Is the Australian Kelpie Better than the Shih Tzu as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Australian Kelpie Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie or the Shih Tzu.

Australian Kelpie versus Shih Tzu: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Australian Kelpie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Australian Kelpie versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu

Factor Australian Kelpie Shih Tzu
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Height 15 to 20 inches 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Weight 25 to 46 pounds 9 to 16 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 1/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $500 $1820
Price Range $500 – $500 $1200 – $2300
Temperament Score 83.3 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie is 72 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 Australian Kelpie. 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu

Below is a list of where the Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu are most different:

  • Australian Kelpies do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shih Tzus adapt well to apartment living.
  • Australian Kelpies are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shih Tzus are good for new dog owners.
  • Australian Kelpies are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shih Tzus are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Australian Kelpies are very easy to groom. However, Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Australian Kelpies can tolerate hot weather. However, Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Australian Kelpies have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Shih Tzus have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Australian Kelpies require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shih Tzus have low exercise needs.

The Similarities Between the Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu

The Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu are most similar:

  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu are very playful.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu are prone to nip and chew at things.

Size Comparison of Australian Kelpie versus Shih Tzu

Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu.

Australian Kelpies weigh 25 to 46 pounds when fully grown. Australian Kelpies are 15 to 20 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 Australian Kelpie versus Shih Tzu

The lifespan of Australian Kelpies is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Kelpies is 12.5 years.

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

Shih Tzus live longer than Australian Kelpies.

Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.

This is because the temperament score for the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 6 Australian Kelpies and 49 Shih Tzus.

Price of Australian Kelpie versus Price of Shih Tzu

The average price of the Australian Kelpie puppy is $500. The price of the Australian Kelpie typically ranges from $500 – $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Australian Kelpie 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 Shih Tzu is more expensive than the Australian Kelpie.

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

A breakdown of the prices of Australian Kelpies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

A breakdown of the prices of Australian Kelpies. 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 Australian Kelpie 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: Australian Kelpie versus Shih Tzu

Australian Kelpies do not like to be left alone.

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

Do Australian Kelpies shed more than Shih Tzus?

Australian Kelpies shed moderately.

Shih Tzus shed moderately.

Which one drools more, the Australian Kelpie or the Shih Tzu

Australian Kelpies do have a very low tendency to drool.

Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Kelpie or the Shih Tzu?

Australian Kelpies are very easy to groom.

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

Does the Australian Kelpie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?

Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpies Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?

Australian Kelpies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

Can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

Australian Kelpies can moderately tolerate cold weather.

Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

Wanderlust Potential: Australian Kelpie vs. Shih Tzu

Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?

Australian Kelpies can tolerate hot weather.

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

Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Kelpie or the Shih Tzu?

Australian Kelpies get along fairly well with other dogs.

Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

Are Australian Kelpies good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?

Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpies and Shih Tzus?

Australian Kelpies do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

Is the Australian Kelpie Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?

Australian Kelpies are very easy to train.

Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

Is the Australian Kelpie Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?

Australian Kelpies do not adapt well to apartment living.

Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Kelpie or the Shih Tzu?

Australian Kelpies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.

Conclusion: Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.