Differences and Similarities between the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu.

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Glen of Imaal Terrier Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Shih Tzu.

Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Shih Tzu

Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Overview

Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu are similar in size. The Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Glen of Imaal Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu

Factor Glen of Imaal Terrier Shih Tzu
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Weight Up to 35 pounds 9 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2300
Average Price No Data $1820
Temperament Score 66.7 percent 77.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • CONE ROD DYSTROPHY
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Must have an eye examination performed by an AVCO opthalmologist (or equivalent in foreign countries) beginning at 2 years of age and repeated every 2 years until age 8
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 168 18

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier is 83 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier. 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu

    Below is a list of where the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu are most different:

  • Glen of Imaal Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shih Tzus are good for new dog owners.
  • Glen of Imaal Terriers can tolerate hot weather. However, Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu

    The Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu are most similar:

  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu are very easy to train.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu are very playful.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Shih Tzu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers weigh Up to 35 pounds when fully grown. Glen of Imaal Terriers are 12 to 14 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.

    Lifespan of Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Shih Tzu

    The lifespan of Glen of Imaal Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Glen of Imaal Terriers 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.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers live longer than Shih Tzus.

    Temperament of the Glen of Imaal Terrier Versus the Shih Tzu

    The Shih Tzu has a better temperament than the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 percent while the temperament score for the Glen of Imaal Terrier is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Glen of Imaal Terrier has a below-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 Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 3 Glen of Imaal Terriers and 49 Shih Tzus.

    Adopting the Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Adopting the Shih Tzu

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Glen of Imaal Terriers 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier named Rupert that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Glen of Imaal Terriers like Rupert on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Glen of Imaal Terriers, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Max is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Max that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Willie is an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Glen of Imaal Terriers and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Popularity of Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier. 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Popularity of Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Popularity of Shih Tzu

    Popularity of Shih Tzu

    Year Glen of Imaal Terrier Popularity Rank Shih Tzu Popularity Rank
    2013 167 15
    2014 162 17
    2015 168 19
    2016 180 20
    2017 158 20
    2018 174 20
    2019 168 20
    2020 169 20

    Tolerates Being Alone: Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Shih Tzu

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Glen of Imaal Terriers shed more than Shih Tzus?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Shih Tzu

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Shih Tzu?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Glen of Imaal Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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.

    Do Glen of Imaal Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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.

    Can Glen of Imaal Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Glen of Imaal Terrier vs. Shih Tzu

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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 Glen of Imaal Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Shih Tzu?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Glen of Imaal Terriers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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 Glen of Imaal Terriers and Shih Tzus?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to train.

    Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Shih Tzu?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier:

  • Australian Terrier (79 percent match with Glen of Imaal Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Australian Terrier.
  • Silky Terrier (79 percent match with Glen of Imaal Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Silky Terrier.
  • 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Glen of Imaal Terrier and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Glen of Imaal Terrier and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:

    Glen of Imaal Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Whippet     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Bracco Italiano     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Rottweiler     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Boxerdoodle     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Cairn Terrier     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Bracco Italiano     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Shiranian     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     

    Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shih Tzu versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano     Shih Tzu versus Bedlington Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Scottish Deerhound     Shih Tzu versus French Bulldog     Shih Tzu versus Portuguese Pointer     Shih Tzu versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Shih Tzu versus English Springer Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Japanese Chin     Shih Tzu versus Japanese Chin     Shih Tzu versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Shih Tzu versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shih Tzu versus Spanish Mastiff     Shih Tzu versus Miniature Pinscher     Shih Tzu versus Black Mouth Cur     Shih Tzu versus Saluki     Shih Tzu versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shih Tzu versus Beagle     Shih Tzu versus Redbone Coonhound     Shih Tzu versus Stabyhoun     Shih Tzu versus Cesky Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Basset Hound     Shih Tzu versus Bolognese     Shih Tzu versus Maltipoo     

    Conclusion: Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.