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 |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  China |  Scotland |
| Group | Companion Dogs | Gun Dog |
| Popularity Rank | 20 | 3 |
| Reviews | 19 | 16 |
| User Ratings |
| Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever. What other names are these breeds known by? |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
Golden Flat Coat Yellow Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Shih Tzu and a Golden Retriever. Learn about their genetic backgrounds. | Purebred | Purebred |
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison
| Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare size differences between these breeds. | Small | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shih Tzu and a Golden Retriever. Which breed is heavier? | 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 Range
Compare puppy prices between a Shih Tzu and a Golden Retriever. Which breed costs more? | $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
| Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? 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: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
|---|---|---|
| Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare training requirements. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train. |
| Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare alertness levels. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. |
| Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare territorial behaviors. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders. |
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shih Tzu and a Golden Retriever. How do their temperaments differ? |
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. | Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. |
| 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. | High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison: | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
| 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. | Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
| 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. | 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. |
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare vocalization tendencies. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks. |
|---|---|---|
| Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare play drive and energy. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed. |
| Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare living space needs. | 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
| Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare adaptability levels. | 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare biting tendencies. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | Moderate ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody. |
|---|---|---|
| Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare mouthing behaviors. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever? Compare bite force PSI. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary. |
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare average lifespans. |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
10-12 years The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever. 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. | Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs. |
| Vet Care Frequency
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). |
| 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 |
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare activity levels. | 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
| Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare obesity risks. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. | High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. |
|---|---|---|
| Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness. | Yes See more. | No See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever? Compare breed colors. |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold | Golden Light |
| Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare maintenance needs. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare drooling amounts. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | 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. |
| Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare natural smell levels. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shih Tzu and a Golden Retriever? Compare fur types. | Dense |
Silky Wavy Shiny Straight |
| Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare bathing frequencies. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 2-3 weeks Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. |
| 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. | Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately. |
Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison
| Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare kid-friendliness. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | Golden Retriever 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. | 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. |
| 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 Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? Compare service capabilities. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever? Compare maritime abilities. | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. |
| Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Shih Tzu or a Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison
| Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever. Which has larger litters? | 2-5 puppies | 5-10 puppies |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever breeds. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
| Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison
| AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever. 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 1925 as a Sporting breed. |
|---|---|---|
| FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever. 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. |
| Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever. 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 |
Popular Dog Compares
Sharing is caring.
Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds.
Link to this: Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Chrysanthemum Dog or Golden Flat Coat?
<a href="https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/shih-tzu-vs-golden-retriever">Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Chrysanthemum Dog or Golden Flat Coat?</a>
Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds.
Link to this: Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Chrysanthemum Dog or Golden Flat Coat?
<a href="https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/shih-tzu-vs-golden-retriever">Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Chrysanthemum Dog or Golden Flat Coat?</a>
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 ✅