Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Sealyham Terrier Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Sealyham Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Sealyham Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Sealyham Terrier and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Sealyham Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Sealyham Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Sealyham Terrier
- The Intelligence of the Sealyham Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Sealyham Terrier versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Sealyham Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Do Sealyham Terriers shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Sealyham Terrier or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Sealyham Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Sealyham Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Sealyham Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Sealyham Terrier vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Sealyham Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Sealyham Terriers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Sealyham Terriers and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Sealyham Terrier Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sealyham Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Sealyham Terrier versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Sealyham Terrier Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier or the Shih Tzu.
Sealyham Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Sealyham Terrier and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Sealyham Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Sealyham Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
Sealyham Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Sealyham Terrier | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 22 to 24 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1200 – $2300 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1820 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 157 | 18 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 56 | 70 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier is 80 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 Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier and the Shih Tzu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Sealyham Terrier and the Shih Tzu
The Sealyham Terrier and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Sealyham Terrier and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Sealyham Terrier versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Sealyham Terrier and the Shih Tzu.
Sealyham Terriers weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Sealyham Terriers are Up to 10 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 Sealyham Terrier versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Sealyham Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sealyham Terriers 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 Shih Tzu Versus the Sealyham Terrier
The Sealyham Terrier has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Sealyham Terrier is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 1 Sealyham Terriers and 49 Shih Tzus.
The Intelligence of the Sealyham Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
| Sealyham Terrier | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 56 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:
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 Sealyham Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 56 out of 130 dog breeds. The Sealyham Terrier belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier is 157 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Sealyham Terrier
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Sealyham Terrier Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 158 | 15 |
| 2014 | 169 | 17 |
| 2015 | 158 | 19 |
| 2016 | 155 | 20 |
| 2017 | 150 | 20 |
| 2018 | 164 | 20 |
| 2019 | 154 | 20 |
| 2020 | 148 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Sealyham Terrier versus Shih Tzu
Sealyham Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Sealyham Terriers shed more than Shih Tzus?
Sealyham Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Sealyham Terrier or the Shih Tzu
Sealyham Terriers drool moderately.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Sealyham Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Sealyham Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Sealyham Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Sealyham Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Sealyham Terrier vs. Shih Tzu
Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
Sealyham Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Sealyham Terriers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terriers and Shih Tzus?
Sealyham Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Sealyham Terrier Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Sealyham Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Sealyham Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Sealyham Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Sealyham Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
Sealyham Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sealyham Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham 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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Sealyham Terrier and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Sealyham Terrier and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Sealyham Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sealyham Terrier versus Pomapoo Sealyham Terrier versus Sloughi Sealyham Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog Sealyham Terrier versus Berger Picard Sealyham Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog Sealyham Terrier versus Newfoundland Sealyham Terrier versus Japanese Chin Sealyham Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Sealyham Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound Sealyham Terrier versus Mountain Cur Sealyham Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer Sealyham Terrier versus Vizsla Sealyham Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais Sealyham Terrier versus Whippet Sealyham Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel Sealyham Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever Sealyham Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Sealyham Terrier versus Cockalier Sealyham Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Sealyham Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus King Shepherd Sealyham Terrier versus Barbet Sealyham Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Shiloh Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Stabyhoun Shih Tzu versus Boxer Shih Tzu versus Sealyham Terrier Shih Tzu versus Standard Schnauzer Shih Tzu versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Frenchton Shih Tzu versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Irish Wolfhound Shih Tzu versus Puggle Shih Tzu versus Samoyed Shih Tzu versus Berger Picard Shih Tzu versus German Pinscher Shih Tzu versus Mudi Shih Tzu versus Silky Terrier Shih Tzu versus Belgian Tervuren Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano Shih Tzu versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Shih Tzu versus Estrela Mountain Dog Shih Tzu versus Dogo Argentino Shih Tzu versus Golden Cocker Retriever Shih Tzu versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Shih Tzu versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Shih Tzu versus Hovawart
Conclusion: Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.