Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Csivava or Chinese Fighting Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei" Compare Shih Tzu and Chihuahua. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei?

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	Chihuahua	Shar-Pei
Origins	China	Mexico	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	32	64
Reviews	15	16	7
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Csivava Chihuahueño	Chinese Fighting Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei? Which is the smallest dog, Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei?	Small	Small	Medium
Weight Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Chihuahua? Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei weight comparison:	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)	40-55 pounds (18- 25 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	4 pounds (2 kg)	47.5 pounds (18- 25 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei? Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	6-9 inches (15-23 cm)	18-20 inches (46-51 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	7.5 inches (19 cm)	19 inches (48.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei? Which is more expensive?	$800-$1200	$600-$800	$1000-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shar-Pei is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei intelligence:	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.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei trainability comparison.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shar-Pei 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 Chihuahua or Shar-Pei?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shar-Pei dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei? 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.	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shar-Pei dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei? Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively	Loving Independent Affectionate Devoted Reserved Suspicious
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: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Shar-Pei dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei?	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Shar-Pei dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shar-Pei dogs are kinda antisocial. 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.	Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Shar-Pei 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.	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.	Shar-Pei 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 Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei 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.	Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Shar-Pei dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Shar-Pei dogs handle alone time quite well.

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei?	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.	Very healthy dog breed.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei 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	Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Cancer Hypothyroidism Bloat Entropion Elbow Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Osteochondrosis Dissecans Glaucoma Seborrhea Cutaneous Mucinosis Fever Pyoderma
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.	Rare The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The Shar-Pei 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 Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu, Chihuahua and Shar-Pei breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years	8-10 years The average lifespan of Shar-Pei: 9 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 Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei?	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.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei? Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei energy level comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other 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.	Shar-Pei dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Shar-Pei dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei?	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Chihuahua dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Shar-Pei dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei coat comparison:	Dense	Fine	Dense
Colors What are the original Shih Tzu, Chihuahua and Shar-Pei color?	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate	Black Red Blue Cream Brown Fawn Apricot
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei? Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei grooming comparison:	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The Shar-Pei requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei? Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or {name3 shedding:	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shar-Pei 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 Chihuahua or Shar-Pei?	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.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Hypoallergenic Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	No 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 Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Shar-Pei 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 Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shar-Pei 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.

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei 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.	Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Shar-Pei dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shar-Pei dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
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 Chihuahua or Shar-Pei?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.	Shar-Pei dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Chihuahua or Shar-Pei?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shar-Pei 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 Chihuahua or Shar-Pei?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Shar-Pei dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei?	Yes Shih Tzu 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.	Yes Shar-Pei 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 Chihuahua is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shar-Pei 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.	Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people.	Shar-Peis are not recommended for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei 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 Chihuahua or Shar-Pei? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a 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 Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei?	Not really Shih Tzu 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.	Not really Shar-Pei 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.	Yes 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.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

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

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei 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 1904 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting 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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section.	Not recognized by FCI.
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 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 Chihuahua vs Shar-Pei

Reviews