Which is Better between the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Shih Tzu Versus Shiranian: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian? 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 Shih Tzu and the Shiranian 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 Shih Tzu and the Shiranian.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian 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 Shih Tzu and for the Shiranian. 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 Shih Tzu and the Shiranian.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Shih Tzu or the Shiranian.

Shih Tzu versus Shiranian: Overview

A very important difference between the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog while the Shiranian is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Shiranian belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Shih Tzu versus Shiranian: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shih Tzu to the Shiranian 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 Shih Tzu and the Shiranian

Factor Shih Tzu Shiranian
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 16 years
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 7 to 12 inches
Weight 9 to 16 pounds 4 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1820 $1230
Price Range $1200 – $2300 $925 – $1200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shih Tzu 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 Shiranian. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiranian is 84 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the Shiranian. 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 Shih Tzu and the Shiranian so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian

Below is a list of where the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian are most different:

  • Shih Tzus are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shiranians are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Shih Tzus have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian

    The Shih Tzu and the Shiranian are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian are most similar:

  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian are very playful.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Shih Tzu versus Shiranian

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shih Tzu and the Shiranian.

    Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Shiranians weigh 4 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shiranians are 7 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Shih Tzu versus Shiranian

    The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Shiranians is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiranians is 14.0 years.

    Shiranians live longer than Shih Tzus.

    Price of Shih Tzu versus Price of Shiranian

    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 a Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Shiranian puppy is $1230. The price of the Shiranian typically ranges from $925 – $1200. However, the price of the Shiranian can be as low as $400 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 35 Shiranian puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Shih Tzu is more expensive than the Shiranian.

    Shih Tzu Shiranian
    Average Price $1820 $1230
    Price Range $1200 to $2300 $925 to $1200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Shih Tzu and Shiranian. For different price points, the charts show how many Shih Tzu puppies or how many Shiranian puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shih Tzus. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shih Tzus. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Shih Tzu puppy or the Shiranian 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Shih Tzu versus Shiranian

    Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shiranians do not like to be left alone.

    Do Shih Tzus shed more than Shiranians?

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

    Shiranians do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Shih Tzu or the Shiranian

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Shih Tzu or the Shiranian?

    Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shiranians require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Shih Tzu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiranian?

    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.

    Shiranians 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.

    Do Shih Tzus Bark and Howl? What about Shiranians?

    Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Shiranians are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiranians Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Shih Tzu vs. Shiranian

    Shih Tzus do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Shiranians do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiranians Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shih Tzu or the Shiranian?

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Shih Tzus good family dogs? What about Shiranians?

    Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Shiranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Shih Tzus and Shiranians?

    Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Shih Tzu Easier to Train than the Shiranian?

    Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

    Shiranians are not easy to train.

    Is the Shih Tzu Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiranian?

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shiranians adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shih Tzu or the Shiranian?

    Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.

    Shiranians are very good for new dog owners.

    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:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (79 percent match with Shih Tzu). Here is our comparison of the Shiranian vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiranian

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shiranian 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 Shiranian:

  • Pomapoo (75 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Pomapoo.
  • Shichon (74 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Shichon.
  • Shihpoo (76 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Shihpoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Shih Tzu and how the Shiranian compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Shih Tzu and of the Shiranian to other breeds:

    Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shih Tzu versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Shih Tzu versus Great Pyrenees     Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Shih Tzu versus Akita     Shih Tzu versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shih Tzu versus Papipoo     Shih Tzu versus Biewer Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Schipperke     Shih Tzu versus Maltipoo     Shih Tzu versus Shiba Inu     Shih Tzu versus Norwich Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Belgian Malinois     Shih Tzu versus Kuvasz     Shih Tzu versus Australian Shepherd     Shih Tzu versus Bouvier des Flandres     Shih Tzu versus Beagle     Shih Tzu versus Japanese Spitz     Shih Tzu versus Shiba Inu     Shih Tzu versus Lhasapoo     Shih Tzu versus Australian Kelpie     Shih Tzu versus Saint Berdoodle     Shih Tzu versus Golden Retriever     Shih Tzu versus Clumber Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Lagotto Romagnolo     

    Shiranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiranian versus Havanese     Shiranian versus Mountain Cur     Shiranian versus Toy Poodle     Shiranian versus Cockalier     Shiranian versus Cockalier     Shiranian versus German Longhaired Pointer     Shiranian versus Cesky Terrier     Shiranian versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Shiranian versus Australian Kelpie     Shiranian versus Cocker Spaniel     Shiranian versus Shiba Inu     Shiranian versus Saint Berdoodle     Shiranian versus American Bulldog     Shiranian versus Papipoo     Shiranian versus Australian Shepherd     Shiranian versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Shiranian versus Australian Terrier     Shiranian versus Rottweiler     Shiranian versus Papipoo     Shiranian versus Great Dane     Shiranian versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Shiranian versus Japanese Chin     Shiranian versus Spinone Italiano     Shiranian versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Shiranian versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     

    Conclusion: Shih Tzu versus Shiranian. 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 Shih Tzu and the Shiranian better suits you and your family.