Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Comparison - Dog breed selector: Yorkie or Chrysanthemum Dog or Japanese Spaniel? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin" Compare Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?

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	Yorkshire Terrier	Shih Tzu	Japanese Chin
Origins	England	China	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	9	20	108
Reviews	4	15	4
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Yorkie	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Japanese Spaniel Chin
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Which is the smallest dog, Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin weight comparison:	2-3 kg (4-7 pounds)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	4-15 pounds (2-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	2.5 kg (5.5 pounds)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	9.5 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin height comparison:	20-23 cm (8-9 inches)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	7-11 inches (18-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	21.5 cm (8.5 inches)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	9 inches (23 cm)

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Which is more expensive?	$600-$1000	$800-$1200	$300-$500
Availability Which is easier to get, Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	Very frequent: The Yorkshire Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Japanese Chin is easier than average to get.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin intelligence:	Smart: The Yorkshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.	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.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin trainability comparison.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Yorkshire Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Independent Energetic Alert Courageous Intelligent Loyal	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Loyal
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. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin?	High: Yorkshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Japanese Chin dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin social needs comparison:	Yorkshire Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Yorkshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
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. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Japanese Chin 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin playfulness comparison:	Average: Yorkshire Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Japanese Chins, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin?	A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low: The Japanese Chin barks none to minimal. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Chin breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	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.	Japanese Chin dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	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.	Japanese Chin dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	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 🔽 Japanese Chin bite force: Weak.
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 Yorkshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Japanese Chin has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin mouthiness comparison:	Yorkshire Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Japanese Chin dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin health comparison. Which is the healthier: Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin?	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 Japanese Chin 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: Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin 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	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Patellar Luxation Hypothyroidism Eye Problems Epilepsy Entropion Heart Disease
Veterinarian Visits 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 Japanese Chin should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin lifespan comparison. How long do Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	12-16 years The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Japanese Chin: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin?	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.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin energy level comparison:	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Japanese Chin dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? 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.	Japanese Chin dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Japanese Chin dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin weight gain potential comparison:	Low to Average: The Yorkshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Japanese Chin has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin coat comparison:	Fine	Dense	Feathered
Colors What are the original Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin color?	Black Tan Blue Gold	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black White Sable Lemon
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Japanese Chin 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: Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin 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, Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin?	Medium ⏺ The Yorkshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Chin has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Japanese Chin is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly 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.	Japanese Chin dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Which dog is more friendly?	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Japanese Chin dogs are very 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 Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Japanese Chin dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Japanese Chin dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin?	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin?	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.	Yes Japanese Chin dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going 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 Japanese Chin 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.	Japanese Chins are not the best breed for elderly people.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin 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: Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu or Japanese Chin? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect 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
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: Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin?	Not really Yorkshire Terrier 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.	Not really Japanese Chin 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.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin 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 Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin have?	4-6 puppies	2-5 puppies	1-3 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Japanese Chin Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	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 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	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 Japan Chin and Pekingese 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	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

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