Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Adopting the Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Shih Tzu.
Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a large-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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.
Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Catahoula Leopard Dog | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 90 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $650 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $400 – $800 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 78.6 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shih Tzu
The Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shih Tzu.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs.
Temperament of the Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus the Shih Tzu
The Catahoula Leopard Dog has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy is $650. The price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog typically ranges from $400 – $800. However, the price of a Catahoula Leopard Dog can be as low as $100 and as high as $1650. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 247 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog.
| Catahoula Leopard Dog | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $650 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $400 to $800 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Catahoula Leopard Dog and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog named Maverick that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Catahoula Leopard Dogs like Maverick on pefinder.com.
Also, like Catahoula Leopard Dogs, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Dog is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Dog that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Jasper is the name of another Catahoula Leopard Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Chewy is an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shih Tzu
Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Shih Tzu
Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. Shih Tzu
Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Shih Tzus?
Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Sealyham Terrier Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Komondor Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Labrador Retriever Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Leonberger Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Australian Kelpie Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Skye Terrier Catahoula Leopard Dog versus German Shepherd Dog Catahoula Leopard Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Lowchen Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Keeshond Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Finnish Spitz Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Skye Terrier Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chinese Crested Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shihpoo Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chinese Shar-Pei Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Bernedoodle Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Harrier Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Dutch Shepherd Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Valley Bulldog Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Schipperke Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Schipperke Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Boykin Spaniel
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Shih Tzu versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Shih Tzu versus Japanese Chin Shih Tzu versus Shiloh Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Shih Tzu versus Lowchen Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano Shih Tzu versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Shih Tzu versus Boerboel Shih Tzu versus Chinese Shar-Pei Shih Tzu versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Shih Tzu versus Mal Shi Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Brussels Griffon Shih Tzu versus Jack Russell Terrier Shih Tzu versus Scottish Terrier Shih Tzu versus Afghan Hound Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Golden Cocker Retriever Shih Tzu versus Harrier Shih Tzu versus Valley Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Havanese Shih Tzu versus Black Mouth Cur Shih Tzu versus Jack Russell Terrier
Conclusion: Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.