Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Adopting the Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Shih Tzu.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Caucasian Shepherd Dog | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 24 to 34 inches | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 80 to 220 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2110 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 85.0 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 69 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Shih Tzu
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Shih Tzu.
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 34 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.
Temperament of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus the Shih Tzu
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 85.0 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 85.0 percent, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 20 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy is $2110. The price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog can be as low as $1000 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 56 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.
| Caucasian Shepherd Dog | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2110 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2500 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog named Arkansas, Little Rock; “Aslan” that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Caucasian Shepherd Dogs like Arkansas, Little Rock; “Aslan” on pefinder.com.
Also, like Caucasian Shepherd 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.
Kodiak is the name of another Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Shih Tzu
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs. Shih Tzu
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Shih Tzus?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Siberian Husky Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Berger Picard Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Bulldog Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Kooikerhondje Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Cane Corso Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Cairn Terrier Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Australian Shepherd Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Affenhuahua Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Australian Terrier Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Pekingese Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Keeshond Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Redbone Coonhound Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shiranian Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Clumber Spaniel Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Papipoo Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shiba Inu Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Kai Ken Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Akita Chow Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Catahoula Bulldog Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Setter Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Gordon Setter
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus German Shorthaired Pointer Shih Tzu versus Siberian Husky Shih Tzu versus Sussex Spaniel Shih Tzu versus English Toy Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Whoodle Shih Tzu versus Sheepadoodle Shih Tzu versus Chorkie Shih Tzu versus Hovawart Shih Tzu versus Karelian Bear Dog Shih Tzu versus Yorkshire Terrier Shih Tzu versus Chow Chow Shih Tzu versus American Hairless Terrier Shih Tzu versus German Pinscher Shih Tzu versus Neapolitan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Bloodhound Shih Tzu versus Icelandic Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Akita Chow Shih Tzu versus Pomsky Shih Tzu versus Welsh Terrier Shih Tzu versus Belgian Tervuren Shih Tzu versus Japanese Spitz Shih Tzu versus Silky Terrier Shih Tzu versus Bich Poo Shih Tzu versus Neapolitan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Irish Setter
Conclusion: Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.