Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Teddy Bear or American Gentlemen? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier" Compare Shih Tzu and Shichon. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Shichon or Boston Terrier?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Shih Tzu	Shichon	Boston Terrier
Origins	China	United States	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	307	21
Reviews	19	1	2
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier breeds.	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Teddy Bear Zuchon	American Gentlemen Boston Bull Terrier Boxwood Boston Bull
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Cross Breed	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	10-15 pounds (5-7 kg)	10-25 pounds (6-11kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	12.5 pounds (6 kg)	17.5 pounds (8.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Shichon or Boston Terrier? Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	19-21 inches (49-53 cm)	15-17 inches (38-43 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	20 inches (51 cm)	16 inches (40.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1200	$800-$1200	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Shichon or Boston Terrier?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Average: The Shichon is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which is easiest to train?	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shichon dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most alert?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shichon dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most protective?	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shichon dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Playful Loving Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Lively Gentle Social	Playful Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Lively Gentle Aggressive
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.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier?	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shichon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shichon dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed. 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.	Shichon dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. 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.	Shichon 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.	Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Shichon barks occasionally. See more.	Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most playful?	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	The Shichon is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Shichon indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Shichon dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Boston Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Shichon or Boston Terrier?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Shichon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Boston Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which breed lives longest?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Shichon: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	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, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. 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 Shichon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Boston Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shichon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Boston Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier 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	Allergies	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Patellar Luxation Allergies Deafness Cherry Eye Brain Tumors Megaesophagus Reverse Sneezing

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most active?	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Shichon dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Shichon or Boston Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Shichon dogs have an average exercise need.	Boston Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Shichon or Boston Terrier?	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Shichon dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Boston Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Shichon has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. What colors are available?	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black Gray Red Cream White Silver Apricot	Black White Brindle Seal
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Effortless: The Shichon requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which drools least?	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shichon is an average drooler. See more.	The Boston Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shichon has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense	Fluffy Dense Curly Silky	Fine
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. 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 Shichon or Boston Terrier? Shih Tzu or Shichon or {name3 shedding:	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shichon dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which is best with kids?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Shichon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Shichon dogs are generally with other pets.	Boston Terrier dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Shichon or Boston Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shichon dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Shichon or Boston Terrier?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shichon dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Shichon or Boston Terrier?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shichon dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier?	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shichon dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Boston Terrier 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 Shichon is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Boston Terrier 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.	Shichons are usually recommended for elderly people.	Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. 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, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. 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, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shichon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. 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, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. 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.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Shih Tzu vs Shichon vs Boston Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. Which has most puppies?	2-5 puppies	3-6 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. 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, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. 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 Shichon vs Boston Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Shih Tzu, Shichon, and Boston Terrier. 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 Hybrid Club Designer Breed Registry Designer Dogs Kennel Club International Designer 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

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