Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Leonberger Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Leonberger versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Leonberger versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Leonberger versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Leonberger
- Price of Leonberger versus Price of Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Leonberger versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Leonberger versus Shih Tzu
- Do Leonbergers shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Leonberger versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Leonberger Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger or the Shih Tzu.
Leonberger versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Leonberger and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Leonberger is a giant-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Leonberger 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.
Leonberger versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Leonberger | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Weight | 120 to 170 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $870 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $300 – $1150 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 96.0 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 97 | 18 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Leonberger 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 Leonberger is 63 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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Leonberger and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Shih Tzu
The Leonberger and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Leonberger and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Leonberger and the Shih Tzu.
Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 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 Leonberger versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers.
Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Leonberger
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 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 96.0 percent, the Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 25 Leonbergers and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Leonberger versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Leonberger puppy is $870. The price of the Leonberger typically ranges from $300 – $1150. However, the price of a Leonberger can be as low as $300 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Leonberger 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 Leonberger.
| Leonberger | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $870 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $300 to $1150 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Leonberger and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Leonberger puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers. 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger is 97 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Leonberger
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Leonberger Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 98 | 15 |
| 2014 | 104 | 17 |
| 2015 | 93 | 19 |
| 2016 | 95 | 20 |
| 2017 | 100 | 20 |
| 2018 | 93 | 20 |
| 2019 | 95 | 20 |
| 2020 | 98 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Leonberger versus Shih Tzu
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Leonbergers shed more than Shih Tzus?
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Shih Tzu
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Shih Tzu?
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Shih Tzu
Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
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 Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Shih Tzu?
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers and Shih Tzus?
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Leonberger Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Leonberger or the Shih Tzu?
Leonbergers 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 Leonberger
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Leonberger 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 Leonberger:
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 Leonberger and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Leonberger and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Xoloitzcuintli Leonberger versus American Water Spaniel Leonberger versus Pomapoo Leonberger versus Bich Poo Leonberger versus Lakeland Terrier Leonberger versus Chinese Crested Leonberger versus Newfoundland Leonberger versus Silky Terrier Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel Leonberger versus Finnish Lapphund Leonberger versus Pekingese Leonberger versus Shiranian Leonberger versus Pharaoh Hound Leonberger versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Leonberger versus Berger Picard Leonberger versus English Toy Spaniel Leonberger versus Rottweiler Leonberger versus Dalmatian Leonberger versus Plott Leonberger versus Italian Greyhound Leonberger versus Sloughi Leonberger versus Icelandic Sheepdog Leonberger versus Bouvier des Flandres Leonberger versus Dogo Argentino Leonberger versus Mudi
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Pyredoodle Shih Tzu versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Shih Tzu versus German Shorthaired Pointer Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Goldador Shih Tzu versus Standard Poodle Shih Tzu versus American Bulldog Shih Tzu versus English Cocker Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Saint Berdoodle Shih Tzu versus French Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Estrela Mountain Dog Shih Tzu versus King Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Chinese Shar-Pei Shih Tzu versus Dogue de Bordeaux Shih Tzu versus Flat-Coated Retriever Shih Tzu versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Shih Tzu versus Brittany Shih Tzu versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Shih Tzu versus Vizsla Shih Tzu versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Shih Tzu versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Shih Tzu versus Pomapoo Shih Tzu versus American Eskimo Dog Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Shih Tzu versus Chorkie
Conclusion: Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.