Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Shih Tzu Versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Introduction
- Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Overview
- Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shih Tzu and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- The Similarities Between the Shih Tzu and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Size (Weight and Height) of Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Lifespan of Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Temperament of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Shih Tzu versus Price of Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- The Intelligence of the Shih Tzu versus the Intelligence of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- The Popularity of Shih Tzu versus Popularity of Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Tolerates Being Alone: Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Do Shih Tzus shed more than Wirehaired Pointing Griffons?
- Which one drools more, the Shih Tzu or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Shih Tzu or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
- Does the Shih Tzu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
- Do Shih Tzus Bark and Howl? What about Wirehaired Pointing Griffons?
- Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Shih Tzu vs. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shih Tzu or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
- Are Shih Tzus good family dogs? What about Wirehaired Pointing Griffons?
- How Kid-friendly are Shih Tzus and Wirehaired Pointing Griffons?
- Is the Shih Tzu Easier to Train than the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Which One is a Better Pet?
Shih Tzu Versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Shih Tzu and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon? 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shih Tzu and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Overview
A very important difference between the Shih Tzu and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Shih Tzu to the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
| Factor | Shih Tzu | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 16 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 9 to 16 pounds | 50 to 60 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1820 | $1320 |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2300 | $1000 – $1800 |
| Temperament Score | 77.6 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 18 | 67 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 70 | 46 |
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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is 83 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Below is a list of where the Shih Tzu and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are most different:
The Similarities Between the Shih Tzu and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Shih Tzu and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Shih Tzu and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shih Tzu and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
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, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Wirehaired Pointing Griffons is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Wirehaired Pointing Griffons is 12.0 years.
Shih Tzus live longer than Wirehaired Pointing Griffons.
Temperament of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Versus the Shih Tzu
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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 77.6 percent, the Shih Tzu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Shih Tzu and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon by measuring the temperaments of 49 Shih Tzus and 2 Wirehaired Pointing Griffons.
Price of Shih Tzu versus Price of Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppy is $1320. The price of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can be as low as $300 and as high as $2825. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 62 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shih Tzu is more expensive than the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
| Shih Tzu | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1820 | $1320 |
| Price Range | $1200 to $2300 | $1000 to $1800 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Shih Tzu and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. For different price points, the charts show how many Shih Tzu puppies or how many Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffons
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Shih Tzu puppy or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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 Intelligence of the Shih Tzu versus the Intelligence of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
| Shih Tzu | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 70 out of 130 dog breeds | 46 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions |
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 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has an obedience intelligence rank of 46 out of 130 dog breeds. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Wirehaired Pointing Griffons tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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 Shih Tzu versus Popularity of Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shih Tzu is more popular with dog owners than the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is 67 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Shih Tzu
Popularity of Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
| Year | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 15 | 80 |
| 2014 | 17 | 76 |
| 2015 | 19 | 66 |
| 2016 | 20 | 66 |
| 2017 | 20 | 65 |
| 2018 | 20 | 65 |
| 2019 | 20 | 62 |
| 2020 | 20 | 63 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons do not like to be left alone.
Do Shih Tzus shed more than Wirehaired Pointing Griffons?
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Shih Tzu or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Shih Tzu or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Shih Tzu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
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.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffons?
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather?
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Shih Tzu vs. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Shih Tzus do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather?
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons get along very well with other dogs.
Are Shih Tzus good family dogs? What about Wirehaired Pointing Griffons?
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Shih Tzus and Wirehaired Pointing Griffons?
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Shih Tzu Easier to Train than the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are very easy to train.
Is the Shih Tzu Better for Apartment Owners than the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shih Tzu or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are OK 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Shih Tzu and how the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Shih Tzu and of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon to other breeds:
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Havanese Shih Tzu versus Clumber Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Pomapoo Shih Tzu versus Finnish Lapphund Shih Tzu versus Pyrenean Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Yorkshire Terrier Shih Tzu versus Chi-Poo Shih Tzu versus Miniature Poodle Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Shih Tzu versus Chorkie Shih Tzu versus Bedlington Terrier Shih Tzu versus Kooikerhondje Shih Tzu versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Shih Tzu versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Shih Tzu versus German Shepherd Dog Shih Tzu versus Cane Corso Shih Tzu versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Shih Tzu versus Afghan Hound Shih Tzu versus English Cocker Spaniel Shih Tzu versus American Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Shiba Inu Shih Tzu versus Maremma Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Pyredoodle Shih Tzu versus American Hairless Terrier Shih Tzu versus Samoyed
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Versus Other Dog Breeds
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus American Bulldog Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Afghan Hound Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Borzoi Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Pomeranian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Papipoo Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Chow Chow Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Dogue de Bordeaux Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Bernese Mountain Dog Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Bulldog Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Giant Schnauzer Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Carolina Dog Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Carolina Dog Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus West Highland White Terrier Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Black Mouth Cur Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Biewer Terrier Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Sheepadoodle Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Carolina Dog Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Samoyed Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Mastiff Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Sheepadoodle Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Border Terrier Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Giant Schnauzer Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Airedale Terrier Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus Alaskan Klee Kai
Conclusion: Shih Tzu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon better suits you and your family.