Pug vs Shih Tzu
Compare Pug 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
Pug
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
31 – 35 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
5 – 9 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
4/5
4/5
Energy level
3/5
2/5
Intelligence
3/5
2/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
1/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
4/5
2/5
Barking level
3/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
1/5
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Characteristics
Pug
Great with kids
Small
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Pug
Small, sturdy companion dog with wrinkled face, curled tail and expressive eyes, usually 6–8 kg and suited to city homes. Affectionate, people focused and playful, needs moderate gentle exercise, close family contact, careful weight control and extra management in hot weather due to its short nose.
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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