Irish Terrier
VS
Shih Tzu
Irish Terrier vs Shih Tzu
Compare Irish 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
Irish Terrier
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
44 – 50 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
11 – 15 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 15 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
5/5
4/5
Energy level
4/5
2/5
Intelligence
4/5
2/5
Trainability
2/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
1/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
1/5
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Characteristics
Irish Terrier
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Stubborn
Medium
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Irish Terrier
Medium, athletic terrier with a wiry red coat, low shedding when properly groomed. Intelligent, energetic, and independent, needing daily exercise and mental stimulation. Deeply loyal and people‑oriented, a keen watchdog, with strong prey drive and sometimes challenging with other dogs.
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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