Shih Tzu vs Akita Comparison – Which dog is better Chrysanthemum Dog or American Akita?

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

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	Akita
Origins	China	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	47
Reviews	19	9
User Ratings

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

Shih Tzu vs Akita Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small	Large
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Shih Tzu and an Akita. Which breed is heavier?	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Akita? Is a Shih Tzu taller than an Akita?	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Akita Price and Availability Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Akita Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare training requirements.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Akita dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare alertness levels.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare territorial behaviors.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Akita Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Shih Tzu and an Akita. How do their temperaments differ?	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Akita?	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: Akita 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 Akita?	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Akita 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 Akita social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Akita?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Akita? Which can be better for hunting?	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Akita 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

Shih Tzu vs Akita Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare vocalization tendencies.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare play drive and energy.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare living space needs.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih Tzu vs Akita Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare adaptability levels.	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Akita?	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.

Shih Tzu vs Akita Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Shih Tzu vs Akita Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare average lifespans.	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? 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.	Prefers cold weather The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Shih Tzu and an Akita. Which breed is healthier?	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Akita 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: Shih Tzu vs Akita?	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Akita 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: Shih Tzu vs Akita? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Akita 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	Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis

Shih Tzu vs Akita Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Akita Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare obesity risks.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare daily food needs.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Akita Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare allergy friendliness.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Shih Tzu and Akita? Compare breed colors.	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black Red White Brown Fawn
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare maintenance needs.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare drooling amounts.	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare natural smell levels.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Shih Tzu and an Akita? Compare fur types.	Dense	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare bathing frequencies.	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Akita? Do Shih Tzu dogs shed more than Akita dogs?	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shih Tzu vs Akita Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare kid-friendliness.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Akita? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Akita?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Akita? Can a Shih Tzu and an Akita be friends? Do Shih Tzu dogs get along with Akita dogs?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Shih Tzu vs Akita?	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Akita 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 Akita 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.	Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Akita As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? 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 Shih Tzu or an Akita? 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 Shih Tzu or an Akita? 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 Shih Tzu or an Akita? 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 Shih Tzu or an Akita? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Shih Tzu or an Akita? 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 Shih Tzu and Akita. Which has stronger military background?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Shih Tzu vs Akita Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Shih Tzu and Akita. Which has larger litters?	2-5 puppies	3-12 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Shih Tzu and Akita breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Shih Tzu and Akita. 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.

Shih Tzu vs Akita Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Shih Tzu and Akita. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Shih Tzu and Akita. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Shih Tzu and Akita. 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 United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club

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