Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
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General Details
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Height
8-9 Inches
9-10 Inches
Weight
4-7 Pounds
9-16 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Average
History
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Origin Country
United Kingdom
China
Origin Year
1865 AD
618 AD
Temperament
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Overall Friendliness
Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Personality
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Traits
Affectionate
Aggressive
Jealous
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Living Environment
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
No
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
55-80 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
Medium
Medium
Exercise Required
Low
Low
Top Running Speed
11 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Low
Low
Grooming Needs
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Coat Maintenance
High
Medium
Shedding
Low
None
Dander
Low
None
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Dominant / Alpha
Yes
No
Family / Pack
No
Yes
Independent
Yes
No
Breed Focus
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
None
Below Average
Chasing
None
Below Average
Follow Commands
Below Average
Below Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
None
Below Average
Herding
None
Below Average
Hunting
Average
Below Average
Protection
None
Below Average
Remove Vermin
Above Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
None
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Health Concerns
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Common Health Issues
Patellar luxation
Collapsed trachea
Progressive retinal atrophy
Portosystemic shunt
Reverse sneezing
Hypoglycemia
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
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Coat Type
Hair
Hair
Coat Layering
Single
Double
Coat Texture
Silky
Silky
Coat Length
Long
Long
Coat Coloring
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Breed Colors
Black and Gold
Black and Tan
Blue and Gold
Blue and Tan
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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