Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Japanese Spaniel or Nihon Supittsu? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz"
Compare Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Japanese Spitz?
Name | Shih Tzu | Japanese Chin | Japanese Spitz |
---|---|---|---|
Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 20 | 108 | 229 |
Reviews | 19 | 4 | 9 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz breeds. |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
Japanese Spaniel Chin | Nihon Supittsu |
---|---|---|---|
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is the largest? | Small | Small | Small |
---|---|---|---|
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz? Compare adult weight ranges. | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) | 4-15 pounds (2-7 kg) | 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) | 9.5 pounds (4.5 kg) | 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Japanese Spitz? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz height comparison: | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) | 7-11 inches (18-28 cm) | 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | 9 inches (23 cm) | 13.5 inches (34 cm) |
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Find price differences between these breeds. | $800-$1200 | $300-$500 | $500-$800 |
---|---|---|---|
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Japanese Spitz? | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. | Frequent: The Japanese Chin is easier than average to get. | Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed. |
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed ranks highest? | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. |
---|---|---|---|
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which is easiest to train? | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | Japanese Chin dogs are quite easy to train. | Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most alert? | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Japanese Chin dogs are average watchdogs. | Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most protective? | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | Japanese Chin dogs strongly protect their territory. | Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz? Compare temperaments. |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Loyal |
Playful Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Proud Companionable |
---|---|---|---|
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. | Japanese Chin dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz? | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Japanese Chin dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison: | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Japanese Chin dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Japanese Chin dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
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. | 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. | Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. |
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most vocal? | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | Low: The Japanese Chin barks none to minimal. | A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed. |
---|---|---|---|
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most playful? | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | Average: Japanese Chins, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Japanese Spitz breed. |
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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. | Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. |
---|---|---|---|
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Japanese Spitz? | 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. | Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody. |
---|---|---|---|
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which uses mouth most during play? | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Japanese Chin dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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 🔽 Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak. |
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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 |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years |
---|---|---|---|
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Japanese Spitz can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Japanese Spitz is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
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 Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz 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 |
Patellar Luxation Runny Eyes |
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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. | Japanese Spitz dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
---|---|---|---|
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Japanese Spitz? 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. | Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Japanese Spitz? | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | Japanese Chin dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. |
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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. | Average: The Japanese Chin has an average risk for obesity. | Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
---|---|---|---|
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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. | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. |
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | Yes See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
---|---|---|---|
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. What colors are available? |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
Black White Sable Lemon | White |
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which requires most maintenance? | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Average: The Japanese Chin requires average grooming effort. | Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which drools least? | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Japanese Chin is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. How do their fur characteristics differ? | Dense | Feathered | Thick |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which requires most frequent baths? | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Japanese Spitz? Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or {name3 shedding: | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | Japanese Chin dogs shed moderately. | Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately. |
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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. | Japanese Spitz 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. | Japanese Chin dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Japanese Spitz? Which dog is more friendly? | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Japanese Chin dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Japanese Spitz? | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Japanese Chin dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Japanese Spitz? | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Japanese Chin dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz? |
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 Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz 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. | Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best suited for service work? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
---|---|---|---|
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which excels in therapy work? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Japanese Spitz. 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 Japanese Spitz. Which is best suited for water work? | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Japanese Chin breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best for draft work? | 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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Japanese Spitz Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. Which has most puppies? | 2-5 puppies | 1-3 puppies | 1-6 puppies |
---|---|---|---|
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Japanese Spitz. What's recommended? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
---|---|---|---|
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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. | Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and Japanese Spitz. 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 America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club |
Popular Dog Compares
Sharing is caring.
Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds.
Link to this: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Japanese Spaniel or Nihon Supittsu? Find the right dog for you
<a href="https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/shih-tzu-vs-japanese-chin-vs-japanese-spitz">Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Japanese Spaniel or Nihon Supittsu? Find the right dog for you</a>
Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds.
Link to this: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Japanese Spaniel or Nihon Supittsu? Find the right dog for you
<a href="https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/shih-tzu-vs-japanese-chin-vs-japanese-spitz">Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Japanese Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Japanese Spaniel or Nihon Supittsu? Find the right dog for you</a>