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Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Tsang-khyi or American Akita or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu" Compare Tibetan Mastiff and Akita. Which is better: Tibetan Mastiff or Akita or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Tibetan Mastiff Akita Shih Tzu
OriginsTibet flagTibet Japan flagJapan China flagChina
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank1534720
Reviews2919
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu breeds.
Tsang-khyi
Dok-Khyi
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.
140-170 pounds (64-78 kg) Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
155 pounds (71 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Tibetan Mastiff or Akita or Shih Tzu? Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
25-28 inches (61-71 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
26.5 inches (66 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$2500-$3500 $800-$1200 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Tibetan Mastiff or Akita or Shih Tzu?
Frequent: The Tibetan Mastiff is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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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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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
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Akita dogs are easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.
Stubborn
Aloof
Protective
Courageous
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Tibetan Mastiff dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu?
Average: Tibetan Mastiff dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Tibetan Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Tibetan Mastiff 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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Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Tibetan Mastiff is a particularly loud breed.
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Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Tibetan Mastiffs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Tibetan Mastiff breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Tibetan Mastiff dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Tibetan Mastiff or Akita or Shih Tzu?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?

High 🔼

The Tibetan Mastiff has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Tibetan Mastiff bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Tibetan Mastiff: 12 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Tibetan Mastiff can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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 Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which has fewer health issues?
Tibetan Mastiffs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shih Tzu 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?
Frequent
The Tibetan Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Autoimmune Hypothyroidism
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis
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

Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most active?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Tibetan Mastiff or Akita or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs have an average exercise need.
Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Tibetan Mastiff or Akita or Shih Tzu?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Tibetan Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.

Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?
Black
Gray
Tan
Red
Blue
Brown
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Tibetan Mastiff requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?
The Tibetan Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Tibetan Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Thick
Hard
Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Tibetan Mastiff or Akita or Shih Tzu? Tibetan Mastiff or Akita or {name3 shedding:
Tibetan Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
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Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are generally with other pets.
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Tibetan Mastiff or Akita or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Tibetan Mastiff or Akita or Shih Tzu?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Tibetan Mastiff or Akita or Shih Tzu?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu?
Yes
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Tibetan Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Tibetan Mastiffs are not the best breed for elderly people.
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. 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.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. 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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. 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 Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. 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 Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Tibetan Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

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

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

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 Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?
5-12 puppies 3-12 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. 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.

Tibetan Mastiff vs Akita vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2006 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, and Shih Tzu. Which has most recognition?
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.
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.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National 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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