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Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Comparison - Dog breed selector: Yorkie or Chrysanthemum Dog or Belgian Griffon? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon" Compare Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Brussels Griffon?
 
 
 
Name Yorkshire Terrier Shih Tzu Brussels Griffon
OriginsEngland flagEngland China flagChina Belgium flagBelgium
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank92094
Reviews23192
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon breeds.
Yorkie Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Belgian Griffon
Brussels Griffon
Griffon
Griffon Bruxellois
Petit Brabancon
Griffon Belge
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon? Compare adult weight ranges.
2-3 kg (4-7 pounds) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
2.5 kg (5.5 pounds) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 9 pounds (4 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Brussels Griffon? Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon height comparison:
20-23 cm (8-9 inches) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 7-8 inches (18-20 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
21.5 cm (8.5 inches) 9.5 inches (24 cm) 7.5 inches (19 cm)

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Price and Availability Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Yorkshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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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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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which is easiest to train?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Brussels Griffon dogs are hard to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which breed is most alert?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Brussels Griffon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which breed is most protective?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Brussels Griffon dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Alert
Sensitive
Inquisitive
Selfish
Watchful
Companionable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Shih Tzu 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: Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon?
High: Yorkshire Terrier 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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High: Brussels Griffon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon social needs comparison:
Yorkshire Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Brussels Griffon dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the Brussels Griffon is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Brussels Griffon barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Yorkshire Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: Brussels Griffons, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Brussels Griffon breed.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Yorkshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Yorkshire Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Brussels Griffon bite force: Weak.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which breed lives longest?
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Brussels Griffon: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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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 Brussels Griffon 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 Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which has fewer health issues?
Yorkshire Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Brussels Griffon 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?
Rare
The Yorkshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Brussels Griffon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which breed is most active?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Brussels Griffon dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Brussels Griffon? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Brussels Griffon dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Brussels Griffon?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Brussels Griffon dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Yorkshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Brussels Griffon has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Blue
Gold
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Belge
Red
Black & Tan
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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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 Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which drools least?
The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Brussels Griffon is an average drooler.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Yorkshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Brussels Griffon has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Dense Rough
Smooth
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which requires most frequent baths?
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.
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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 Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Brussels Griffon? Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Brussels Griffon dogs shed none to minimal.
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Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Good With Comparison

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. 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.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. 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 Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. 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 Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Yorkshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

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

Brussels Griffon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. 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.
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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 Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. 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.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Which has most puppies?
4-6 puppies 2-5 puppies 1-3 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1910 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers section. 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 Small Belgian Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Brussels Griffon. 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
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
United Kennel Club

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