Shih Tzu
VS
Shiba Inu
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu
Compare Shih Tzu and Shiba Inu 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
Shiba Inu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
23 – 27 cm
36 – 42 cm
Weight
5 – 8 kg
7 – 11 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 16 years
12 – 15 years
Child friendly
4/5
3/5
Energy level
2/5
3/5
Intelligence
2/5
3/5
Trainability
4/5
2/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
4/5
3/5
Shedding
2/5
5/5
Barking level
3/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
1/5
3/5
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Characteristics
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Shiba Inu
Stubborn
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 Shiba Inu
Ancient Japanese spitz-type hunting dog, small yet muscular with foxlike face, curled tail and plush double coat in red, black and tan or sesame with urajiro. Independent, catlike, loyal but reserved, strong-willed, high prey drive, needs early socialisation, firm positive training and regular exercise.
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