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Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Japanese Shiba Inu or Deutsche Spitze? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian" Compare Shih Tzu and Shiba Inu. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Pomeranian?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Shiba Inu Pomeranian
OriginsChina flagChina Japan flagJapan Germany flagGermany Poland flagPoland
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank204522
Reviews1996
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian breeds.
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Deutsche Spitze
Pom Pom
Spitz Enano
Spitz Nain
Zwergspitz
Zwers
Pom
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which breed is the largest?
Small Medium Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian? Compare adult weight ranges.
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) 3-7 pounds (1-3 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg) 5 pounds (2 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Pomeranian? Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian height comparison:
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) 7-12 inches (18-30 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $800-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Pomeranian?
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Pomeranian is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. 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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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Very smart: Pomeranian is an excellent dog breed.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. 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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Pomeranian dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which breed is most alert?
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
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Pomeranian dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which breed is most protective?
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Pomeranian dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Docile
Lively
Sociable
Attentive
Trainable
Extroverted
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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Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian?
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Pomeranian dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Pomeranian 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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The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home.
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Pomeranian dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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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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Shiba Inu 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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Pomeranian 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 Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Pomeranian is a vocal breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which breed is most playful?
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Pomeranians, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Pomeranian breed.

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Pomeranian has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. 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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Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Pomeranian dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Pomeranian bite force: Weak.

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which breed lives longest?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Pomeranian: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. 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 cold weather conditions
The Shiba Inu can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Pomeranian can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. 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 Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Pomeranian 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 Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Pomeranian 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 Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian 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
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
Cataracts
Collapsed Trachea
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Epilepsy
Seizures
Dry Eye
Heatstroke
Heat Intolerance

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which breed is most active?
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Pomeranian 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 Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Pomeranian? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need.
Pomeranian dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Pomeranian?
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Pomeranian dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. 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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Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Pomeranian's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Black
Gray
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Orange
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Pomeranian requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which drools least?
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Pomeranian is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Pomeranian has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Dense Fluffy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Pomeranian? Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or {name3 shedding:
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
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Pomeranian dogs shed moderately.
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Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which is best with kids?
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pomeranian dogs are not the most 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.
Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Pomeranian dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Pomeranian? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Pomeranian dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Pomeranian?
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Pomeranian dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Pomeranian?
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Pomeranian dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian?
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
No
Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Pomeranian 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
Shiba Inu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Pomeranian 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.
Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Pomeranians are not the best breed for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. 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.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. 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, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. 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, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

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

Not really

Pomeranian breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. 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 Shiba Inu vs Pomeranian Reproducibility Comparison

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

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. 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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian. 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
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.
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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