Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Dutch Shepherd Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Dutch Shepherd versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Dutch Shepherd versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Dutch Shepherd versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Dutch Shepherd
- Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Adopting the Dutch Shepherd versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Shih Tzu
- Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Dutch Shepherds and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Dutch Shepherd Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Shih Tzu.
Dutch Shepherd versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Dutch Shepherd and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd 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.
Dutch Shepherd versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Dutch Shepherd | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 21 to 25 inches | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 70 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1590 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $900 – $2000 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 96.2 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 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 Dutch Shepherd. 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Shih Tzu
The Dutch Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Shih Tzu.
Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 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 Dutch Shepherd versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherds 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.
Dutch Shepherds live longer than Shih Tzus.
Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd.
| Dutch Shepherd | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1590 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $900 to $2000 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Dutch Shepherd and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Dutch Shepherd puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherd named Doc that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dutch Shepherds like Doc on pefinder.com.
Also, like Dutch Shepherds, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Walter is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Walter that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Gene is the name of another Dutch Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Otis is an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Dutch Shepherds and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Shih Tzu
Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Shih Tzus?
Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Shih Tzu
Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Shih Tzu?
Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Shih Tzu
Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Shih Tzu?
Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds and Shih Tzus?
Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the Shih Tzu?
Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd:
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 Dutch Shepherd and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dutch Shepherd versus Border Collie Dutch Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer Dutch Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz Dutch Shepherd versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Dutch Shepherd versus Mountain Cur Dutch Shepherd versus Lhasapoo Dutch Shepherd versus Saint Bernard Dutch Shepherd versus Standard Schnauzer Dutch Shepherd versus Bich Poo Dutch Shepherd versus Basset Hound Dutch Shepherd versus French Bulldog Dutch Shepherd versus Pomchi Dutch Shepherd versus Chorkie Dutch Shepherd versus Chow Chow Dutch Shepherd versus Alaskan Malamute Dutch Shepherd versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Dutch Shepherd versus Braque du Bourbonnais Dutch Shepherd versus Collie Dutch Shepherd versus Curly-Coated Retriever Dutch Shepherd versus Boston Terrier Dutch Shepherd versus Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd versus Greyhound Dutch Shepherd versus Boykin Spaniel Dutch Shepherd versus Bernedoodle Dutch Shepherd versus Maltipoo
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Bedlington Terrier Shih Tzu versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Belgian Tervuren Shih Tzu versus Black Mouth Cur Shih Tzu versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Shih Tzu versus German Shorthaired Pointer Shih Tzu versus Portuguese Pointer Shih Tzu versus Braque du Bourbonnais Shih Tzu versus Akbash Shih Tzu versus Miniature Schnauzer Shih Tzu versus Dogue de Bordeaux Shih Tzu versus Bich Poo Shih Tzu versus Patterdale Terrier Shih Tzu versus Portuguese Water Dog Shih Tzu versus Basset Hound Shih Tzu versus Clumber Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Bichon Frise Shih Tzu versus Skye Terrier Shih Tzu versus Australian Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Mountain Cur Shih Tzu versus Basset Hound Shih Tzu versus English Cocker Spaniel Shih Tzu versus American Eskimo Dog Shih Tzu versus Valley Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Shiranian
Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.