Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Better than the Shih Tzu as a Pet? Answer…

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Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Estrela 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 Estrela 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 Estrela 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 Estrela Mountain Dog or the Shih Tzu

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shih Tzu: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Estrela 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.

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Estrela 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 Estrela Mountain Dog Shih Tzu
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 130 pounds 9 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2000 $1820
Price Range $2000 – $2000 $1200 – $2300
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    *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 Estrela 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 Estrela Mountain Dog is 85 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 Estrela 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 Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu

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

  • Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shih Tzus adapt well to apartment living.
  • Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Shih Tzus have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Estrela Mountain Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shih Tzus are very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu

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

  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu are very easy to train.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shih Tzu

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs weigh 75 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Estrela Mountain Dogs are 24 to 30 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.

    Price of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Price of Shih Tzu

    The average price of the Estrela Mountain Dog puppy is $2000. The price of the Estrela Mountain Dog typically ranges from $2000 – $2000. However, the price of a Estrela Mountain Dog can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Estrela 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 Estrela Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Shih Tzu
    Average Price $2000 $1820
    Price Range $2000 to $2000 $1200 to $2300

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Estrela 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 Estrela 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.

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Estrela Mountain 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Estrela Mountain Dog vs. Shih Tzu

    Estrela Mountain 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.

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

    Estrela Mountain 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.

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shih Tzu

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

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

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

    Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog or the Shih Tzu?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Do Estrela Mountain Dogs shed more than Shih Tzus?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

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

    Estrela 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 Estrela Mountain Dogs and Shih Tzus?

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

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog

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

  • Akbash (81 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Akbash.
  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Pyrenean Mastiff.
  • 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 Estrela Mountain Dog vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Estrela Mountain Dog versus Kuvasz     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Puggle     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Boxerdoodle     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Sealyham Terrier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Mal Shi     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Afador     

    Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shih Tzu versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shih Tzu versus Schnoodle     Shih Tzu versus Newfoundland     Shih Tzu versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Shih Tzu versus Aussiedoodle     Shih Tzu versus Coton de Tulear     Shih Tzu versus Borzoi     Shih Tzu versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Collie     Shih Tzu versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     

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