Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Labradoodle Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Labradoodle versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Labradoodle versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Labradoodle and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Labradoodle and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Labradoodle versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Labradoodle versus Shih Tzu
- Price of Labradoodle versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Adopting the Labradoodle versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Labradoodle versus Shih Tzu
- Do Labradoodles shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Labradoodle or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Labradoodle or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Labradoodle Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Labradoodles Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Labradoodles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Labradoodle vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Labradoodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Labradoodle or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Labradoodles good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Labradoodles and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Labradoodle Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labradoodle
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Labradoodle versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Labradoodle Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle or the Shih Tzu.
Labradoodle versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Labradoodle and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Labradoodle is a large-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Labradoodle 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.
Labradoodle versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Labradoodle | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 65 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1640 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | $1200 – $2300 |
| 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 Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle is 94 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Labradoodle is a better pet than the Shih Tzu. So, you should get the Labradoodle!
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 Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Labradoodle and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Labradoodle and the Shih Tzu
The Labradoodle and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Labradoodle and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Labradoodle versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Labradoodle and the Shih Tzu.
Labradoodles weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Labradoodles are 21 to 24 inches 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 Labradoodle versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Labradoodles is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Labradoodles is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Price of Labradoodle versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Labradoodle puppy is $1640. The price of the Labradoodle typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Labradoodle can be as low as $250 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2360 Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle.
| Labradoodle | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1640 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $2000 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Labradoodle and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Labradoodle puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Labradoodles. 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 Labradoodle 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.
Adopting the Labradoodle versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Labradoodles 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 Labradoodle named Sterling that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Labradoodles like Sterling on pefinder.com.
Also, like Labradoodles, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Ricky is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Ricky that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Ny-Pluto Adopted! is the name of another Labradoodle (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Tobie is an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Labradoodles and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Labradoodle versus Shih Tzu
Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Labradoodles shed more than Shih Tzus?
Labradoodles shed moderately.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Labradoodle or the Shih Tzu
Labradoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Labradoodle or the Shih Tzu?
Labradoodles are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Labradoodle Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Labradoodles 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 Labradoodles Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Labradoodles 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 Labradoodles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Labradoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Labradoodle vs. Shih Tzu
Labradoodles 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 Labradoodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Labradoodles 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 Labradoodle or the Shih Tzu?
Labradoodles get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Labradoodles good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Labradoodles 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 Labradoodles and Shih Tzus?
Labradoodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Labradoodle Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Labradoodles are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Labradoodle Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Labradoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Labradoodle or the Shih Tzu?
Labradoodles are very good for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labradoodle
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle:
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 Labradoodle and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Labradoodle and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Labradoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds
Labradoodle versus Puli Labradoodle versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Labradoodle versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Labradoodle versus Patterdale Terrier Labradoodle versus Australian Kelpie Labradoodle versus Chinese Crested Labradoodle versus German Shorthaired Pointer Labradoodle versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Labradoodle versus Lagotto Romagnolo Labradoodle versus Mal Shi Labradoodle versus Dutch Shepherd Labradoodle versus Goldador Labradoodle versus Curly-Coated Retriever Labradoodle versus Mastiff Labradoodle versus Finnish Spitz Labradoodle versus Belgian Malinois Labradoodle versus Goldador Labradoodle versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Labradoodle versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Labradoodle versus Affenhuahua Labradoodle versus Cane Corso Labradoodle versus Portuguese Water Dog Labradoodle versus Bich Poo Labradoodle versus Pyrenean Shepherd Labradoodle versus Plott
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Papillon Shih Tzu versus Norwich Terrier Shih Tzu versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Shih Tzu versus Alaskan Klee Kai Shih Tzu versus Bull Terrier Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund Shih Tzu versus Toy Poodle Shih Tzu versus American Pit Bull Terrier Shih Tzu versus Borzoi Shih Tzu versus Saluki Shih Tzu versus Whippet Shih Tzu versus Norwich Terrier Shih Tzu versus Portuguese Water Dog Shih Tzu versus Afghan Hound Shih Tzu versus Ibizan Hound Shih Tzu versus Japanese Chin Shih Tzu versus Yorkipoo Shih Tzu versus Carolina Dog Shih Tzu versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Shih Tzu versus Bluetick Coonhound Shih Tzu versus Kerry Blue Terrier Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Xoloitzcuintli Shih Tzu versus Rottweiler
Conclusion: Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.