Barbet versus Shih Tzu. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Barbet Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

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

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

Barbet versus Shih Tzu: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Barbet belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Barbet versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Barbet 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 Barbet and the Shih Tzu

Factor Barbet Shih Tzu
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 1/5
Life Span 13 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
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
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Weight 37 to 62 pounds 9 to 16 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2300
Average Price No Data $1820
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 77.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • AKC or UKC DNA Profile
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months, recommend CAER eye exam prior to onset of breeding and then periodically thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Barbet 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 Barbet 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 Barbet. 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 Barbet 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 Barbet and the Shih Tzu

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

    • Barbets are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shih Tzus are good for new dog owners.
    • Barbets can tolerate hot weather. However, Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Barbets 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.

    The Similarities Between the Barbet and the Shih Tzu

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

    • Both the Barbet and the Shih Tzu do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Barbet and the Shih Tzu require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Barbet and the Shih Tzu do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Barbet and the Shih Tzu can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Barbet and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Barbet and the Shih Tzu get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Barbet and the Shih Tzu are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Barbet and the Shih Tzu are very easy to train.
    • Both the Barbet and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Barbet and the Shih Tzu are very playful.
    • Both the Barbet and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Barbet versus Shih Tzu

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

    Barbets weigh 37 to 62 pounds when fully grown. Barbets are 20 to 25 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 Barbet versus Shih Tzu

    The lifespan of Barbets is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Barbets 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.

    Barbets live longer than Shih Tzus.

    Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Barbet

    The Barbet has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.

    This is because the temperament score for the Barbet is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Barbet 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 Barbet and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 1 Barbets and 49 Shih Tzus.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Barbet versus Shih Tzu

    Barbets do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Barbets shed more than Shih Tzus?

    Barbets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Barbet or the Shih Tzu

    Barbets do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Barbet or the Shih Tzu?

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

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

    Does the Barbet Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?

    Barbets 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 Barbets Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?

    Barbets bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Barbets Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Barbets can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Barbet vs. Shih Tzu

    Barbets 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 Barbets Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Barbets 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 Barbet or the Shih Tzu?

    Barbets get along very well with other dogs.

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Barbets good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?

    Barbets 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 Barbets and Shih Tzus?

    Barbets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Barbet Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?

    Barbets are very easy to train.

    Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Barbet Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?

    Barbets adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Barbets are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.

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