Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Borzoi Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Borzoi versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Borzoi versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu
- Size Comparison of Borzoi versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Borzoi versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Borzoi Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Borzoi versus Price of Shih Tzu
- The Intelligence of the Borzoi versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Borzoi versus Shih Tzu
- Do Borzois shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Borzoi or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Borzoi or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Borzoi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Borzois Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Borzois Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Borzoi vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Borzois Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Borzoi or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Borzois good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Borzois and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Borzoi Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Conclusion: Borzoi versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Borzoi Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Borzoi 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 Borzoi 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 Borzoi and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Borzoi 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 Borzoi 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 Borzoi 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 Borzoi or the Shih Tzu.
Borzoi versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Borzoi is a giant-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Borzoi belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Borzoi versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Borzoi 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 Borzoi and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Borzoi | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 26 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 55 to 105 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1560 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $1500 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 90.1 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 75 | 70 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Borzoi 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 Borzoi 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 Borzoi. 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 Borzoi 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 Borzoi and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu are most different:
- Borzois are very easy to groom. However, Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
The Similarities Between the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu
The Borzoi and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
- Both the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
- Both the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
- Both the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
- Both the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu have low exercise needs.
- Both the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu can tolerate cold weather.
- Both the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu are very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
- Both the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
- Both the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu adapt well to apartment living.
- Both the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
Size Comparison of Borzoi versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Borzoi and the Shih Tzu.
Borzois weigh 55 to 105 pounds when fully grown. Borzois are 26 to 32 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 Borzoi versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Borzois is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Borzois is 11.0 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 Borzois.
Temperament of the Borzoi Versus the Shih Tzu
The Borzoi has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Borzoi is 90.1 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 90.1 percent, the Borzoi 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 Borzoi and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 111 Borzois and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Borzoi versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Borzoi puppy is $1560. The price of the Borzoi typically ranges from $1500 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 7 Borzoi 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 Borzoi.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Borzoi and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Borzoi puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Borzois. 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 Borzoi 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.
The Intelligence of the Borzoi versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
`| Borzoi | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 75 out of 130 dog breeds | 70 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! | Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:- Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
- Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
- Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.Prof. Coren found that the Borzoi has an obedience intelligence rank of 75 out of 130 dog breeds. The Borzoi belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Borzois tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.
The Shih Tzu has an obedience intelligence rank of 70 out of 130 dog breeds. The Shih Tzu belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Shih Tzus tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.
The Shih Tzu is more intelligent than the Borzoi.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
Tolerates Being Alone: Borzoi versus Shih Tzu
Borzois do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Borzois shed more than Shih Tzus?
Borzois shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Borzoi or the Shih Tzu
Borzois do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Borzoi or the Shih Tzu?
Borzois are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Borzoi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Borzois 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 Borzois Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Borzois 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 Borzois Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Borzois can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Borzoi vs. Shih Tzu
Borzois 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 Borzois Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Borzois 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 Borzoi or the Shih Tzu?
Borzois get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Borzois good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Borzois 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 Borzois and Shih Tzus?
Borzois get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Borzoi Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Borzois are fairly easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Borzoi Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Borzois adapt very well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Borzoi or the Shih Tzu?
Borzois are OK for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Borzoi 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 Borzoi and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.