Whippet
VS
Shih Tzu
Whippet vs Shih Tzu
Compare Whippet 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
Whippet
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
44 – 51 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
9 – 19 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 14 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
3/5
4/5
Energy level
3/5
2/5
Intelligence
3/5
2/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
2/5
4/5
Shedding
2/5
2/5
Barking level
3/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
1/5
Characteristics
Whippet
Low grooming
Medium
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Whippet
Medium sighthound combining racing speed with calm companionship. Sleek, lean and Greyhound‑like, with a short, easy‑care coat but little weather protection. Sensitive, gentle and people‑oriented, it needs kind training, safe chances to sprint, soft warm bedding and a stable, quiet home.
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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