Finnish Spitz
Finnish Spitz
VS
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu

Finnish Spitz vs Shih Tzu

Compare Finnish Spitz 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
Finnish Spitz
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
41 – 47 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
7 – 13 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 15 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
5/5
4/5
Energy level
4/5
2/5
Intelligence
3/5
2/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
2/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
5/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
1/5
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Characteristics

Finnish Spitz
Great with kids
High energy
Low grooming
Easy to train
Small
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small

Summary

About Finnish Spitz
Finnish Spitz is Finland’s national dog, a medium, foxlike, golden‑red spitz bred to hunt by “bark pointing.” Lively, intelligent, vocal, and affectionate with family but reserved with strangers, it needs regular exercise, mental stimulation, and typically lives 13–15 years.
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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