Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Shih Tzu
- Adopting the Pyrenean Shepherd versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shih Tzu
- Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Pyrenean Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Shepherds and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shih Tzu.
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Pyrenean Shepherd 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.
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Pyrenean Shepherd | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 15 to 17 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 30 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 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 | 16.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1200 – $2300 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1820 |
| Temperament Score | 75.0 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 178 | 18 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shih Tzu
The Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shih Tzu.
Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 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 Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Shih Tzus.
Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu has a better temperament than the Pyrenean Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 percent while the temperament score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 4 Pyrenean Shepherds and 49 Shih Tzus.
Adopting the Pyrenean Shepherd versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Pyrenean Shepherds and many Shih Tzus are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Pyrenean Shepherd named Boone that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Pyrenean Shepherds like Boone on pefinder.com.
Also, like Pyrenean Shepherds, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Herkimer (Herky) is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Herkimer (Herky) that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Santos is an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Pyrenean Shepherds and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 178 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Pyrenean Shepherd Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 169 | 15 |
| 2014 | 178 | 17 |
| 2015 | 176 | 19 |
| 2016 | 176 | 20 |
| 2017 | 180 | 20 |
| 2018 | 181 | 20 |
| 2019 | 182 | 20 |
| 2020 | 182 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shih Tzu
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Shih Tzus?
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shih Tzu
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shih Tzu?
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Shih Tzu
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shih Tzu?
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds and Shih Tzus?
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shih Tzu?
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd:
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 Pyrenean Shepherd and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Boston Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lhasapoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje Pyrenean Shepherd versus Afghan Hound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Morkie Pyrenean Shepherd versus Black and Tan Coonhound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Barbet Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chi-Poo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Weimaraner Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chow Chow Pyrenean Shepherd versus Papipoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shichon Pyrenean Shepherd versus Ibizan Hound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Schnoodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bulldog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Golden Cocker Retriever Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lhasapoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bull Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Komondor Pyrenean Shepherd versus Yorkshire Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer Pyrenean Shepherd versus Puli Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cocker Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Vizsla
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Bracco Italiano Shih Tzu versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Afghan Hound Shih Tzu versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Shih Tzu versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Shih Tzu versus Siberian Husky Shih Tzu versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Portuguese Water Dog Shih Tzu versus Pomsky Shih Tzu versus Westiepoo Shih Tzu versus French Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Samoyed Shih Tzu versus Azawakh Shih Tzu versus Estrela Mountain Dog Shih Tzu versus Akbash Shih Tzu versus Braque du Bourbonnais Shih Tzu versus Papipoo Shih Tzu versus Bernese Mountain Dog Shih Tzu versus American Staffordshire Terrier Shih Tzu versus Leonberger Shih Tzu versus Vizsla Shih Tzu versus Jack Russell Terrier Shih Tzu versus Treeing Walker Coonhound
Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.