Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Chrysanthemum Dog or Alsatian wolf dog?
"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd"
Compare Shih Tzu and German Shepherd. Which is better: Shih Tzu or German Shepherd?
Name | Shih Tzu | German Shepherd |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 20 | 2 |
Reviews | 19 | 21 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Shih Tzu and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by? |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
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Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Shih Tzu and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds. | Purebred | Purebred |
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds. | Small | Large |
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Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shih Tzu and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier? | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or German Shepherd? Is a Shih Tzu taller than a German Shepherd? | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) |
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Shih Tzu and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more? | $800-$1200 | $800-$2000 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or German Shepherd? | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities. | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. | |
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. | |
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | |
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | |
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shih Tzu and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ? |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful | |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd? | Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd? | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | |
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd social needs comparison: | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. | |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd? | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. | |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting? | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | |
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | |
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | |
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. | 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 German Shepherd indoors. | |
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels. | Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or German Shepherd? | 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 German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. | |
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Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | |
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. | |
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans. |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? 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. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shih Tzu and a German Shepherd. 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. | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. |
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd? |
Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd 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 Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo |
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. | |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or German Shepherd? | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. | |
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
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Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs. | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. | 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness. | Yes See more. | No See more. | |
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Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shih Tzu and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors. |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
Black Tan Red Silver | |
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | |
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | |
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. | |
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shih Tzu and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types. | Dense | Fuzzy | |
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or German Shepherd? Do Shih Tzu dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs? | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. | |
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | |
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Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. | |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or German Shepherd? | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. | |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or German Shepherd? Can a Shih Tzu and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Shih Tzu dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs? | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd? |
Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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. | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. |
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. | Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. |
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities. | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Shih Tzu and German Shepherd. 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 German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shih Tzu and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters? | 2-5 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shih Tzu and German Shepherd breeds. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shih Tzu and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shih Tzu and German Shepherd. 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 1908 as a Herding breed. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shih Tzu and German Shepherd. 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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Shih Tzu and German Shepherd. 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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America |
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Dec 11, 2020, 7:59:30 PM:
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Dec 12, 2020, 7:39:59 PM:
I now know that I want a German Shepherd!