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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
OriginsChina flagChina Germany flagGermany
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank202
Reviews1921
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
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
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
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.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
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.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shih Tzu or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

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
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.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
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.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd?
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
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.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

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.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
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.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
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.
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.
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.
See more.
German Shepherd 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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
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.
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.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
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.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
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.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
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.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

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.
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.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
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.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
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.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
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.
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 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
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.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

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.
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

Rate This Comparsion - Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd

Reviews

    Dec 11, 2020, 7:59:30 PM:

    I love Dogell it is such the help! right now I have two rottwilers and I think that it will really help others two

  • Dogloverforever!

    Dec 12, 2020, 7:39:59 PM:

    I now know that I want a German Shepherd!