Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Barbone or Little Blue Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd?

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	Toy Poodle	Australian Shepherd
Origins	China	Germany France	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	449	17
Reviews	15	5	7
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Barbone Pudle Teacup Poodle Teddy Poodle	Little Blue Dog Aussie
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd?	Small	Small	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Toy Poodle? Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd weight comparison:	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	Male: 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	Male: 7.5 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd? Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm)	Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm)	Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd? Which is more expensive?	$800-$1200	$1000-$1500	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.	Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd intelligence:	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Outstanding: Toy Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd trainability comparison.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd? 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.	Toy Poodle dogs are average defenders. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd? Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual	Active Loving Protective Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Good-natured
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: Australian Shepherd 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 Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd?	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Toy Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are a social breed. See more.	Australian Shepherd 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.	Toy Poodle dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. 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.	Toy Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd playfulness comparison:	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	The Toy Poodle is a playful breed. See more.	The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd?	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average to High: The Toy Poodle is a vocal breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd?	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Toy Poodle 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 Australian Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd 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.	Toy Poodle dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Australian Shepherd 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 Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Toy Poodle 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.	Australian Shepherd 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 Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Toy Poodle bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
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 Toy Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd mouthiness comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd?	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Toy Poodle is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd 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	Heart Murmurs Slipped Stifle Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Ear Infections Skin Allergies Canine Diabetes Mellitus Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Deafness Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Distichiasis Collie Eye Anomaly Detached Retina Nasal Solar Dermatitis Osteochondrosis Dissecans Persistent Pupillary Membranes
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 Toy Poodle should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle and Australian Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Toy Poodle: 15 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd?	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.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd? Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd energy level comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Toy Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Toy Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd?	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Toy Poodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd?	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.	1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Toy Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd coat comparison:	Dense	Dense Curly Thick	Feathered
Colors What are the original Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle and Australian Shepherd color?	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot	Black Red Blue Merle
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd? Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd grooming comparison:	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd? Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or {name3 shedding:	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd?	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.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Toy Poodle has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Australian Shepherd has an average 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 Toy Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd 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.	Toy Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Toy Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Toy Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Toy Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Toy Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd?	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Toy Poodle dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Australian Shepherd 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 Toy Poodle is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Australian Shepherd 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.	Toy Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Australian Shepherd? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
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 Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd?	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Toy Poodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Australian Shepherd 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 Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd 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 Toy Poodle and Australian Shepherd have?	2-5 puppies	2-4 puppies	6-9 puppies, average 7
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Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	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 1991 as a Herding 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.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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	Dog Registry of America Inc.	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Australian Shepherd Club Of America

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