Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu
Compare Chow Chow and Shih Tzu side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Chow Chow
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
46 – 56 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
20 – 32 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
9 – 15 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
2/5
4/5
Energy level
2/5
2/5
Intelligence
3/5
2/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
5/5
4/5
Shedding
4/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
1/5
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Characteristics
Chow Chow
Large
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Chow Chow
Ancient Chinese breed with lion-like coat and blue-black tongue. Medium, sturdy, and square-built, it has a dense double coat needing regular grooming. Independent, loyal, and reserved with strangers, it suits calm homes and experienced owners, requiring moderate exercise and careful health management.
About Shih Tzu
Small, sturdy companion dog from Tibetan and Chinese palaces, 4.5–8 kg with a long, flowing coat and chrysanthemum-like face. Affectionate, cheerful, and confident, it suits many homes. Needs moderate exercise, intensive grooming, and patient, reward-based training.
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