Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Adopting the Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- The Intelligence of the Rhodesian Ridgeback versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shih Tzu
- Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shih Tzu.
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Rhodesian Ridgeback | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 70 to 85 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1620 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1250 – $1900 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 84.2 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 40 | 18 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 52 | 70 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shih Tzu
The Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shih Tzu.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Shih Tzu
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 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 84.2 percent, the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is $1620. The price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback typically ranges from $1250 – $1900. However, the price of a Rhodesian Ridgeback can be as low as $500 and as high as $2850. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 175 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
`| Rhodesian Ridgeback | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1620 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1250 to $1900 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Rhodesian Ridgebacks. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
Adopting the Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback named Skip that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Rhodesian Ridgebacks like Skip on pefinder.com.
Also, like Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Griswold is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Griswold that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, A514565 is an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Rhodesian Ridgeback versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
`| Rhodesian Ridgeback | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 52 out of 130 dog breeds | 70 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback has an obedience intelligence rank of 52 out of 130 dog breeds. The Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Rhodesian Ridgebacks tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is 40 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Rhodesian Ridgeback Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 39 | 15 |
| 2014 | 39 | 17 |
| 2015 | 40 | 19 |
| 2016 | 42 | 20 |
| 2017 | 41 | 20 |
| 2018 | 41 | 20 |
| 2019 | 42 | 20 |
| 2020 | 42 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shih Tzu
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than Shih Tzus?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shih Tzu
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shih Tzu?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Shih Tzu
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shih Tzu?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Shih Tzus?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shih Tzu?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback:
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bearded Collie Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bull Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Coton de Tulear Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Leonberger Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chinese Shar-Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Airedale Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Japanese Chin Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chinese Crested Rhodesian Ridgeback versus German Wirehaired Pointer Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Frenchton Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyrenean Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Swedish Vallhund Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Weimaraner Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Border Collie Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shihpoo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Belgian Sheepdog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Swedish Vallhund Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cockapoo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Irish Wolfhound Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Hairless Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Brussels GriffonShih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Brittany Shih Tzu versus Papipoo Shih Tzu versus Greyhound Shih Tzu versus Cesky Terrier Shih Tzu versus Papillon Shih Tzu versus Akita Shih Tzu versus Curly-Coated Retriever Shih Tzu versus Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu versus French Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Shih Tzu versus Whoodle Shih Tzu versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Shih Tzu versus Miniature Pinscher Shih Tzu versus Kuvasz Shih Tzu versus German Shorthaired Pointer Shih Tzu versus Irish Wolfhound Shih Tzu versus Belgian Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Shih Tzu versus Bordoodle Shih Tzu versus American Eskimo Dog Shih Tzu versus German Pinscher Shih Tzu versus Pointer Shih Tzu versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Shih Tzu versus Coton de TulearConclusion: Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.