Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Komondor Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Komondor versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Komondor versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Komondor and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Komondor versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Komondor
- Price of Komondor versus Price of Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Komondor versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Komondor versus Shih Tzu
- Do Komondors shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Komondor or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Komondor Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Komondor or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Komondors and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Komondor
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Komondor versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Komondor Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Komondor 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 Komondor 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 Komondor and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Komondor 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 Komondor 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 Komondor 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 Komondor or the Shih Tzu.
Komondor versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Komondor and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Komondor is a large-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Komondor belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
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.
Komondor versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Komondor | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 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 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 80 to 100 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $840 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $550 – $800 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 90.0 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 170 | 18 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Komondor 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 Komondor is 70 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 Komondor. 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 Komondor 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 Komondor and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Komondor and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Shih Tzu
The Komondor and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Komondor and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Komondor and the Shih Tzu.
Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 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 Komondor versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors is 11.0 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 Komondors.
Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Komondor
The Komondor has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 10 Komondors and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Komondor versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Komondor puppy is $840. The price of the Komondor typically ranges from $550 – $800. However, the price of a Komondor can be as low as $500 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Komondor 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 Komondor.
| Komondor | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $840 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $550 to $800 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Komondor and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Komondor puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. 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 Komondor 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.
The Popularity of Komondor 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 Komondor 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 Komondor. 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 Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Komondor
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Komondor Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 159 | 15 |
| 2014 | 168 | 17 |
| 2015 | 163 | 19 |
| 2016 | 177 | 20 |
| 2017 | 163 | 20 |
| 2018 | 173 | 20 |
| 2019 | 181 | 20 |
| 2020 | 178 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Komondor versus Shih Tzu
Komondors do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Komondors shed more than Shih Tzus?
Komondors shed moderately.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Shih Tzu
Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Komondor or the Shih Tzu?
Komondors 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.
Does the Komondor Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Komondors 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 Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Komondors 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 Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Shih Tzu
Komondors have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Komondors 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 Komondor or the Shih Tzu?
Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Komondors 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 Komondors and Shih Tzus?
Komondors get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Komondors are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Komondor Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Komondor or the Shih Tzu?
Komondors 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 Komondor
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Komondor 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 Komondor:
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 Komondor and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Komondor and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds
Komondor versus Catahoula Bulldog Komondor versus Beaglier Komondor versus Border Terrier Komondor versus American Hairless Terrier Komondor versus Braque du Bourbonnais Komondor versus Akita Chow Komondor versus Papipoo Komondor versus Pomeranian Komondor versus Bich Poo Komondor versus Golden Retriever Komondor versus Belgian Tervuren Komondor versus Beaglier Komondor versus Curly-Coated Retriever Komondor versus French Spaniel Komondor versus Boxer Komondor versus Chinese Crested Komondor versus Pomchi Komondor versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Komondor versus Mal Shi Komondor versus Saluki Komondor versus Kuvasz Komondor versus Brussels Griffon Komondor versus Estrela Mountain Dog Komondor versus Bearded Collie Komondor versus Spanish Mastiff
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Cesky Terrier Shih Tzu versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Shih Tzu versus Sloughi Shih Tzu versus Irish Setter Shih Tzu versus Irish Terrier Shih Tzu versus Coton de Tulear Shih Tzu versus Bloodhound Shih Tzu versus German Pinscher Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Shih Tzu versus Boxerdoodle Shih Tzu versus Boerboel Shih Tzu versus Carolina Dog Shih Tzu versus Bich Poo Shih Tzu versus Silky Terrier Shih Tzu versus Pug Shih Tzu versus Welsh Terrier Shih Tzu versus Basset Hound Shih Tzu versus Bouvier des Flandres Shih Tzu versus Hovawart Shih Tzu versus American Staffordshire Terrier Shih Tzu versus Coton de Tulear Shih Tzu versus Miniature Poodle Shih Tzu versus Border Terrier Shih Tzu versus Cairn Terrier
Conclusion: Komondor 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 Komondor and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.