Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Shiba Inu Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Shiba Inu versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Shiba Inu versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Shiba Inu versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Shiba Inu versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Shiba Inu versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Adopting the Shiba Inu versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Shiba Inu versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Shiba Inu versus Shih Tzu
- Do Shiba Inus shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Shiba Inu or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Shiba Inu or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Shiba Inu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Shiba Inus Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Shiba Inu vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shiba Inu or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Shiba Inus good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Shiba Inus and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Shiba Inu Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Shiba Inu versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Shiba Inu Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu or the Shih Tzu.
Shiba Inu versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Shiba Inu is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu are Companion Dogs. This means both the Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu 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.
Shiba Inu versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Shiba Inu | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 17 to 23 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2130 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1600 – $2500 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 67.9 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 44 | 18 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu is 82 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu
The Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Shiba Inu versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu.
Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 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 Shiba Inu versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Shiba Inus live longer than Shih Tzus.
Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu has a better temperament than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 percent while the temperament score for the Shiba Inu is 67.9 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 67.9 percent, the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 28 Shiba Inus and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Shiba Inu versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Shiba Inu puppy is $2130. The price of the Shiba Inu typically ranges from $1600 – $2500. However, the price of a Shiba Inu can be as low as $600 and as high as $6995. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 283 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.
| Shiba Inu | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2130 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1600 to $2500 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Shiba Inu and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Shiba Inu puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus. 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu named Dexter that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Shiba Inus like Dexter on pefinder.com.
Also, like Shiba Inus, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Dawson is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Dawson that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Grisley is the name of another Shiba Inu (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Isiah is an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Shiba Inus and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu is 44 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Shiba Inu
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Shiba Inu Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 46 | 15 |
| 2014 | 47 | 17 |
| 2015 | 45 | 19 |
| 2016 | 44 | 20 |
| 2017 | 45 | 20 |
| 2018 | 44 | 20 |
| 2019 | 45 | 20 |
| 2020 | 43 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Shiba Inu versus Shih Tzu
Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Shiba Inus shed more than Shih Tzus?
Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Shiba Inu or the Shih Tzu
Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Shiba Inu or the Shih Tzu?
Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Shiba Inu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Shiba Inu vs. Shih Tzu
Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu or the Shih Tzu?
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Shiba Inus good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus and Shih Tzus?
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Shiba Inu Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Shiba Inu Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shiba Inu or the Shih Tzu?
Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu:
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 Shiba Inu and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Shiba Inu and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu versus Border Terrier Shiba Inu versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Shiba Inu versus Morkie Shiba Inu versus Vizsla Shiba Inu versus Pyrenean Mastiff Shiba Inu versus Portuguese Pointer Shiba Inu versus Boerboel Shiba Inu versus Portuguese Pointer Shiba Inu versus Saint Bernard Shiba Inu versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Shiba Inu versus Havanese Shiba Inu versus Bullmastiff Shiba Inu versus Mastiff Shiba Inu versus Lakeland Terrier Shiba Inu versus Pomchi Shiba Inu versus Lancashire Heeler Shiba Inu versus American Bulldog Shiba Inu versus Boston Terrier Shiba Inu versus Cane Corso Shiba Inu versus Saluki Shiba Inu versus Spanish Mastiff Shiba Inu versus Mal Shi Shiba Inu versus Bloodhound Shiba Inu versus Belgian Malinois Shiba Inu versus Estrela Mountain Dog
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Belgian Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Shih Tzu versus American Pit Bull Terrier Shih Tzu versus Rottweiler Shih Tzu versus Catahoula Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Mudi Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Afghan Hound Shih Tzu versus Briard Shih Tzu versus Goldador Shih Tzu versus Chinese Crested Shih Tzu versus Black Mouth Cur Shih Tzu versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Shih Tzu versus Norwegian Lundehund Shih Tzu versus Canaan Dog Shih Tzu versus Lagotto Romagnolo Shih Tzu versus Vizsla Shih Tzu versus Pharaoh Hound Shih Tzu versus Giant Schnauzer Shih Tzu versus Bouvier des Flandres Shih Tzu versus Yorkshire Terrier Shih Tzu versus Dalmatian Shih Tzu versus Harrier Shih Tzu versus Affenpinscher Shih Tzu versus Labrador Retriever
Conclusion: Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.