Chihuahua vs Shih Tzu
Compare the Chihuahua to the Shih Tzu. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus.
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
Yes
Lifespan
15-20 Years
10-15 Years
Height
6-9 Inches
9-10 Inches
Weight
3-6 Pounds
9-16 Pounds
Intelligence
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Origin Country
Mexico
China
Origin Year
1850 AD
618 AD
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Overall Friendliness
Family Friendly
Child Friendly
Pet Friendly
Stranger Friendly
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
No
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
50-80 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
High
Medium
Exercise Required
Medium
Low
Top Running Speed
18 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Low
Low
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Coat Maintenance
Low
Medium
Shedding
Medium
None
Dander
Low
None
Drool
None
None
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Aggression
Burrow / Digging
Chasing
Follow Commands
Fighting
Guarding
Herding
Hunting
Protection
Remove Vermin
Sled Pulling
Watch / Guardian
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Average Lifespan
15-20 Years
10-15 Years
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Coat Type
Fur
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Single
Double
Coat Texture
Silky
Straight
Silky
Coat Length
Short to Long
Long
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
