Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Dogo Argentino Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Dogo Argentino versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Dogo Argentino versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dogo Argentino and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Dogo Argentino
- Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Adopting the Dogo Argentino versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Dogo Argentino versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Shih Tzu
- Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Shih Tzus?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Shih Tzu?
- Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Shih Tzu
- Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Shih Tzu?
- Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Shih Tzu
- Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Dogo Argentino versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Dogo Argentino Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dogo Argentino and the Shih Tzu? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the Shih Tzu
Dogo Argentino versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Dogo Argentino and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dogo Argentino is a large-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Dogo Argentino 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.
Dogo Argentino versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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.
| Factor | Dogo Argentino | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 23 to 27 inches | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 80 to 100 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Life Span | 9 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2510 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 89.5 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 93 | 18 |
*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dogo Argentino 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 a Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Shih Tzu
The Dogo Argentino and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dogo Argentino and the Shih Tzu.
Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 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.
Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Dogo Argentino is 89.5 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 they 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 89.5 percent, the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 19 Dogo Argentinos and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino 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 a 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 Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.
| Dogo Argentino | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2510 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2500 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Dogo Argentino and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Dogo Argentino puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the Dogo Argentino versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentino named Willie that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dogo Argentinos like Willie on pefinder.com.
Also, like Dogo Argentinos, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Cream Puff is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Cream Puff that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Max is the name of another Dogo Argentino (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also Mickey, an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Dogo Argentinos and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Dogo Argentino
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Dogo Argentino Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 93.0 | 20 |
| 2013 | no data | 15 |
| 2014 | no data | 17 |
| 2015 | no data | 19 |
| 2016 | no data | 20 |
| 2017 | no data | 20 |
| 2018 | no data | 20 |
| 2019 | no data | 20 |
Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dogo Argentino or the Shih Tzu?
Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Shih Tzus?
Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Shih Tzu
Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Shih Tzus?
Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Shih Tzu?
Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Dogo Argentinos 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.
Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Shih Tzu
Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Shih Tzu?
Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Shih Tzu
Dogo Argentinos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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.
Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Dogo Argentinos 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.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino:
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 Dogo Argentino and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dogo Argentino and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dogo Argentino versus Chinook Dogo Argentino versus Tibetan Terrier Dogo Argentino versus Bulldog Dogo Argentino versus Vizsla Dogo Argentino versus Bulldog Dogo Argentino versus Tibetan Terrier Dogo Argentino versus German Shorthaired Pointer Dogo Argentino versus Basenji Dogo Argentino versus Korean Jindo Dog Dogo Argentino versus Pomsky
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Harrier Shih Tzu versus English Setter Shih Tzu versus Keeshond Shih Tzu versus Kerry Blue Terrier Shih Tzu versus Shiloh Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Puli Shih Tzu versus Black Mouth Cur Shih Tzu versus Miniature Poodle Shih Tzu versus German Shepherd Dog Shih Tzu versus Bulldog
Conclusion: Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.