Great Pyrenees vs Shih Tzu
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Great Pyrenees
Working Group
Shih Tzu
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Great Pyrenees Overview
Majestic and powerful, Great Pyrenees dogs possess a thick white double coat that protected them from harsh mountain elements. Their muscular build and imposing presence belie their gentle, patient nature. Distinguished by a wedge-shaped head, dark almond eyes, and weather-resistant coat, these dogs maintain a calm, dignified bearing that reflects their heritage as noble guardians.
Shih Tzu Overview
Shih Tzus captivate with their luxurious flowing double coat and distinctive chrysanthemum-like face, where the hair grows upward on the nose. These compact, sturdy dogs possess a proud bearing with their head held high, level back, and plumed tail carried over their back. Their warm, trusting eyes and sweet expression perfectly match their affectionate and outgoing personality.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Great Pyreneess are more energetic than Shih Tzus, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Great Pyreneess require less grooming attention compared to Shih Tzus.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Great Pyreneess tend to be more reserved with strangers than Shih Tzus.
- Trainability: Shih Tzus may be slightly easier to train due to their Shih Tzu's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shih Tzus adapt better to apartment living, while Great Pyreneess typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Great Pyrenees and Shih Tzu, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 10-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-32 inches 64-81 cm | 9-11 inches 23-27 cm |
| Weight | 85-100 lbs 39-45 kg | 9-16 lbs 4-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Patient, Calm | Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Great Pyrenees Temperament
The Great Pyrenees is known for being smart, patient, calm, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Shih Tzu Temperament
The Shih Tzu is characterized by being affectionate, playful, outgoing, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Great Pyrenees and Shih Tzu, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 5/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 2/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Great Pyrenees Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Great Pyreneess require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Great Pyreneess require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Shih Tzu Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shih Tzus need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Shih Tzus require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Great Pyrenees Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
Shih Tzu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Great Pyrenees
Pros
- Excellent guardian
- Gentle with family
- Independent nature
- Good with children
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Stubborn streak
- Needs space
- Independent nature
- Barking tendency
Shih Tzu
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Adaptable to small spaces
- Low exercise needs
- Affectionate personality
Cons
- High grooming requirements
- Prone to health issues
- Can be stubborn
- Temperature sensitive
- Difficult to housebreak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Great Pyrenees and Shih Tzu, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.