Irish Wolfhound vs Shih Tzu
Compare Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
71 – 90 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
40 – 69 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
6 – 8 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
3/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
1/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
1/5
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Characteristics
Irish Wolfhound
Great with kids
Quiet
Giant
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are giant, tall hounds with a strong yet graceful build and a rough, weather‑resistant coat. Calm, gentle and sensitive, they are low‑key indoors but need steady exercise and space. They have notable health risks and a relatively short lifespan, so careful breeding and care are 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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