Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Japanese Spaniel or Crested? Find the right dog for you

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

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	Chinese Crested
Origins	China	Japan	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	108	79
Reviews	19	4	4
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested breeds.	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Japanese Spaniel Chin	Crested Puff Chinese Crested
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested? Compare adult weight ranges.	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	4-15 pounds (2-7 kg)	7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	9.5 pounds (4.5 kg)	8 pounds (4 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Chinese Crested? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	7-11 inches (18-28 cm)	10-13 inches (21-33 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	9 inches (23 cm)	11.5 inches (29 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1200	$300-$500	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Chinese Crested?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Japanese Chin is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The Chinese Crested is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which breed ranks highest?	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.	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, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which is easiest to train?	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Chinese Crested dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which breed is most alert?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Chinese Crested dogs are not the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which breed is most protective?	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Chinese Crested dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Loyal	Playful Happy Alert Affectionate Lively Tempered Sweet
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.	Japanese Chin dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: Chinese Crested dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested?	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.	Average to High: Chinese Crested dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested 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.	Chinese Crested 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.	Japanese Chin dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Chinese Crested dogs are not the biggest explorers. 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.	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.	Chinese Crested dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low: The Japanese Chin barks none to minimal. See more.	Low to Average: The Chinese Crested rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which breed is most playful?	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Japanese Chins, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Chinese Cresteds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Chin breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Chinese Crested breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which breed is most flexible?	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.	Average: Chinese Crested dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Chinese Crested?	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.	Chinese Crested 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 vs Chinese Crested Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which breed lives longest?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Japanese Chin: 11 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Chinese Crested: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. 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, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. 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.	The Japanese Chin is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Chinese Crested 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?	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.	Average The Chinese Crested 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 vs Chinese Crested? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested 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	Epilepsy Deafness Glaucoma Lens Luxation Loose Teeth

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which breed is most active?	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Japanese Chin dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Chinese Crested 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 vs Chinese Crested exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Chinese Crested? 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.	Chinese Crested dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Chinese Crested?	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Japanese Chin dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Chinese Crested dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. 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.	Average: The Japanese Chin has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Chinese Crested has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which needs most food?	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.	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. What colors are available?	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black White Sable Lemon	Black Blue Cream White Chocolate Palomino Apricot Slate
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which requires most maintenance?	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.	Average: The Chinese Crested requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which drools least?	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.	The Chinese Crested is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Chin has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Chinese Crested has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense	Feathered	Silky Thick Double Hairless
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	1-2 weeks Very frequent. This breed has famously high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 1-2 weeks. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Chinese Crested? Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or {name3 shedding:	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs shed moderately. See more.	Chinese Crested dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which is best with kids?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Japanese Chin dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Chinese Crested 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.	Japanese Chin dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Chinese Crested dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Chinese Crested? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Japanese Chin dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Chinese Crested dogs are 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 or Chinese Crested?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Japanese Chin dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Chinese Crested dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Chinese Crested?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Japanese Chin dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Chinese Crested dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested?	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.	Yes Chinese Crested 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.	No Chinese Crested 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.	Chinese Cresteds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which is best suited for service work?	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.	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, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which excels in therapy work?	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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which has best nose work ability?	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.	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, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which is best for SAR work?	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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which is best suited for water work?	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.	Not really Chinese Crested breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. 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, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. 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 Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. Which has most puppies?	2-5 puppies	1-3 puppies	2-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. 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, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. 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 Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. 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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Japan Chin and Pekingese section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Chinese Crested. 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	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry 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

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Chinese Crested

Reviews