Which is Better Between the Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu?

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Bracco Italiano Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

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

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

Bracco Italiano versus Shih Tzu: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Bracco Italiano 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.

Bracco Italiano versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu

Factor Bracco Italiano Shih Tzu
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 22 to 26 inches 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 90 pounds 9 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2500 $1820
Price Range $2500 – $2500 $1200 – $2300
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano is 76 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 Bracco Italiano. 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu

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

    • Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shih Tzus adapt well to apartment living.
    • Bracco Italianos are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shih Tzus are good for new dog owners.
    • Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom. However, Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu

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

    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu are very playful.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shih Tzu have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Size Comparison of Bracco Italiano versus Shih Tzu

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

    Bracco Italianos weigh 55 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Bracco Italianos are 22 to 26 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 Bracco Italiano versus Shih Tzu

    The lifespan of Bracco Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bracco Italianos is 12.0 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 Bracco Italianos.

    Price of Bracco Italiano versus Price of Shih Tzu

    The average price of the Bracco Italiano puppy is $2500. The price of the Bracco Italiano typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bracco Italianos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bracco Italianos. 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 Bracco Italiano 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: Bracco Italiano versus Shih Tzu

    Bracco Italianos can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Bracco Italianos shed more than Shih Tzus?

    Bracco Italianos shed moderately.

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bracco Italiano or the Shih Tzu

    Bracco Italianos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bracco Italiano or the Shih Tzu?

    Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Bracco Italiano Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italianos Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bracco Italianos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bracco Italiano vs. Shih Tzu

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italiano or the Shih Tzu?

    Bracco Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bracco Italianos good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italianos and Shih Tzus?

    Bracco Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Bracco Italiano Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?

    Bracco Italianos are fairly easy to train.

    Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Bracco Italiano Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?

    Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Bracco Italianos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.

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