Schapendoes vs Shih Tzu
Compare Schapendoes 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
Schapendoes
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
40 – 50 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
18 – 22 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
11 – 15 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
3/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
4/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
1/5
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Characteristics
Schapendoes
Great with kids
Medium
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Schapendoes
Cheerful Dutch herding breed with a shaggy, low‑shedding but high‑maintenance coat. Medium, athletic and agile, it needs daily exercise and mental work yet is calm and cuddly indoors. Intelligent, sensitive and people focused, it suits active, engaged owners and varied 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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