Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Shetland Sheepdog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Shetland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Shetland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Shetland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Shetland Sheepdog versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Adopting the Shetland Sheepdog versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- The Intelligence of the Shetland Sheepdog versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Shetland Sheepdog versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Shetland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
- Do Shetland Sheepdogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Shetland Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Shetland Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Shetland Sheepdog vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Shetland Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Shetland Sheepdogs and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Shetland Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Shetland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Shetland Sheepdog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu.
Shetland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Shetland Sheepdog is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Shetland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Shetland Sheepdog | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | Starts at 20 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1590 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 68.9 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 23 | 18 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 6 | 70 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu
The Shetland Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Shetland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu.
Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 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 Shetland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Shetland Sheepdogs live longer than Shih Tzus.
Temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog Versus the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.
This is because the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 percent while the temperament score for the Shetland Sheepdog is 68.9 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 68.9 percent, the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 515 Shetland Sheepdogs and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Shetland Sheepdog versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Shetland Sheepdog puppy is $1590. The price of the Shetland Sheepdog typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Shetland Sheepdog can be as low as $500 and as high as $3145. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog.
| Shetland Sheepdog | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1590 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $2000 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Shetland Sheepdog and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Shetland Sheepdog puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Shetland Sheepdogs. 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog named Cj & Brodie that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Shetland Sheepdogs like Cj & Brodie on pefinder.com.
Also, like Shetland Sheepdogs, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Tj is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Tj that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Cisco is the name of another Shetland Sheepdog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Griswold is an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Shetland Sheepdogs and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Shetland Sheepdog versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
| Shetland Sheepdog | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 6 out of 130 dog breeds | 70 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After Fewer Than 5 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 Shetland Sheepdog has an obedience intelligence rank of 6 out of 130 dog breeds. The Shetland Sheepdog belongs to the `Brightest Dogs` category. This means that Shetland Sheepdogs tend to learn new commands after fewer than 5 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 23 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Shetland Sheepdog
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Shetland Sheepdog Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 21 | 15 |
| 2014 | 21 | 17 |
| 2015 | 23 | 19 |
| 2016 | 24 | 20 |
| 2017 | 24 | 20 |
| 2018 | 25 | 20 |
| 2019 | 25 | 20 |
| 2020 | 27 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Shetland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu
Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Shetland Sheepdog vs. Shih Tzu
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs and Shih Tzus?
Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Shetland Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Shetland Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog:
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 Shetland Sheepdog and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shetland Sheepdog versus Bich Poo Shetland Sheepdog versus Akbash Shetland Sheepdog versus Irish Setter Shetland Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher Shetland Sheepdog versus Boxerdoodle Shetland Sheepdog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Schnoodle Shetland Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher Shetland Sheepdog versus Tibetan Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano Shetland Sheepdog versus Azawakh Shetland Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle Shetland Sheepdog versus Chow Chow Shetland Sheepdog versus Bernese Mountain Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shetland Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Shetland Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Havanese Shetland Sheepdog versus Black Mouth Cur Shetland Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog versus Icelandic Sheepdog Shetland Sheepdog versus Toy Fox Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Boerboel Shetland Sheepdog versus French Bulldog Shetland Sheepdog versus Maltipoo
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Basset Hound Shih Tzu versus Biewer Terrier Shih Tzu versus Irish Water Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Saint Berdoodle Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Berger Picard Shih Tzu versus American Hairless Terrier Shih Tzu versus West Highland White Terrier Shih Tzu versus Lancashire Heeler Shih Tzu versus Akita Chow Shih Tzu versus Bichon Frise Shih Tzu versus Weimaraner Shih Tzu versus Frenchton Shih Tzu versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Brussels Griffon Shih Tzu versus Pomchi Shih Tzu versus Boxer Shih Tzu versus Spanish Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Shih Tzu versus Bich Poo Shih Tzu versus Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Shiloh Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Lancashire Heeler Shih Tzu versus Finnish Lapphund Shih Tzu versus Saluki
Conclusion: Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.