Differences and Similarities between the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu.

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King Shepherd Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the King 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 King 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 King 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 King Shepherd or the Shih Tzu.

King Shepherd versus Shih Tzu

King Shepherd versus Shih Tzu: Overview

A very important difference between the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The King Shepherd is a giant-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the King Shepherd belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

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.

King Shepherd versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the King 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 King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu

Factor King Shepherd Shih Tzu
Life Span 10 to 11 years 10 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 25 to 31 inches 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 150 pounds 9 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1560 $1820
Price Range $700 – $2500 $1200 – $2300
Temperament Score 100.0 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 King 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 King Shepherd is 84 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 King 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 King 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 King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu

Below is a list of where the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are most different:

  • King Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shih Tzus are good for new dog owners.
  • King Shepherds can tolerate hot weather. However, Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool. However, Shih Tzus do not have the tendency to drool.
  • King Shepherds are very easy to groom. However, Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu

    The King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are most similar:

  • Both the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are very easy to train.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are very playful.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of King Shepherd versus Shih Tzu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu.

    King Shepherds weigh 75 to 150 pounds when fully grown. King Shepherds are 25 to 31 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 King Shepherd versus Shih Tzu

    The lifespan of King Shepherds is between 10 to 11 years . The average lifespan of King Shepherds is 10.5 years.

    The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.

    Shih Tzus live longer than King Shepherds.

    Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the King Shepherd

    The King Shepherd has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.

    This is because the temperament score for the King Shepherd is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the King 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 King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 1 King Shepherds and 49 Shih Tzus.

    Price of King Shepherd versus Price of Shih Tzu

    The average price of the King Shepherd puppy is $1560. The price of the King Shepherd typically ranges from $700 – $2500. However, the price of a King Shepherd can be as low as $150 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 34 King 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 King Shepherd.

    King Shepherd Shih Tzu
    Average Price $1560 $1820
    Price Range $700 to $2500 $1200 to $2300

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

    A breakdown of the prices of King Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of King Shepherds. 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 King 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: King Shepherd versus Shih Tzu

    King Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do King Shepherds shed more than Shih Tzus?

    King Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the King Shepherd or the Shih Tzu

    King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the King Shepherd or the Shih Tzu?

    King Shepherds are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the King Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?

    King Shepherds 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.

    Do King Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?

    King 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 King Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    King Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: King Shepherd vs. Shih Tzu

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    King 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 King Shepherd or the Shih Tzu?

    King Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

    Are King Shepherds good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?

    King 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 King Shepherds and Shih Tzus?

    King Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the King Shepherd Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?

    King Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

    Is the King Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?

    King Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the King Shepherd or the Shih Tzu?

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the King 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 King Shepherd:

  • Chinook (75 percent match with King Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Chinook.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (75 percent match with King Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Shiloh 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:

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

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

    King Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    King Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     King Shepherd versus Puli     King Shepherd versus English Toy Spaniel     King Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier     King Shepherd versus Mountain Cur     King Shepherd versus Standard Schnauzer     King Shepherd versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     King Shepherd versus Kerry Blue Terrier     King Shepherd versus Akita Chow     King Shepherd versus American Foxhound     King Shepherd versus Cocker Spaniel     King Shepherd versus French Spaniel     King Shepherd versus Boxer     King Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli     King Shepherd versus Pomeranian     King Shepherd versus Pomeranian     King Shepherd versus Saint Bernard     King Shepherd versus Akita Chow     King Shepherd versus Keeshond     King Shepherd versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     King Shepherd versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     King Shepherd versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     King Shepherd versus American Bulldog     King Shepherd versus Mastiff     King Shepherd versus Akita     

    Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shih Tzu versus Irish Water Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Scottish Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shih Tzu versus Barbet     Shih Tzu versus Akbash     Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo     Shih Tzu versus Beagle     Shih Tzu versus Boykin Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Black Mouth Cur     Shih Tzu versus Leonberger     Shih Tzu versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shih Tzu versus Lakeland Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Shih Tzu versus Norwegian Buhund     Shih Tzu versus Fila Brasileiro     Shih Tzu versus Field Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Irish Setter     Shih Tzu versus Newfoundland     Shih Tzu versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Chi-Poo     Shih Tzu versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shih Tzu versus Pomapoo     Shih Tzu versus Azawakh     Shih Tzu versus Irish Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Sloughi     

    Conclusion: King 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 King Shepherd and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.