Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier – Which one is a better dog breed for you?

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier" Compare Shih Tzu and Tibetan Terrier. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?

General Appearance Hair & Care Characteristics Good With Health Factors Reproducibility Show differences only

Name	Shih Tzu	Tibetan Terrier	West Highland White Terrier
Origins	China	Tibet	Scotland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	101	42
Reviews	11	4	1
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Other Names	Chinese Lion Dog, Chrysanthemum Dog	Tsang Apso, Dokhi Apso	Poltalloch Terrier, Roseneath Terrier, White Roseneath Terrier, Westie (or Westy)
Breed Type	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred
AKC Group	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Group	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 Tibetan breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Breed Recognition	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club	American Canine Registry 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 Club Espanol De Terriers
Price	$800-$1200	$1200-$2000	$900-$1200

General Appearance - Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier

Size	Small	Medium	Small
Weight	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	18-30 pounds (8.2-13.6 kg)	Male: 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg), Female: 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg)
Avg. Weight	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	24 pounds (8.2-13.6 kg)	Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg)
Height	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	14-17 inches (36-43 cm)	Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Avg. Height	9.5 inches (24 cm)	15.5 inches (39.5 cm)	Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

Hair & Care - Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier

Coat	Dense	Thick Smooth	Dense
Colors	Brindle Liver Silver Blue Gold Red Black	Silver Gray White Black	White
Grooming	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.	Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
Shedding Level	Shih Tzus shed none to minimal.	Tibetan Terriers shed none to minimal.	West Highland White Terriers shed none to minimal.

Characteristics - Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier

Temperament	Active Friendly Happy Lively Playful Courageous Gentle Intelligent Outgoing	Affectionate Energetic Reserved Intelligent Amiable Gentle Sensitive	Affectionate Courageous Friendly Independent Alert Intelligent
Intelligent Rank	Low: The Shih Tzu if one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.	Average: West Highland White Terrier's has average obedience intelligence.
Trainability	Shih Tzus are quite easy to train.	Tibetan Terriers are quite easy to train.	West Highland White Terriers are easy to train.
Playfulness	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.	The Tibetan Terrier is a playful breed.	The West Highland White Terrier is a highly playful breed.
Sensitivity Level	Shih Tzus have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
Affection Level	Shih Tzus are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.	Tibetan Terriers are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.	West Highland White Terriers are highly affectionate dogs.
Social Needs	Shih Tzus need a lot of social interaction.	Tibetan Terriers are a social breed.	West Highland White Terriers are a social breed.
Barking	High: The Shih Tzu is a very vocal breed.	Low to Average: The Tibetan Terrier rarely barks.	High: The West Highland White Terrier is a very vocal breed.
Watchdog Ability	Shih Tzus are average watchdogs.	Tibetan Terriers are average watchdogs.	West Highland White Terriers are average watchdogs.
Territorial	Shih Tzus strongly protect their territory.	Tibetan Terriers are average defenders.	West Highland White Terriers are extremely protective guard dogs.
Biting Potential	Low The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low The Tibetan Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness	Shih Tzus have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.	Tibetan Terriers have lower than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.	West Highland White Terriers have lower than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
Impulse to Wander or Roam	Shih Tzus tend to escape less than other breeds.	Tibetan Terriers have average wanderlust potential.	West Highland White Terriers have average wanderlust potential.
Prey Drive	Shih Tzus have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.	Tibetan Terriers have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.	West Highland White Terriers have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
Apartment Friendly	Shih Tzus are very apartment-friendly dogs.	Tibetan Terriers are very apartment-friendly dogs.	West Highland White Terriers are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day.
Adaptability	Shih Tzus adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Tibetan Terriers adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	West Highland White Terriers adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone	Shih Tzus tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Tibetan Terriers 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.	West Highland White Terriers 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.
Fighting 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.

Good With - Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier

Stranger Friendly	Shih Tzus are average friendly towards strangers.	Tibetan Terriers are average friendly towards strangers.	West Highland White Terriers are stranger friendly dogs.
Child Friendly	Shih Tzus are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Tibetan Terriers are average friendly dogs towards children.	West Highland White Terriers are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly	Shih Tzus are very cat-friendly dogs.	Tibetan Terriers are average friendly towards cats.	West Highland White Terriers are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly	Shih Tzus are very dog-friendly dogs.	Tibetan Terriers are average friendly towards other dogs.	West Highland White Terriers are dog-friendly dogs.
Office Friendly	No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Tibetan Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No West Highland White Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Tibetan Terriers are commonly okay with elderly people.	West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Pet Friendly	Shih Tzus are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Tibetan Terriers are generally with other pets.	West Highland White Terriers are generally with other pets.
Good For First Time Owners	Yes Shih Tzus are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	No Tibetan Terriers are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.	No West Highland White Terriers are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Service Dog	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog.
Therapy Dog	Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog.	Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog.	Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog	Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.	Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.	Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)	Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.	Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.	Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.
Boat Dog	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.	Not really Tibetan Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.	Not really West Highland White Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.

Health Factors - Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier

Health Issues	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Tibetan Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Very healthy dog breed.
Health Problems	Allergies Bladder Stones Distichiasis Dry Eye Ear Infections Ectopic Cilia Hip Dysplasia Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Patellar Luxation Portosystemic Liver Shunt Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Proptosis Retained Baby Teeth Reverse Sneezing Snuffles Umbilical Hernias	Cataracts Distichiasis Hip Dysplasia Hyperthyroidism Lens Luxation Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)	Atopic Dermatitis Cataracts Craniomandibular Osteopathy Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy Hyperplastic Dermatosis Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Pulmonary Fibrosis White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Life Expectancy	10-16 years	12-15 years	12-16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes	Yes
Energy Level	Shih Tzus have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Tibetan Terriers are high energy dogs.	West Highland White Terriers have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Exercise Need	Shih Tzus exercise need is minimal.	Tibetan Terriers need quite a lot of exercise.	West Highland White Terriers need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need	Shih Tzus like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Tibetan Terriers don't need too much sleep.	West Highland White Terriers are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend to much time with sleeping.
Avg. daily food consumption	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential	Average to High.	Average.	Average to High.
Weather & Climate	Tolerates warm and cold weather.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Tibetan Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The West Highland White Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
Stinkiness	Low The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium The Tibetan Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Low The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling tendency	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency.	The Tibetan Terrier is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency.	The West Highland White Terrier is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency.

Reproducibility - Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier

Gestation Length	60-64 days	60-64 days	60-64 days
How often can the have a litter?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy.
Litter Size	2-5 puppies	4-6 puppies	2-5 puppies
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