Coton de Tulear
VS
Shih Tzu
Coton de Tulear vs Shih Tzu
Compare Coton de Tulear 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
Coton de Tulear
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
23 – 28 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
4 – 6 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
14 – 16 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
4/5
4/5
Energy level
3/5
2/5
Intelligence
4/5
2/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
3/5
4/5
Grooming needs
4/5
4/5
Shedding
2/5
2/5
Barking level
3/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
1/5
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Characteristics
Coton de Tulear
Great with kids
Super smart
Tiny
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Coton de Tulear
Small, sturdy companion from Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear has a long, white, cotton‑soft coat needing regular grooming. Cheerful, sensitive and very people focused, it bonds closely, suits apartments, needs moderate exercise and kind training, and is generally long lived but prone to some joint, eye and skin issues.
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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