Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Patterdale Terrier Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Patterdale Terrier and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Patterdale Terrier and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Patterdale Terrier versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Do Patterdale Terriers shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Patterdale Terrier or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Patterdale Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Patterdale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Patterdale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Patterdale Terrier vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Patterdale Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Patterdale Terriers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Patterdale Terriers and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Patterdale Terrier Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Patterdale Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Patterdale Terrier Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier or the Shih Tzu.
Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Patterdale Terrier and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Patterdale Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Patterdale Terrier | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 13 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Life Span | 11 to 14 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 12 to 15 inches | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 12.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $680 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $550 – $950 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 80.0 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Patterdale Terrier and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Patterdale Terrier and the Shih Tzu
The Patterdale Terrier and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Patterdale Terrier and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Patterdale Terrier and the Shih Tzu.
Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 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 Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 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 Patterdale Terriers.
Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier Versus the Shih Tzu
The Patterdale Terrier has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 5 Patterdale Terriers and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Patterdale Terrier versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Patterdale Terrier puppy is $680. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $550 – $950. However, the price of a Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier.
| Patterdale Terrier | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $680 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $550 to $950 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Patterdale Terrier and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Patterdale Terrier puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers. 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 Patterdale Terrier 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: Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu
Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Patterdale Terriers shed more than Shih Tzus?
Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Patterdale Terrier or the Shih Tzu
Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Patterdale Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Patterdale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Patterdale Terrier vs. Shih Tzu
Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Patterdale Terriers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers and Shih Tzus?
Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Patterdale Terrier Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Patterdale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Patterdale Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier:
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 Patterdale Terrier and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Patterdale Terrier and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Patterdale Terrier versus Brussels Griffon Patterdale Terrier versus Cairn Terrier Patterdale Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever Patterdale Terrier versus Bordoodle Patterdale Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer Patterdale Terrier versus Cesky Terrier Patterdale Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd Patterdale Terrier versus Bearded Collie Patterdale Terrier versus Miniature Poodle Patterdale Terrier versus Golden Retriever Patterdale Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Patterdale Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier Patterdale Terrier versus Bloodhound Patterdale Terrier versus Barbet Patterdale Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier Patterdale Terrier versus Ibizan Hound Patterdale Terrier versus Great Pyrenees Patterdale Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle Patterdale Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres Patterdale Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog Patterdale Terrier versus Plott Patterdale Terrier versus Morkie Patterdale Terrier versus Kishu Ken Patterdale Terrier versus Peek A Poo Patterdale Terrier versus Frenchton
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Schipperke Shih Tzu versus Lowchen Shih Tzu versus Finnish Spitz Shih Tzu versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Shih Tzu versus Field Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Bordoodle Shih Tzu versus Lowchen Shih Tzu versus Doberman Pinscher Shih Tzu versus Bluetick Coonhound Shih Tzu versus Beagle Shih Tzu versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Great Pyrenees Shih Tzu versus Ibizan Hound Shih Tzu versus Skye Terrier Shih Tzu versus Doberman Pinscher Shih Tzu versus Portuguese Water Dog Shih Tzu versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Shih Tzu versus Chinook Shih Tzu versus Cesky Terrier Shih Tzu versus German Longhaired Pointer Shih Tzu versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Shih Tzu versus Giant Schnauzer Shih Tzu versus Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Kerry Blue Terrier Shih Tzu versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Conclusion: Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.