Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu
Compare Shetland Sheepdog 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
Shetland Sheepdog
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
35 – 37 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
6 – 12 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 13 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
3/5
4/5
Energy level
4/5
2/5
Intelligence
5/5
2/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
4/5
4/5
Shedding
5/5
2/5
Barking level
5/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
1/5
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Characteristics
Shetland Sheepdog
High energy
Super smart
Small
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small to medium, agile herding breed with a dense double coat and striking colors. Bright, sensitive, and very people focused, it bonds closely with family, is reserved with strangers, excels in dog sports, and needs regular grooming, daily walks, and mental exercise.
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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