Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Puli Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Puli versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Puli versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Puli and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Puli and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Puli versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Puli versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Puli Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Puli versus Price of Shih Tzu
- The Intelligence of the Puli versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Puli versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Puli versus Shih Tzu
- Do Pulis shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Puli or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Puli or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Puli Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Pulis Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Puli vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Puli or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Pulis good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Pulis and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Puli Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Puli versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Puli Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Puli 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 Puli 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 Puli and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Puli 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 Puli 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 Puli 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 Puli or the Shih Tzu.
Puli versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Puli and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Puli is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Puli belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Puli versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Puli 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 Puli and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Puli | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 35 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 12.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2250 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1875 – $2750 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 92.3 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 150 | 18 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 27 | 70 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Puli 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 Puli 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 Puli. 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 Puli 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 Puli and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Puli and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Puli and the Shih Tzu
The Puli and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Puli and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Puli versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Puli and the Shih Tzu.
Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 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 Puli versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis 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 Pulis.
Temperament of the Puli Versus the Shih Tzu
The Puli has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Puli is 92.3 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 92.3 percent, the Puli 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 Puli and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 26 Pulis and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Puli versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of a Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Puli 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 Puli is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.
| Puli | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2250 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1875 to $2750 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Puli and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Puli puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Pulis. 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 Puli 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 Intelligence of the Puli versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
| Puli | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 27 out of 130 dog breeds | 70 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 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:
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 Puli has an obedience intelligence rank of 27 out of 130 dog breeds. The Puli belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Pulis tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 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 Puli 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 Puli 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 Puli 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 Puli. 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 Puli is 150 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Puli
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Puli Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 136 | 15 |
| 2014 | 151 | 17 |
| 2015 | 154 | 19 |
| 2016 | 159 | 20 |
| 2017 | 142 | 20 |
| 2018 | 160 | 20 |
| 2019 | 160 | 20 |
| 2020 | 143 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Puli versus Shih Tzu
Pulis do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Pulis shed more than Shih Tzus?
Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Puli or the Shih Tzu
Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Puli or the Shih Tzu?
Pulis 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 Puli Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Pulis 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 Pulis Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Pulis 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 Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Puli vs. Shih Tzu
Pulis 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 Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pulis 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 Puli or the Shih Tzu?
Pulis get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Pulis good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Pulis 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 Pulis and Shih Tzus?
Pulis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Puli Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Pulis are not easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Puli Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Puli or the Shih Tzu?
Pulis 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 Puli
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Puli 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 Puli:
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 Puli and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Puli and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds
Puli versus Golden Cocker Retriever Puli versus Papipoo Puli versus Dogue de Bordeaux Puli versus Stabyhoun Puli versus American Foxhound Puli versus German Shepherd Dog Puli versus Redbone Coonhound Puli versus Braque du Bourbonnais Puli versus Toy Fox Terrier Puli versus Chi-Poo Puli versus Shiba Inu Puli versus Dogue de Bordeaux Puli versus Basenji Puli versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Puli versus American Staffordshire Terrier Puli versus Miniature Poodle Puli versus Boxerdoodle Puli versus Golden Cocker Retriever Puli versus Bullmastiff Puli versus Chi-Poo Puli versus Akbash Puli versus Cairn Terrier Puli versus Pomsky Puli versus Braque du Bourbonnais Puli versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Golden Cocker Retriever Shih Tzu versus Brittany Shih Tzu versus Saint Bernard Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Sloughi Shih Tzu versus Komondor Shih Tzu versus Sheepadoodle Shih Tzu versus Manchester Terrier Shih Tzu versus Fila Brasileiro Shih Tzu versus Plott Shih Tzu versus Pomsky Shih Tzu versus Cockalier Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Basenji Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Papillon Shih Tzu versus Border Terrier Shih Tzu versus Catahoula Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu versus Cavachon Shih Tzu versus Puggle Shih Tzu versus Borzoi Shih Tzu versus Ibizan Hound Shih Tzu versus Shiloh Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Coton de Tulear
Conclusion: Puli 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 Puli and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.