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare SAR abilities.	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 Which is better on boats: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Which is better at pulling: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Shih Tzu? Compare draft work capabilities.	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 history between Rhodesian Ridgeback and Shih Tzu. Which has stronger military background?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Rhodesian Ridgeback and Shih Tzu. Which has larger litters?	6-8 puppies	2-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Rhodesian Ridgeback and Shih Tzu breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Rhodesian Ridgeback and Shih Tzu. Which needs longer recovery?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Rhodesian Ridgeback and Shih Tzu. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955 as a Hound breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Rhodesian Ridgeback and Shih Tzu. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Rhodesian Ridgeback and Shih Tzu. Which is more widely recognized?	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 Rhodesian Ridgeback Club Of The US	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

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