Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cane Corso Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Cane Corso versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Cane Corso versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cane Corso versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Cane Corso versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Cane Corso
- Price of Cane Corso versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Adopting the Cane Corso versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Cane Corso versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cane Corso versus Shih Tzu
- Do Cane Corsos shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Cane Corso or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cane Corso or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Cane Corso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Cane Corsos Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cane Corso vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cane Corso or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Cane Corsos good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Cane Corsos and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Cane Corso Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cane Corso
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cane Corso versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cane Corso Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso or the Shih Tzu.
Cane Corso versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cane Corso is a large-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Cane Corso belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
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.
Cane Corso versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Cane Corso | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 90 to 120 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2020 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 88.1 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 37 | 18 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso is 68 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 Cane Corso. 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 Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu
The Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cane Corso versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu.
Cane Corsos weigh 90 to 120 pounds when fully grown. Cane Corsos are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 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 Cane Corso versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Cane Corsos is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corsos.
Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Cane Corso is 88.1 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 88.1 percent, the Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 235 Cane Corsos and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Cane Corso versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Cane Corso puppy is $2020. The price of the Cane Corso typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Cane Corso can be as low as $200 and as high as $7000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 751 Cane Corso 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. However, the price of the Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Cane Corso is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.
| Cane Corso | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2020 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2500 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Cane Corso and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Cane Corso puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Cane Corsos. 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 Cane Corso 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.
Adopting the Cane Corso versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cane Corsos and many Shih Tzus are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Cane Corso named Dozier that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cane Corsos like Dozier on pefinder.com.
Also, like Cane Corsos, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Louie is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Louie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Exodus is the name of another Cane Corso (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Dog is an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Cane Corsos and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Cane Corso versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shih Tzu is more popular with dog owners than the Cane Corso. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shih Tzu is 18 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Cane Corso is 37 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Cane Corso
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Cane Corso Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 50 | 15 |
| 2014 | 48 | 17 |
| 2015 | 35 | 19 |
| 2016 | 40 | 20 |
| 2017 | 37 | 20 |
| 2018 | 32 | 20 |
| 2019 | 30 | 20 |
| 2020 | 25 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Cane Corso versus Shih Tzu
Cane Corsos do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Cane Corsos shed more than Shih Tzus?
Cane Corsos shed moderately.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Cane Corso or the Shih Tzu
Cane Corsos have a very high tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cane Corso or the Shih Tzu?
Cane Corsos are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Cane Corso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corsos Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Cane Corsos bark and howl, but not very much.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cane Corsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cane Corso vs. Shih Tzu
Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corso or the Shih Tzu?
Cane Corsos get along fairly well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Cane Corsos good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corsos and Shih Tzus?
Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corso Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Cane Corsos are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Cane Corso Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Cane Corsos do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cane Corso or the Shih Tzu?
Cane Corsos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cane Corso
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cane Corso that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cane Corso:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cane Corso and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cane Corso and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Cane Corso Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cane Corso versus Shiranian Cane Corso versus Maltipoo Cane Corso versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Cane Corso versus American Eskimo Dog Cane Corso versus Lakeland Terrier Cane Corso versus Spanish Mastiff Cane Corso versus Harrier Cane Corso versus Stabyhoun Cane Corso versus Cocker Spaniel Cane Corso versus Maltese Cane Corso versus Patterdale Terrier Cane Corso versus Braque du Bourbonnais Cane Corso versus Border Collie Cane Corso versus Toy Fox Terrier Cane Corso versus Plott Cane Corso versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Cane Corso versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Cane Corso versus Leonberger Cane Corso versus Australian Shepherd Cane Corso versus Gordon Setter Cane Corso versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Cane Corso versus Maremma Sheepdog Cane Corso versus Jack Russell Terrier Cane Corso versus Irish Setter Cane Corso versus Giant Schnauzer
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Irish Setter Shih Tzu versus Estrela Mountain Dog Shih Tzu versus Airedale Terrier Shih Tzu versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Pekingese Shih Tzu versus Maltese Shih Tzu versus Sussex Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Bich Poo Shih Tzu versus Karelian Bear Dog Shih Tzu versus Boykin Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Pharaoh Hound Shih Tzu versus Neapolitan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Bracco Italiano Shih Tzu versus Skye Terrier Shih Tzu versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shih Tzu versus Boston Terrier Shih Tzu versus Valley Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Schipperke Shih Tzu versus Airedale Terrier Shih Tzu versus Canaan Dog Shih Tzu versus Belgian Tervuren Shih Tzu versus Alaskan Klee Kai Shih Tzu versus Cavachon Shih Tzu versus Affenpinscher Shih Tzu versus Boykin Spaniel
Conclusion: Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.