Shih Tzu vs German Spitz – Mittelspitz
Compare Shih Tzu and German Spitz – Mittelspitz 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
Shih Tzu
German Spitz – Mittelspitz
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
23 – 27 cm
32 – 36 cm
Weight
5 – 8 kg
8 – 12 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 16 years
13 – 17 years
Child friendly
4/5
5/5
Energy level
2/5
5/5
Intelligence
2/5
3/5
Trainability
4/5
3/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
4/5
4/5
Shedding
2/5
4/5
Barking level
3/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
1/5
2/5
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Characteristics
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
German Spitz – Mittelspitz
Great with kids
High energy
Small
Summary
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.
About German Spitz – Mittelspitz
Medium German Spitz with a square, compact build, dense double coat and plumed tail over the back. Alert, vocal watchdog yet affectionate and people‑oriented, needing companionship, training, mental stimulation and regular grooming. Generally robust, long‑lived, and active.
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