Schapendoes 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.
Schapendoes
Foundation Stock Service
Shih Tzu
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Schapendoes Overview
Schapendoes are distinctive Dutch herding dogs with a shaggy, long-haired coat and expressive eyes. Their medium-sized, well-proportioned frame supports an athletic build ideal for agile movement. Known for their friendly and watchful nature, these dogs combine intelligence with a lively spirit. Their most striking feature is their abundant coat, which forms a natural mane around their face and neck.
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: Schapendoess are less energetic than Shih Tzus, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Schapendoess require less grooming attention compared to Shih Tzus.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Schapendoess 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 Schapendoess typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Schapendoes and Shih Tzu, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Schapendoes | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Schapendoes | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm | 9-11 inches 23-27 cm |
| Weight | 26-55 lbs 12-25 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 | Schapendoes | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Watchful, Lively | Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Schapendoes | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Schapendoes Temperament
The Schapendoes is known for being friendly, watchful, lively, 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 Schapendoes 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
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Schapendoes
Rating: 5/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Schapendoes
Rating: 1/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Schapendoes Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Schapendoess 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, Schapendoess 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
Schapendoes Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
- Dental Issues
Shih Tzu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Schapendoes
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Weather-resistant coat
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Strong herding instinct
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 Schapendoes and Shih Tzu, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.