Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu

Compare the Australian Shepherd to the Shih Tzu. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Australian Shepherds and Shih Tzus.

Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
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General Details
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
Yes
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Height
18-23 Inches
9-10 Inches
Weight
40-65 Pounds
9-16 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Origin Country
United States
China
Origin Year
1840 AD
618 AD
Temperament
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
None
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Above Average
Personality
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Living Environment
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
No
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
30-80 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
High to Very High
Medium
Exercise Required
High
Low
Top Running Speed
25 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
High
Low
Grooming Needs
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium
Shedding
Medium
None
Dander
Medium
None
Drool
Low
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Average
Below Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Below Average
Herding
Above Average
Below Average
Hunting
Below Average
Below Average
Protection
Below Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
None
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Health Concerns
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Common Health Issues
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Distichiasis
Deafness
Collie eye anomaly
Persistent pupillary membrane
Drug sensitivity
Collie nose
Retinal detachment
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Patellar luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Juvenile renal disease
Bladder stones
Corneal ulcer
Proptosis
Distichiasis
Ectopic cilia
Dry eye
Retained baby teeth
Umbilical hernias
Portosystemic shunt
Snuffles
Reverse sneezing
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Coat Type
Fur
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Wavy
Silky
Coat Length
Medium to Long
Long
Coat Coloring
Australian Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Breed Colors
Black
Blue Merle
Red
Red Merle
Black
Black and White
Blue
Blue and White
Brindle
Brindle and White
Gold
Gold and White
Liver
Liver and White
Red
Red and White
Silver
Silver and White
White
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