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

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese" Compare Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Japanese Chin Pekingese
OriginsChina flagChina Japan flagJapan China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2010888
Reviews1543
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Japanese Spaniel
Chin
Chinese Spaniel
Lion Dog
Peke
Peking Palasthund
Pelchie Dog
Peking Lion Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese? Which is the smallest dog, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese?
Small Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Japanese Chin? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese weight comparison:
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 4-15 pounds (2-7 kg) 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 9.5 pounds (4.5 kg) 9 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese height comparison:
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 7-11 inches (18-28 cm) 6-9 inches (30.4-45 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) 9 inches (23 cm) 7.5 inches (30.24.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1200 $300-$500 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese?
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Japanese Chin is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Pekingese is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese intelligence:
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: The Pekingese is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Trainability
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese trainability comparison.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Japanese Chin dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Pekingese dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese?
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Japanese Chin dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Pekingese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Japanese Chin dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Pekingese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Playful
Loving
Independent
Alert
Intelligent
Loyal
Stubborn
Intelligent
Affectionate
Aggressive
Good-natured
Opinionated
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.
Pekingese dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese?
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.
High: Pekingese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese 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.
Pekingese dogs need for social interaction is average.
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.
Pekingese dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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.
Pekingese dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese playfulness comparison:
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Average: Japanese Chins, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Pekingeses don't really like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese?
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Low: The Japanese Chin barks none to minimal.
See more.
Average to High: The Pekingese is a vocal breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese?
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Chin breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Pekingese breed.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
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.
Pekingese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese?
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese?

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 🔽

Pekingese bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Japanese Chin has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Pekingese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese mouthiness comparison:
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.
Pekingese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese?
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.
Pekingeses are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese 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
Cataracts
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Entropion
Intervertebral Disk Disease
Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome
Distichiasis
Mitral Valve Disease
Cryptorchidism
Ectopic Cilia
Cleft Palate
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Hydrocephalus
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Veterinarian Visits
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.
Rare
The Pekingese should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin and Pekingese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Chin: 11 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Pekingese: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese?
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 cold weather conditions
The Pekingese can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese energy level comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Japanese Chin dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Pekingese dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese? 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.
Pekingese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese?
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Japanese Chin dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Pekingese dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese?
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 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Japanese Chin has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Pekingese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese coat comparison:
Dense Feathered Dense
Colors
What are the original Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin and Pekingese color?
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
White
Sable
Lemon
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
White
Fawn
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese? Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Japanese Chin requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese? Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or {name3 shedding:
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Japanese Chin dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Pekingese dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese?
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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Chin has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Pekingese has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the 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 Pekingese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
Pekingese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Japanese Chin dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Pekingese dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese?
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Japanese Chin dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pekingese dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese?
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Japanese Chin dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Pekingese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese?
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Japanese Chin dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Pekingese 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 Pekingese?
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
Pekingese 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
Pekingese 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.
Pekingeses are not recommended for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin or Pekingese? Which is better for autism?

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.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese?

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

Pekingese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
Fighting Dog / Military 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.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin and Pekingese have?
2-5 puppies 1-3 puppies 2-4 puppies

Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin vs Pekingese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
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 1906 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Japan Chin and Pekingese section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
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
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Pekingese Club Of America

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