Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Shih Tzu Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction
- Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano: Overview
- Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shih Tzu and the Spinone Italiano
- The Similarities Between the Shih Tzu and the Spinone Italiano
- Size (Weight and Height) of Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano
- Lifespan of Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Spinone Italiano
- Price of Shih Tzu versus Price of Spinone Italiano
- The Popularity of Shih Tzu versus Popularity of Spinone Italiano
- Tolerates Being Alone: Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano
- Do Shih Tzus shed more than Spinone Italianos?
- Which one drools more, the Shih Tzu or the Spinone Italiano
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Shih Tzu or the Spinone Italiano?
- Does the Shih Tzu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?
- Do Shih Tzus Bark and Howl? What about Spinone Italianos?
- Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Shih Tzu vs. Spinone Italiano
- Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shih Tzu or the Spinone Italiano?
- Are Shih Tzus good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?
- How Kid-friendly are Shih Tzus and Spinone Italianos?
- Is the Shih Tzu Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spinone Italiano
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano. Which One is a Better Pet?
Shih Tzu Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Shih Tzu and the Spinone Italiano? 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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shih Tzu and the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano.
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 Spinone Italiano.
Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano: Overview
A very important difference between the Shih Tzu and the Spinone Italiano is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog while the Spinone Italiano is a large-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 Spinone Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Shih Tzu to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano
| Factor | Shih Tzu | Spinone Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 16 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 5/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 22 to 28 inches |
| Weight | 9 to 16 pounds | 61 to 86 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1820 | $1180 |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2300 | $1000 – $1000 |
| Temperament Score | 77.6 percent | 50.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 18 | 112 |
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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Spinone Italiano is not better or worse than the Shih Tzu. So, you can get the Spinone Italiano or 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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano
Below is a list of where the Shih Tzu and the Spinone Italiano are most different:
The Similarities Between the Shih Tzu and the Spinone Italiano
The Shih Tzu and the Spinone Italiano are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Shih Tzu and the Spinone Italiano are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shih Tzu and the Spinone Italiano.
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, Spinone Italianos weigh 61 to 86 pounds when fully grown. Spinone Italianos are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.
Lifespan of Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Spinone Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Spinone Italianos is 12.0 years.
Shih Tzus live longer than Spinone Italianos.
Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Spinone Italiano
The Shih Tzu has a better temperament than the Spinone Italiano.
This is because the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 percent while the temperament score for the Spinone Italiano is 50.0 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 77.6 percent, the Shih Tzu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 50.0 percent, the Spinone Italiano has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Shih Tzu and the Spinone Italiano by measuring the temperaments of 49 Shih Tzus and 6 Spinone Italianos.
Price of Shih Tzu versus Price of Spinone Italiano
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 Spinone Italiano puppy is $1180. The price of the Spinone Italiano typically ranges from $1000 – $1000. However, the price of the Spinone Italiano can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 30 Spinone Italiano puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shih Tzu is more expensive than the Spinone Italiano.
| Shih Tzu | Spinone Italiano | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1820 | $1180 |
| Price Range | $1200 to $2300 | $1000 to $1000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Shih Tzu and Spinone Italiano. For different price points, the charts show how many Shih Tzu puppies or how many Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italianos
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Shih Tzu puppy or the Spinone Italiano 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.
The Popularity of Shih Tzu versus Popularity of Spinone Italiano
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 Shih Tzu and the Spinone Italiano over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shih Tzu is more popular with dog owners than the Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano is 112 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Shih Tzu
Popularity of Spinone Italiano
| Year | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank | Spinone Italiano Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 15 | 117 |
| 2014 | 17 | 118 |
| 2015 | 19 | 112 |
| 2016 | 20 | 105 |
| 2017 | 20 | 111 |
| 2018 | 20 | 109 |
| 2019 | 20 | 116 |
| 2020 | 20 | 110 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Spinone Italianos do not like to be left alone.
Do Shih Tzus shed more than Spinone Italianos?
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Spinone Italianos shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Shih Tzu or the Spinone Italiano
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Shih Tzu or the Spinone Italiano?
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Spinone Italianos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Shih Tzu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?
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.
Spinone Italianos 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 Shih Tzus Bark and Howl? What about Spinone Italianos?
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Spinone Italianos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Spinone Italianos can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Shih Tzu vs. Spinone Italiano
Shih Tzus do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Spinone Italianos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shih Tzu or the Spinone Italiano?
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Spinone Italianos get along very well with other dogs.
Are Shih Tzus good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Spinone Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Shih Tzus and Spinone Italianos?
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Spinone Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Shih Tzu Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Spinone Italianos are very easy to train.
Is the Shih Tzu Better for Apartment Owners than the Spinone Italiano?
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Spinone Italianos adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shih Tzu or the Spinone Italiano?
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Spinone Italianos 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spinone Italiano
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Shih Tzu and how the Spinone Italiano compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Shih Tzu and of the Spinone Italiano to other breeds:
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Field Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Flat-Coated Retriever Shih Tzu versus Lancashire Heeler Shih Tzu versus King Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Yorkipoo Shih Tzu versus Lancashire Heeler Shih Tzu versus Brussels Griffon Shih Tzu versus Goldendoodle Shih Tzu versus Dachshund Shih Tzu versus Weimaraner Shih Tzu versus Gordon Setter Shih Tzu versus Belgian Tervuren Shih Tzu versus Redbone Coonhound Shih Tzu versus Standard Schnauzer Shih Tzu versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Shih Tzu versus Norfolk Terrier Shih Tzu versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano Shih Tzu versus Golden Retriever Shih Tzu versus Irish Wolfhound Shih Tzu versus Morkie Shih Tzu versus Biewer Terrier Shih Tzu versus Newfoundland Shih Tzu versus Scottish Terrier Shih Tzu versus Frenchton
Spinone Italiano Versus Other Dog Breeds
Spinone Italiano versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Spinone Italiano versus Bich Poo Spinone Italiano versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Spinone Italiano versus Border Terrier Spinone Italiano versus American Pit Bull Terrier Spinone Italiano versus Beaglier Spinone Italiano versus Australian Kelpie Spinone Italiano versus Curly-Coated Retriever Spinone Italiano versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Spinone Italiano versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Spinone Italiano versus Cavapoo Spinone Italiano versus Samoyed Spinone Italiano versus English Toy Spaniel Spinone Italiano versus Alaskan Malamute Spinone Italiano versus German Pinscher Spinone Italiano versus American Pit Bull Terrier Spinone Italiano versus Leonberger Spinone Italiano versus Black Mouth Cur Spinone Italiano versus Airedale Terrier Spinone Italiano versus Papipoo Spinone Italiano versus Giant Schnauzer Spinone Italiano versus Finnish Spitz Spinone Italiano versus Xoloitzcuintli Spinone Italiano versus Bernese Mountain Dog Spinone Italiano versus Basenji
Conclusion: Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano better suits you and your family.