Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Shih Tzu
Compare Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
20 – 28 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
8 – 11 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
11 – 13 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
5/5
4/5
Energy level
3/5
2/5
Intelligence
3/5
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
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
1/5
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Characteristics
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Great with kids
Small
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Small, long-backed terrier with a distinctive silky topknot, the Dandie Dinmont is calm and affectionate at home but brave and determined outdoors. Originally bred to hunt otters and badgers, it has a low-shedding, high-maintenance coat and is rare, making responsible breeding vital.
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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