Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Carolina Dog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Carolina Dog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Carolina Dog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Carolina Dog and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Carolina Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Carolina Dog
- Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Adopting the Carolina Dog versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Carolina Dog or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Carolina Dog or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Carolina Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Carolina Dog versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Carolina Dog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog or the Shih Tzu.
Carolina Dog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Carolina Dog and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Carolina Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Carolina Dog 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.
Carolina Dog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Carolina Dog | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 33 to 55 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $500 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $500 – $500 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 66.7 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog is 73 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 Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Carolina Dog and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Shih Tzu
The Carolina Dog and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Carolina Dog and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Carolina Dog and the Shih Tzu.
Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches 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 Carolina Dog versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina Dogs 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.
Carolina Dogs live longer than Shih Tzus.
Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Carolina Dog
The Shih Tzu has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog has a below-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 Carolina Dog and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 3 Carolina Dogs and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of a Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina Dog 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 Shih Tzu is more expensive than the Carolina Dog.
| Carolina Dog | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $500 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $500 to $500 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Carolina Dog and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Carolina Dog puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog named A1135456 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Carolina Dogs like A1135456 on pefinder.com.
Also, like Carolina Dogs, 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.
Ricky is the name of another Carolina Dog (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 Carolina Dogs and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Shih Tzu
Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
Carolina Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Carolina Dog or the Shih Tzu
Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Shih Tzu
Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
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Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Shih Tzus?
Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Carolina Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog:
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 Carolina Dog and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Carolina Dog and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Carolina Dog versus Dachshund Carolina Dog versus Pekingese Carolina Dog versus Pomapoo Carolina Dog versus English Toy Spaniel Carolina Dog versus Shiba Inu Carolina Dog versus Miniature Pinscher Carolina Dog versus Kishu Ken Carolina Dog versus Labrador Retriever Carolina Dog versus Whoodle Carolina Dog versus English Toy Spaniel Carolina Dog versus French Spaniel Carolina Dog versus Whippet Carolina Dog versus Tibetan Spaniel Carolina Dog versus Shih Tzu Carolina Dog versus American Bulldog Carolina Dog versus Cavachon Carolina Dog versus Maltese Carolina Dog versus Dogo Argentino Carolina Dog versus Field Spaniel Carolina Dog versus Affenpinscher Carolina Dog versus English Setter Carolina Dog versus Basset Hound Carolina Dog versus Saint Bernard Carolina Dog versus Kerry Blue Terrier Carolina Dog versus Bluetick Coonhound
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Belgian Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus American Foxhound Shih Tzu versus Miniature Poodle Shih Tzu versus American Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Miniature Schnauzer Shih Tzu versus Shichon Shih Tzu versus Neapolitan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Finnish Spitz Shih Tzu versus German Pinscher Shih Tzu versus Keeshond Shih Tzu versus German Shepherd Dog Shih Tzu versus Bearded Collie Shih Tzu versus Pekingese Shih Tzu versus Icelandic Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Peek A Poo Shih Tzu versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Shih Tzu versus Australian Terrier Shih Tzu versus German Pinscher Shih Tzu versus Irish Wolfhound Shih Tzu versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Shih Tzu versus Alaskan Malamute Shih Tzu versus Briard Shih Tzu versus Airedale Terrier Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Conclusion: Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.