Quick Links: Table of Contents
- American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Shih Tzu
- Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
- Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Shih Tzus?
- Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull Terrier and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull Terrier or the Shih Tzu.
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the American Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the American Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull Terrier and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | American Pit Bull Terrier | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 30 to 85 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1140 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $400 – $1200 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 87.4 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull Terrier is 75 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 Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull Terrier and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shih Tzu
The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shih Tzu.
American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Pit Bull Terrier versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Shih Tzus.
Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 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 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-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 Pit Bull Terrier and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull 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. However, the price of the Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shih Tzu is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
| American Pit Bull Terrier | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1140 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $400 to $1200 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
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 Pit Bull 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.
Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Shih Tzus are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier named Cash that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Cash on pefinder.com.
Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Calvin is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Calvin that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Chowder is the name of another American Pit Bull Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Chewy is an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shih Tzu
American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Shih Tzus?
American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shih Tzu
American Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Shih Tzu
American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
American Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
American Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull Terriers and Shih Tzus?
American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Weimaraner American Pit Bull Terrier versus Skye Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pomsky American Pit Bull Terrier versus Greyhound American Pit Bull Terrier versus Borzoi American Pit Bull Terrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Setter American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle American Pit Bull Terrier versus Field Spaniel American Pit Bull Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund American Pit Bull Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff American Pit Bull Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pointer American Pit Bull Terrier versus Boston Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Kai Ken American Pit Bull Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sheepadoodle American Pit Bull Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cockapoo American Pit Bull Terrier versus Brussels Griffon American Pit Bull Terrier versus Chihuahua
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Kai Ken Shih Tzu versus Border Collie Shih Tzu versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Shih Tzu versus Aussiedoodle Shih Tzu versus Norwich Terrier Shih Tzu versus Saint Bernard Shih Tzu versus Cesky Terrier Shih Tzu versus American Eskimo Dog Shih Tzu versus Chinese Shar-Pei Shih Tzu versus English Setter Shih Tzu versus Hovawart Shih Tzu versus Goldendoodle Shih Tzu versus English Setter Shih Tzu versus Peek A Poo Shih Tzu versus Affenhuahua Shih Tzu versus German Pinscher Shih Tzu versus Boxer Shih Tzu versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Boxer Shih Tzu versus Irish Setter Shih Tzu versus Azawakh Shih Tzu versus Boxerdoodle Shih Tzu versus Affenpinscher
Conclusion: American Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull Terrier and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.