English Toy Terrier vs Shih Tzu
Compare English Toy 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
English Toy Terrier
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
25 – 30 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
2 – 4 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
11 – 13 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
3/5
4/5
Energy level
2/5
2/5
Intelligence
3/5
2/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
2/5
4/5
Shedding
2/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
1/5
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Characteristics
English Toy Terrier
Low grooming
Easy to train
Tiny
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About English Toy Terrier
Small, elegant black-and-tan toy terrier with a fine but athletic build and low‑maintenance short coat. Loyal and people-focused, often bonding closely with one person. Lively, intelligent and sensitive, needs daily exercise, mental stimulation and protection from temperature extremes.
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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