Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Lagotto Romagnolo Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Lagotto Romagnolo Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Lagotto Romagnolo versus Price of Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Lagotto Romagnolo versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shih Tzu
- Do Lagotto Romagnolos shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Lagotto Romagnolo Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Lagotto Romagnolos Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Lagotto Romagnolos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Lagotto Romagnolo vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Lagotto Romagnolos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Lagotto Romagnolos good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Lagotto Romagnolos and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Lagotto Romagnolo Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lagotto Romagnolo
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Lagotto Romagnolo Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo or the Shih Tzu.
Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Lagotto Romagnolo belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
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.
Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Lagotto Romagnolo | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 14 to 17 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 14 to 19 inches | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 24 to 35 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 15.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $5210 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $4994 – $5819 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 75.0 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 101 | 18 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo is 80 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 Lagotto Romagnolo. 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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Shih Tzu
The Lagotto Romagnolo and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Shih Tzu.
Lagotto Romagnolos weigh 24 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Lagotto Romagnolos are 14 to 19 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 Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Lagotto Romagnolos is between 14 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Lagotto Romagnolos is 15.5 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Lagotto Romagnolos live longer than Shih Tzus.
Temperament of the Lagotto Romagnolo Versus the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu has a better temperament than the Lagotto Romagnolo.
This is because the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 percent while the temperament score for the Lagotto Romagnolo is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 4 Lagotto Romagnolos and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Lagotto Romagnolo versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Lagotto Romagnolo puppy is $5210. The price of the Lagotto Romagnolo typically ranges from $4994 – $5819. However, the price of a Lagotto Romagnolo can be as low as $3850 and as high as $6100. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 12 Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.
| Lagotto Romagnolo | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $5210 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $4994 to $5819 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Lagotto Romagnolo and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Lagotto Romagnolo puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Lagotto Romagnolos. 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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo. 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 Lagotto Romagnolo is 101 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Lagotto Romagnolo
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Lagotto Romagnolo Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 114.0 | 20 |
| 2017 | 117.0 | 20 |
| 2018 | 99.0 | 20 |
| 2019 | 90.0 | 20 |
| 2020 | 88.0 | 20 |
| 2013 | no data | 15 |
| 2014 | no data | 17 |
| 2015 | no data | 19 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shih Tzu
Lagotto Romagnolos can be left alone only for a short time.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Lagotto Romagnolos shed more than Shih Tzus?
Lagotto Romagnolos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Shih Tzu
Lagotto Romagnolos do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Shih Tzu?
Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolo Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolos Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Lagotto Romagnolos bark and howl, but not very much.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Lagotto Romagnolos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Lagotto Romagnolos can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Lagotto Romagnolo vs. Shih Tzu
Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolo or the Shih Tzu?
Lagotto Romagnolos get along fairly well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Lagotto Romagnolos good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Lagotto Romagnolos are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Lagotto Romagnolos and Shih Tzus?
Lagotto Romagnolos get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Lagotto Romagnolo Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Lagotto Romagnolos are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Lagotto Romagnolo Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Lagotto Romagnolos do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Shih Tzu?
Lagotto Romagnolos are very good for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lagotto Romagnolo
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo:
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 Lagotto Romagnolo and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Lagotto Romagnolo and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Lagotto Romagnolo Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lagotto Romagnolo versus Cavachon Lagotto Romagnolo versus Catahoula Bulldog Lagotto Romagnolo versus Akita Lagotto Romagnolo versus Samoyed Lagotto Romagnolo versus Belgian Malinois Lagotto Romagnolo versus Xoloitzcuintli Lagotto Romagnolo versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Lagotto Romagnolo versus Miniature Schnauzer Lagotto Romagnolo versus Italian Greyhound Lagotto Romagnolo versus Chow Chow Lagotto Romagnolo versus Miniature Pinscher Lagotto Romagnolo versus Kooikerhondje Lagotto Romagnolo versus American Staffordshire Terrier Lagotto Romagnolo versus Keeshond Lagotto Romagnolo versus Golden Cocker Retriever Lagotto Romagnolo versus Affenpinscher Lagotto Romagnolo versus Kishu Ken Lagotto Romagnolo versus Keeshond Lagotto Romagnolo versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Lagotto Romagnolo versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Lagotto Romagnolo versus Sealyham Terrier Lagotto Romagnolo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Lagotto Romagnolo versus Miniature Pinscher Lagotto Romagnolo versus Gordon Setter Lagotto Romagnolo versus Chihuahua
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Shih Tzu versus Leonberger Shih Tzu versus Norwich Terrier Shih Tzu versus Scottish Terrier Shih Tzu versus Saint Bernard Shih Tzu versus Cavachon Shih Tzu versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Shih Tzu versus Puli Shih Tzu versus Scottish Terrier Shih Tzu versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Shih Tzu versus Cockalier Shih Tzu versus Cesky Terrier Shih Tzu versus Skye Terrier Shih Tzu versus Boxer Shih Tzu versus Kai Ken Shih Tzu versus Irish Setter Shih Tzu versus Border Terrier Shih Tzu versus Norwegian Lundehund Shih Tzu versus Icelandic Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Shih Tzu versus Morkie Shih Tzu versus Siberian Husky Shih Tzu versus Shiranian Shih Tzu versus Sheepadoodle Shih Tzu versus Mal Shi
Conclusion: Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.