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Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Chrysanthemum Dog or Golden Flat Coat?

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever" Compare Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Golden Retriever
OriginsChina flagChina Scotland flagScotland
Group Companion Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank203
Reviews1514
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Is the Shih Tzu bigger than the Golden Retriever breed? Is a Shih Tzu smaller than a Golden Retriever?
Small Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever weight comparison:
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Is a Shih Tzu taller than a Golden Retriever?
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever?
$800-$1200 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever smarter? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever intelligence:
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Trainability
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever trainability comparison. What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? 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.
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever?
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Golden Retriever 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.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever playfulness comparison:
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever 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.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Shih Tzu more dangerous than a Golden Retriever?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever mouthiness comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever 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
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?
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.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever energy level comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Does the Shih Tzu breed eat more than the Golden Retriever breed?
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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever 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.
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever coat comparison:
Dense Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Colors
What are the original Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever color? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever color comparison:
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Golden
Light
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Do Shih Tzu dogs shed more than Golden Retriever dogs?
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever 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.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Can a Shih Tzu and a Golden Retriever be friends? Do Shih Tzu dogs get along with Golden Retriever dogs?
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden Retriever 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.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever 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.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? 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.
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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?

Not really

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

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes 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.
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.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever have? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever litter size comparison:
2-5 puppies 5-10 puppies

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever 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 1925 as a 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
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

Rate This Comparsion - Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever

Reviews

  • golden retrievers

    Jul 12, 2020, 4:50:31 AM:

  • Golden retriever

    Mar 6, 2021, 4:32:56 AM:

    Sooo cute

  • leo

    Mar 26, 2021, 5:46:57 AM:

    SUCKY SUCKYYYYYYYYYYYYY Shih tzus and goldens are VERY FRIENDLY ADND EPIC AIN JK4TNRGCPO3RE

  • M

    Aug 11, 2021, 10:39:26 PM:

    Shih Tzu breed description is not accurate some are highly intelligent and easy to train. Mine learned in one day with constant commands and it’s very capable of doing many tricks and learns fast! Also, he is a service dog

  • Shih-tzu

    Oct 1, 2021, 6:55:19 AM:

    Very kid friendly dog

  • golden retreiver

    Jan 18, 2022, 5:29:51 AM:

    my goldu is so friendly and cute cannot stay without her

  • Ivy

    Jul 20, 2022, 5:43:41 AM:

    Very informative..Well done ✅