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Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Chrysanthemum Dog or Borders?

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier" Compare Shih Tzu and Border Terrier. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Border Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Border Terrier
OriginsChina flagChina England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank2092
Reviews191
User Ratings

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

Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shih Tzu and a Border Terrier. Which breed is heavier?
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) Males 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg), Female: 11-14 pounds (5-6 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Males 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Border Terrier? Is a Shih Tzu taller than a Border Terrier?
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 14.5 inches (37 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Shih Tzu and a Border Terrier. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1200 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Border Terrier?
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Terrier is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? 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.
Smart: The Border Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare training requirements.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Border Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare alertness levels.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Border Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare territorial behaviors.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Border Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shih Tzu and a Border Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Obedient
Outright
Tempered
Fearless
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier?
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Border Terrier 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: Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier?
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Border Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier?
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier? Which can be better for hunting?
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Border Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare play drive and energy.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Border Terrier breed.

Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Border Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Border Terrier bite force: Weak.

Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare average lifespans.
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? 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 average to cold weather conditions
The Border Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shih Tzu and a Border Terrier. 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 Border Terrier 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: Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier?
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Border Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier 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
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Cryptorchidism
Seizures
Malocclusions
Pulmonic Stenosis

Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? 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.
High: The Border Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shih Tzu and Border Terrier? Compare breed colors.
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Tan
Red
Blue
Grizzle
Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare maintenance needs.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare drooling amounts.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Border Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shih Tzu and a Border Terrier? Compare fur types.
Dense Rough
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? 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 Shih Tzu or Border Terrier? Do Shih Tzu dogs shed more than Border Terrier dogs?
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Border Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? Compare kid-friendliness.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Border Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Border Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Border Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Border Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Border Terrier?
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Border Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Border Terrier? Can a Shih Tzu and a Border Terrier be friends? Do Shih Tzu dogs get along with Border Terrier dogs?
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Border Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier?
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Border Terrier 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
Border Terrier 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.
Border Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Border Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? 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.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? 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.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? 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 a Border Terrier? 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 a Border Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

Border Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Shih Tzu or a Border Terrier? 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 Border Terrier. Which has stronger military background?

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 Border Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shih Tzu and Border Terrier. Which has larger litters?
2-5 puppies 2-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shih Tzu and Border Terrier breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shih Tzu and Border Terrier. 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 Border Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shih Tzu and Border Terrier. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shih Tzu and Border Terrier. 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 Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Shih Tzu and Border Terrier. 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.
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
Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc.
Club Espanol De Terriers

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