A Detailed Comparison of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu.

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Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen or the Shih Tzu.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Shih Tzu: Overview

A very important difference between the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu

FactorPetit Basset Griffon VendeenShih Tzu
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Easy To Train1/53/5
Life Span12 to 14 years10 to 16 years
Height13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Easy To Groom2/51/5
Good For Novice Owners3/55/5
Easygoing3/53/5
Tolerates Being Alone3/53/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/51/5
General Health3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/52/5
Weight30 to 40 pounds9 to 16 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/55/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/53/5
Does NOT Shed2/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/52/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Dog Friendly5/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/55/5
Low Prey Drive1/52/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Average Lifespan13.0 years13.0 years
Price RangeNo Data$1200 – $2300
Average PriceNo Data$1820
Temperament Score88.9 percent77.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health TestsNo DataNo Data
Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds15118
Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)6270

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is 74 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu

Below is a list of where the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu are most different:

  • Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Shih Tzus do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Shih Tzus have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shih Tzus have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu

    The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu are most similar:

  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Shih Tzu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens weigh 30 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are 13 to 15 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Shih Tzu

    The lifespan of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens 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.

    Temperament of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Versus the Shih Tzu

    The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.

    This is because the temperament score for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is 88.9 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 88.9 percent, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 9 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens and 49 Shih Tzus.

    The Intelligence of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu

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    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Shih Tzu
    Intelligence Rank 62 out of 130 dog breeds 70 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More!

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.

  • Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has an obedience intelligence rank of 62 out of 130 dog breeds. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.

    The Shih Tzu has an obedience intelligence rank of 70 out of 130 dog breeds. The Shih Tzu belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Shih Tzus tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.

    The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is more intelligent than the Shih Tzu.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    The Popularity of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is 151 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Popularity of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Popularity of Shih Tzu

    Popularity of Shih Tzu

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    Year Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Popularity Rank Shih Tzu Popularity Rank
    2013 138 15
    2014 150 17
    2015 143 19
    2016 148 20
    2017 160 20
    2018 156 20
    2019 152 20
    2020 164 20

    Tolerates Being Alone: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Shih Tzu

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens shed more than Shih Tzus?

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen or the Shih Tzu

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen or the Shih Tzu?

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs. Shih Tzu

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen or the Shih Tzu?

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens get along very well with other dogs.

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens and Shih Tzus?

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are not easy to train.

    Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen or the Shih Tzu?

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are OK for new dog owners.

    Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen:

  • Finnish Spitz (77 percent match with Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Finnish Spitz.
  • Jack Russell Terrier (77 percent match with Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Jack Russell Terrier.
  • Scottish Terrier (78 percent match with Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Scottish 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:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (79 percent match with Shih Tzu). Here is our comparison of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Barbet     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Kooikerhondje     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Cockapoo     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Jack Russell Terrier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Catahoula Bulldog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Siberian Husky     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Miniature Pinscher     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Bolognese     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Lakeland Terrier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Redbone Coonhound     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Greyhound     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus West Highland White Terrier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus American Bulldog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Australian Shepherd     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Swedish Vallhund     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Redbone Coonhound     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Havanese     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Beaglier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Miniature Schnauzer     

    Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shih Tzu versus Schipperke     Shih Tzu versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Shih Tzu versus Australian Shepherd     Shih Tzu versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shih Tzu versus Norwegian Lundehund     Shih Tzu versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Shih Tzu versus Australian Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Cesky Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Finnish Lapphund     Shih Tzu versus Coton de Tulear     Shih Tzu versus Biewer Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Schnoodle     Shih Tzu versus Ibizan Hound     Shih Tzu versus Pug     Shih Tzu versus Bluetick Coonhound     Shih Tzu versus Border Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Boxerdoodle     Shih Tzu versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shih Tzu versus Patterdale Terrier     Shih Tzu versus English Toy Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Basset Hound     Shih Tzu versus Bichon Frise     Shih Tzu versus Harrier     Shih Tzu versus American Water Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Australian Shepherd     

    Conclusion: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.