Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Golden Flat Coat or Carlin? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug" Compare Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever or Pug?

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	Golden Retriever	Pug
Origins	China	Scotland	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Gun Dog	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	3	31
Reviews	19	16	13
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug breeds.	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Golden Flat Coat Yellow Retriever	Carlin Chinese Pug Dutch Bulldog Dutch Mastiff Mini Mastiff Mops
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Large	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug? Compare adult weight ranges.	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)	Male: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 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)	Male: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever or Pug? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)	Male: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 10-12 inches (25-30 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)	Male: 13 inches (33 cm), Female: 11 inches (27.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1200	$1000-$2000	$300-$500
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever or Pug?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Pug is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed ranks highest?	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.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which is easiest to train?	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is most alert?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Pug dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is most protective?	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	Pug dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Intelligent Confident Friendly Reliable Kind Trustworthy	Playful Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Cheerful
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.	Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Pug dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug?	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.	High: Pug dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug 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.	Pug dogs need a lot of social interaction. 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.	Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Pug 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.	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.	Pug 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 Golden Retriever vs Pug Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Pug barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is most playful?	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.	Very house-friendly dog the Pug breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is most flexible?	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.	Pug 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 or Pug?	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.	Pug 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 vs Pug Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Pug has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which uses mouth most during play?	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.	Pug dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Pug bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed lives longest?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which handles climate changes best?	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.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which has fewer health issues?	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.	Very healthy dog breed.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency 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 Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The Pug should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug 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	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Entropion Vaccination Sensitivity Demodectic Mange Distichiasis Corneal Ulcers Dry Eye Hemi-vertebrae Cheyletiella Dermatitis Nerve Degeneration Proptosis Pug Dog Encephalitis Staphylococcus Infection Yeast Infection

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is most active?	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Pug dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever or Pug? 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.	Pug dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever or Pug?	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.	Pug dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which is most prone to obesity?	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.	High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which needs most food?	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.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. What colors are available?	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Golden Light	Black Fawn
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which requires most maintenance?	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.	Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which drools least?	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.	The Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense	Silky Wavy Shiny Straight	Fine
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever or Pug? Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Pug dogs shed above average. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which is best with kids?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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.	Pug dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever or Pug? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever or Pug?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever or Pug?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug?	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.	No Pug dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn 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	No Pug 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.	Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Pugs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good 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 Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which has best nose work ability?	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.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which is best for SAR work?	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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which is best suited for water work?	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.	Not really Pug breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which is best for draft work?	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.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which has most military use?	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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which has most puppies?	2-5 puppies	5-10 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. What's recommended?	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.

Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. How are they classified internationally?	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.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which has most recognition?	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 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

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Pavan Kokkura
Jun 21, 2021, 11:09:00 AM: