Shih Tzu
VS
Tosa
Shih Tzu vs Tosa
Compare Shih Tzu and Tosa 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
Tosa
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
23 – 27 cm
70 – 75 cm
Weight
5 – 8 kg
60 – 90 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 16 years
10 – 12 years
Child friendly
4/5
3/5
Energy level
2/5
3/5
Intelligence
2/5
3/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
4/5
1/5
Shedding
2/5
2/5
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
Tosa
Low grooming
Easy to train
Giant
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 Tosa
The Tosa is a large, powerful Japanese breed, calm and dignified at home yet naturally protective. Loyal and often devoted to one person, it needs experienced handling, early socialisation and consistent training. Short-coated but high-commitment, it faces legal restrictions in some countries.
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