Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Portuguese Water Dog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
- Price of Portuguese Water Dog versus Price of Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Portuguese Water Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Portuguese Water Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Water Dog vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Portuguese Water Dogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Water Dogs and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Portuguese Water Dog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog or the Shih Tzu.
Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Portuguese Water Dog 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.
Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Portuguese Water Dog | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 35 to 60 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2860 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $2500 – $3300 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 77.9 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 50 | 18 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 84 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shih Tzu
The Portuguese Water Dog and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shih Tzu.
Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the 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 Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 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 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 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 77.9 percent, the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 163 Portuguese Water Dogs and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Portuguese Water Dog versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Portuguese Water Dog puppy is $2860. The price of the Portuguese Water Dog typically ranges from $2500 – $3300. However, the price of a Portuguese Water Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 140 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.
| Portuguese Water Dog | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2860 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $2500 to $3300 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Portuguese Water Dog and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Portuguese Water Dog puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Portuguese Water Dogs. 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 50 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Portuguese Water Dog Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 49 | 15 |
| 2014 | 52 | 17 |
| 2015 | 52 | 19 |
| 2016 | 51 | 20 |
| 2017 | 54 | 20 |
| 2018 | 50 | 20 |
| 2019 | 49 | 20 |
| 2020 | 49 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shih Tzu
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Portuguese Water Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Water Dog vs. Shih Tzu
Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dogs and Shih Tzus?
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Portuguese Water Dog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Portuguese Water Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog:
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 Portuguese Water Dog and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Cavapoo Portuguese Water Dog versus Japanese Chin Portuguese Water Dog versus English Toy Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus Tibetan Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Bich Poo Portuguese Water Dog versus Carolina Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd Portuguese Water Dog versus Dachshund Portuguese Water Dog versus Akita Portuguese Water Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog Portuguese Water Dog versus Chinese Crested Portuguese Water Dog versus Lowchen Portuguese Water Dog versus Weimaraner Portuguese Water Dog versus Weimaraner Portuguese Water Dog versus Maltese Portuguese Water Dog versus French Bulldog Portuguese Water Dog versus Lhasa Apso Portuguese Water Dog versus Boxer Portuguese Water Dog versus Siberian Husky Portuguese Water Dog versus Great Pyrenees Portuguese Water Dog versus Papipoo Portuguese Water Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Sealyham Terrier Shih Tzu versus Black Russian Terrier Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Spaniel Shih Tzu versus West Highland White Terrier Shih Tzu versus Puggle Shih Tzu versus Japanese Chin Shih Tzu versus Scottish Terrier Shih Tzu versus Standard Poodle Shih Tzu versus Aussiedoodle Shih Tzu versus Komondor Shih Tzu versus Irish Water Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Vizsla Shih Tzu versus Manchester Terrier Shih Tzu versus Silky Terrier Shih Tzu versus Welsh Terrier Shih Tzu versus Irish Setter Shih Tzu versus Morkie Shih Tzu versus Australian Shepherd Shih Tzu versus English Setter Shih Tzu versus Manchester Terrier Shih Tzu versus Golden Retriever Shih Tzu versus Gordon Setter Shih Tzu versus Lancashire Heeler Shih Tzu versus Plott Shih Tzu versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Conclusion: Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.