Rat Terrier
VS
Shih Tzu
Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu
Compare Rat 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
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
25 – 46 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
5 – 10 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
15 – 18 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
3/5
4/5
Energy level
3/5
2/5
Intelligence
3/5
2/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
1/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
1/5
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Characteristics
Rat Terrier
Low grooming
Small
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is an American‑bred, small to medium, athletic farm and vermin dog. Intelligent and energetic, it thrives on training, exercise, and close family contact. With a short, low‑maintenance coat in many pied colors, it suits active homes and excels in various dog sports.
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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