Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Comparison – Which dog is better Chrysanthemum Dog or Japanese Spaniel?

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin" Compare Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?

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	Japanese Chin
Origins	China	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	108
Reviews	19	4
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin. What other names are these breeds known by?	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Japanese Spaniel Chin
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Shih Tzu and a Japanese Chin. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small	Small
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Shih Tzu and a Japanese Chin. Which breed is heavier?	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	4-15 pounds (2-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	9.5 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Is a Shih Tzu taller than a Japanese Chin?	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	7-11 inches (18-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	9 inches (23 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Shih Tzu and a Japanese Chin. Which breed costs more?	$800-$1200	$300-$500
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Japanese Chin is easier than average to get.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? 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.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare training requirements.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare alertness levels.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare territorial behaviors.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Shih Tzu and a Japanese Chin. How do their temperaments differ?	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Loyal
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin?	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin?	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin? Which can be better for hunting?	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare vocalization tendencies.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low: The Japanese Chin barks none to minimal. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare play drive and energy.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Japanese Chins, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare living space needs.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Chin breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare adaptability levels.	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Japanese Chin dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Japanese Chin dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Japanese Chin has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Japanese Chin bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare average lifespans.	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Japanese Chin: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? 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 Japanese Chin. 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.	The Japanese Chin is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin?	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Japanese Chin should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin 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 Heart Murmurs Patellar Luxation Hypothyroidism Eye Problems Epilepsy Entropion Heart Disease

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare activity levels.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Japanese Chin dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Japanese Chin dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Japanese Chin dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? 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.	Average: The Japanese Chin has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare daily food needs.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare allergy friendliness.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin? Compare breed colors.	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black White Sable Lemon
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare maintenance needs.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Japanese Chin requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare drooling amounts.	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Japanese Chin is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare natural smell levels.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Chin has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Shih Tzu and a Japanese Chin? Compare fur types.	Dense	Feathered
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare bathing frequencies.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Do Shih Tzu dogs shed more than Japanese Chin dogs?	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare kid-friendliness.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Japanese Chin dogs are not the most 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.	Japanese Chin dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin? Can a Shih Tzu and a Japanese Chin be friends? Do Shih Tzu dogs get along with Japanese Chin dogs?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Japanese Chin dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin?	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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.	Japanese Chins are not the best breed for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare service capabilities.	Not really This breed generally not used 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 Which is better for therapy work: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare therapy capabilities.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare scenting abilities.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Which is better for search and rescue: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare SAR abilities.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Which is better on boats: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Japanese Chin breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin? 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 Japanese Chin. 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 Japanese Chin Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin. Which has larger litters?	2-5 puppies	1-3 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin. 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 Japanese Chin Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin. 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 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin. 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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Japan Chin and Pekingese section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin. 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

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