Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu
Compare Japanese Chin 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
Japanese Chin
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
24 – 25 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
2 – 4 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 12 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
2/5
4/5
Energy level
1/5
2/5
Intelligence
3/5
2/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
3/5
4/5
Grooming needs
2/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
3/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
1/5
1/5
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Characteristics
Japanese Chin
Low grooming
Tiny
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a small, fine‑boned toy companion with a silky, low‑maintenance coat and expressive, upturned face. Catlike and graceful, it bonds deeply to one person, is calm and playful indoors, needs moderate exercise, and prefers gentle handling and a peaceful home.
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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