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

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Shih Tzu and Pug. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Pug or Labrador Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Pug Labrador Retriever
OriginsChina flagChina China flagChina England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank20311
Reviews191311
User Ratings

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

Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) Male: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Pug or Labrador Retriever? Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever height comparison:
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 13 inches (33 cm), Female: 11 inches (27.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed ranks highest?
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which is easiest to train?
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most alert?
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Pug dogs are average watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most protective?
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Pug dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Playful
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Cheerful
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
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.
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Pug dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever?
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Pug dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Pug dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Labrador Retriever 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.
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Pug dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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.
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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.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Pug barks occasionally.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most playful?
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Pug breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.

Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most flexible?
Shih Tzu 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.
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Pug or Labrador Retriever?
Shih Tzu 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.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Pug has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which uses mouth most during play?
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Pug dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Pug bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. 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.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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 health problems common in Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. 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.
Very healthy dog breed.
The Labrador Retriever 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.
Rare
The Pug should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Labrador Retriever 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 Pug vs Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever 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
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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy

Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most active?
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other 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.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Pug or Labrador Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Pug dogs exercise need is minimal.
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Pug or Labrador Retriever?
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Pug dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. 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.
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High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Fawn
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which drools least?
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Fine Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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.
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 Pug or Labrador Retriever? Shih Tzu or Pug or {name3 shedding:
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Pug dogs shed above average.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which is best with kids?
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pug dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever 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.
Pug dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Pug or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Pug dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Pug or Labrador Retriever?
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Pug dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Pug or Labrador Retriever?
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Pug dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Pug vs Labrador Retriever?
Yes
Shih Tzu 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.
Yes
Labrador Retriever 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
Pug is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Labrador Retriever 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.
Pugs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. 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.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. 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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. 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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Pug breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. 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, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. 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 Pug vs Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 2-4 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. 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, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. 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 Pug vs Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. 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 Small Molossian type Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shih Tzu, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. 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
Canadian Canine Registry

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