Which is Better between the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu? A Very Detailed Review.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Shih Tzu

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Entlebucher Mountain Dog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Entlebucher Mountain Dog 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 Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog or the Shih Tzu

Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Shih Tzu

Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Shih Tzu: Overview

A very important difference between the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Entlebucher Mountain 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.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Entlebucher Mountain 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.

Factor Entlebucher Mountain Dog Shih Tzu
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 10 to 16 years
Height 16 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Dog 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
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Weight 45 to 65 pounds 9 to 16 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2020 $1820
Price Range $920 – $2500 $1200 – $2300
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 157 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 Entlebucher Mountain 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 a Entlebucher Mountain Dog is 72 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 Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Shih Tzu

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu

    Below is a list of where the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu are most different:

  • Entlebucher Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shih Tzus adapt well to apartment living.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shih Tzus are good for new dog owners.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shih Tzus are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom. However, Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dogs have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Shih Tzus have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dogs require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shih Tzus have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu

    The Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu are most similar:

  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Shih Tzu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu.

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are 16 to 20 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.

    Price of Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Price of Shih Tzu

    The average price of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog puppy is $2020. The price of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog typically ranges from $920 – $2500. However, the price of a Entlebucher Mountain Dog can be as low as $890 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 11 Entlebucher Mountain 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 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.

    Entlebucher Mountain Dog Shih Tzu
    Average Price $2020 $1820
    Price Range $920 to $2500 $1200 to $2300

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Entlebucher Mountain Dog puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Entlebucher Mountain Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Entlebucher Mountain Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shih Tzus

    A breakdown of the prices of Shih Tzus

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Entlebucher Mountain 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 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.

    Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Shih Tzu

    The Popularity of Entlebucher Mountain Dog 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog. 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog is 157 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Popularity of Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Popularity of Shih Tzu

    Popularity of Shih Tzu

    Year Entlebucher Mountain Dog Popularity Rank Shih Tzu Popularity Rank
    2013 155 15
    2014 153 17
    2015 159 19
    2016 161 20
    2017 152 20
    2018 157 20
    2019 167 20
    2020 152 20

    Is the Entlebucher Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which one drools more, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog or the Shih Tzu

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog or the Shih Tzu?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.

    Can Entlebucher Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Entlebucher Mountain 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Shih Tzu

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog or the Shih Tzu?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Entlebucher Mountain Dogs shed more than Shih Tzus?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs shed moderately.

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

    Is the Entlebucher Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are fairly easy to train.

    Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs. Shih Tzu

    Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Does the Entlebucher Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?

    Entlebucher Mountain 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.

    Are Entlebucher Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?

    Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dogs and Shih Tzus?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog or the Shih Tzu?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Do Entlebucher Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog:

  • Black Mouth Cur (81 percent match with Entlebucher Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (80 percent match with Entlebucher Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • 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:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (79 percent match with Shih Tzu). Here is our comparison of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:

    Entlebucher Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Cockapoo     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Bracco Italiano     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Standard Poodle     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Pomeranian     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Entlebucher Mountain Dog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     

    Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shih Tzu versus Puggle     Shih Tzu versus Standard Schnauzer     Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Chihuahua     Shih Tzu versus Valley Bulldog     Shih Tzu versus Kishu Ken     Shih Tzu versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shih Tzu versus Pomeranian     Shih Tzu versus Finnish Spitz     

    Conclusion: Entlebucher Mountain 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.