Which is Better Between the Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu?

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Berger Picard Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

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

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

Berger Picard versus Shih Tzu: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Berger Picard 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.

Berger Picard versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu

Factor Berger Picard Shih Tzu
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 13 to 14 years 10 to 16 years
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 9 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2600 $1820
Price Range $2400 – $2800 $1200 – $2300
Temperament Score 95.2 percent 77.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination (min age 24 months effective 9/1/17)
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard is 86 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 not better or worse than the Berger Picard. So, you can get the Shih Tzu or the Berger Picard!

    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 Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu

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

    • Berger Picards are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shih Tzus are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Berger Picards are very easy to groom. However, Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Berger Picards 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.
    • Berger Picards 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 Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu

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

    • Both the Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu are very easy to train.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Berger Picard versus Shih Tzu

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

    Berger Picards weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Berger Picards are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 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 Berger Picard versus Shih Tzu

    The lifespan of Berger Picards is between 13 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Berger Picards is 13.5 years.

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

    Berger Picards live longer than Shih Tzus.

    Temperament of the Berger Picard Versus the Shih Tzu

    The Berger Picard has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.

    This is because the temperament score for the Berger Picard is 95.2 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 95.2 percent, the Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 21 Berger Picards and 49 Shih Tzus.

    Price of Berger Picard versus Price of Shih Tzu

    The average price of the Berger Picard puppy is $2600. The price of the Berger Picard typically ranges from $2400 – $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Berger Picards. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Berger Picards. 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 Berger Picard 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: Berger Picard versus Shih Tzu

    Berger Picards can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Berger Picards shed more than Shih Tzus?

    Berger Picards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Berger Picard or the Shih Tzu

    Berger Picards do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Berger Picard or the Shih Tzu?

    Berger Picards are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Berger Picard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?

    Berger Picards 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 Berger Picards Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?

    Berger Picards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Berger Picards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Berger Picards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Berger Picard vs. Shih Tzu

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

    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 Berger Picards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Berger Picards 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 Berger Picard or the Shih Tzu?

    Berger Picards get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Berger Picards good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?

    Berger Picards 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 Berger Picards and Shih Tzus?

    Berger Picards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Berger Picard Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?

    Berger Picards are very easy to train.

    Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Berger Picard Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?

    Berger Picards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Berger Picards are very good for new dog owners.

    Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.

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