Poodle vs Shih Tzu

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

Poodle vs Shih Tzu
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Poodle
Shih Tzu
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General Details
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Height
15-24 Inches
9-10 Inches
Weight
45-70 Pounds
9-16 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Origin Country
Germany
China
Origin Year
1200 AD
618 AD
Temperament
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Personality
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Living Environment
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
No
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
35-80 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
High
Medium
Exercise Required
Medium to High
Low
Top Running Speed
32 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Medium
Low
Grooming Needs
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Coat Maintenance
High
Medium
Shedding
None
None
Dander
None
None
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Distracted Easy
Yes
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Aggression
None
None
Burrow / Digging
None
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Average
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
None
Below Average
Herding
Average
Below Average
Hunting
Above Average
Below Average
Protection
Below Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
None
Below Average
Sled Pulling
None
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Health Concerns
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Common Health Issues
Addison's disease
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Sebaceous adenitis
Optic nerve hypoplasia
Cataracts
Runny eyes
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Von willebrand's disease
Patellar luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Premature graying
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Neonatal Encephalopathy
Atrial septal defect
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
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Coat Type
Hair
Hair
Coat Layering
Corded
Single
Double
Coat Texture
Rough
Wavy
Silky
Coat Length
Long
Long
Coat Coloring
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Breed Colors
Apricot
Black
Black and Tan
Black and White
Blue
Brown
Cream
Gray
Red
Silver
White
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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