Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Da Kochyano Spay or Csivava? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua" Compare Shih Tzu and Afghan Hound. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua?

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	Shih Tzu	Afghan Hound	Chihuahua
Origins	China	Afghanistan	Mexico
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	93	32
Reviews	16	1	16
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Da Kochyano Spay Eastern Greyhound Persian Greyhound Ogar Afgan Sage Balochi Tazhi Spay Tazi Baluchi Hound	Csivava Chihuahueño
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua? Which is the smallest dog, Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua?	Small	Large	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Afghan Hound? Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua weight comparison:	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	50-64 pounds (22-34 kg) Male: 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)	2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	57 pounds (28 kg)	4 pounds (2 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua? Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	27-29 inches (69-74 cm)	6-9 inches (15-23 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	28 inches (71.5 cm)	7.5 inches (19 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua? Which is more expensive?	$800-$1200	$2000-$2500	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Afghan Hound is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua intelligence:	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Low: The Afghan Hound 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 Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua trainability comparison.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Afghan Hound dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Chihuahua 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: Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Afghan Hound dogs are not the best choice if you want a good watchdog. See more.	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Afghan Hound dogs can't provide protection for their territory. See more.	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua? Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Aloof Dignified Independent Clownish Happy	Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: Afghan Hound dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: Chihuahua 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: Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua?	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average: Afghan Hound dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Afghan Hound dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Afghan Hound dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	Chihuahua 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?	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Afghan Hound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Chihuahua 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

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Afghan Hound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua?	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.	Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Afghan Hound bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua 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 Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Afghan Hound has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua mouthiness comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Afghan Hound dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua?	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Afghan Hound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua health problems comparison:	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	Cataracts Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism	Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Afghan Hound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu, Afghan Hound and Chihuahua breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Afghan Hound: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua?	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 cold weather The Afghan Hound can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua? Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua energy level comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Afghan Hound dogs are high-energy dogs.	Chihuahua 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 Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Afghan Hound dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua?	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Afghan Hound dogs don't need too much sleep.	Chihuahua 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

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua?	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	2 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Low: The Afghan Hound has good luck with genetics. See more.	Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua coat comparison:	Dense	Fine	Fine
Colors What are the original Shih Tzu, Afghan Hound and Chihuahua color?	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black Tan Red Blue Cream White Silver	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua? Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua grooming comparison:	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.	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua? Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or {name3 shedding:	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Afghan Hound dogs shed moderately. See more.	Chihuahua 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: Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua?	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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes 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, Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Afghan Hound has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Afghan Hound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Afghan Hound dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Afghan Hound dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua 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 Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Afghan Hound dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Afghan Hound dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Afghan Hound dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua?	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Afghan Hound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Chihuahua dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Afghan Hound is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Chihuahua is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Afghan Hounds are usually recommended for elderly people.	Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua 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: Shih Tzu or Afghan Hound or Chihuahua? 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: Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua?	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Afghan Hound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Chihuahua 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.

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua 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 Shih Tzu and Afghan Hound and Chihuahua have?	2-5 puppies	6-8 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926 as a Hound breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 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 Tibetan breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Long-haired or fringed Sighthounds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno 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 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	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

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound vs Chihuahua

Reviews