Is the American Hairless Terrier Better than the Shih Tzu as a Pet? Our Answer.

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American Hairless Terrier Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Hairless Terrier and for the Shih Tzu. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Hairless Terrier or the Shih Tzu.

American Hairless Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Overview

A very important difference between the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Hairless Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Hairless Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Shih Tzu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

American Hairless Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Hairless Terrier to the Shih Tzu based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu

Factor American Hairless Terrier Shih Tzu
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 10 to 16 pounds 9 to 16 pounds
Height 12 to 16 inches 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 13 to 16 years 10 to 16 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1840 $1820
Price Range $1625 – $2000 $1200 – $2300
Temperament Score 83.3 percent 77.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Annual exams until at least Age 8 yrs (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Hairless Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Shih Tzu. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Hairless Terrier is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the American Hairless Terrier. So, you should get the Shih Tzu!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu

    Below is a list of where the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu are most different:

    • American Hairless Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu

    The American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu are most similar:

    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu are very playful.

    Size Comparison of American Hairless Terrier versus Shih Tzu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu.

    American Hairless Terriers weigh 10 to 16 pounds when fully grown. American Hairless Terriers are 12 to 16 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Hairless Terrier versus Shih Tzu

    The lifespan of American Hairless Terriers is between 13 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Hairless Terriers is 14.5 years.

    The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.

    American Hairless Terriers live longer than Shih Tzus.

    Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the American Hairless Terrier

    The American Hairless Terrier has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Hairless Terrier is 83.3 percent while the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 83.3 percent, the American Hairless Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 77.6 percent, the Shih Tzu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 6 American Hairless Terriers and 49 Shih Tzus.

    Price of American Hairless Terrier versus Price of Shih Tzu

    The average price of the American Hairless Terrier puppy is $1840. The price of the American Hairless Terrier typically ranges from $1625 – $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 American Hairless Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of the Shih Tzu typically ranges from $1200 – $2300. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The American Hairless Terrier is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Hairless Terrier and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many American Hairless Terrier puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Hairless Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Hairless Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shih Tzus

    A breakdown of the prices of Shih Tzus

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Hairless Terrier puppy or the Shih Tzu puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Hairless Terrier versus Shih Tzu

    American Hairless Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Hairless Terriers shed more than Shih Tzus?

    American Hairless Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Hairless Terrier or the Shih Tzu

    American Hairless Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Hairless Terrier or the Shih Tzu?

    American Hairless Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the American Hairless Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?

    American Hairless Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Shih Tzus have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do American Hairless Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?

    American Hairless Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can American Hairless Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Hairless Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Hairless Terrier vs. Shih Tzu

    American Hairless Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Shih Tzus do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can American Hairless Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Hairless Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Hairless Terrier or the Shih Tzu?

    American Hairless Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Hairless Terriers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?

    American Hairless Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Hairless Terriers and Shih Tzus?

    American Hairless Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Hairless Terrier Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?

    American Hairless Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

    Is the American Hairless Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?

    American Hairless Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Hairless Terrier or the Shih Tzu?

    American Hairless Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Hairless Terrier versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Hairless Terrier and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.