Pekingese 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.
Pekingese
Toy Group
Shih Tzu
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Pekingese Overview
Pekingese dogs feature a distinctive lion-like mane, flat facial profile, and compact body structure. Their long, flowing double coat comes in various colors, complementing their dignified bearing and regal demeanor. Standing 6-9 inches tall with a sturdy build, these ancient companions combine an independent spirit with devoted loyalty to their families.
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: Pekingeses are less energetic than Shih Tzus, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pekingeses require less grooming attention compared to Shih Tzus.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pekingeses 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 Pekingeses typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pekingese and Shih Tzu, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pekingese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pekingese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6-9 inches 15-23 cm | 9-11 inches 23-27 cm |
| Weight | 14-14 lbs 6-6 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 | Pekingese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner | Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pekingese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Pekingese Temperament
The Pekingese is known for being affectionate, loyal, regal in manner, 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. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 Pekingese 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
Pekingese
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pekingese
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pekingese
Rating: 2/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pekingese
Rating: 2/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pekingese
Rating: 4/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Pekingese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pekingeses require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pekingeses require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Pekingese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Patellar luxation
- Heart murmurs
- Eye problems
- Spinal disc issues
Shih Tzu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Pekingese
Pros
- Excellent apartment dogs
- Loyal and devoted
- Low exercise needs
- Independent nature
Cons
- Stubborn and challenging to train
- Regular grooming required
- Heat sensitive
- Can be aloof with strangers
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 Pekingese and Shih Tzu, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.