Shih Tzu vs Bernese Mountain Dog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Shih Tzu
Toy Group
Bernese Mountain Dog
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Bernese Mountain Dog Overview
Majestic and powerful, Bernese Mountain Dogs boast a striking tri-colored coat with distinctive markings. Their sturdy build and broad chest reflect their heritage as working dogs, while their gentle expression and soft brown eyes reveal their warm temperament. Standing tall with a well-balanced frame, these dogs combine strength with remarkable agility.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Shih Tzus are less energetic than Bernese Mountain Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Shih Tzus require more grooming attention compared to Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Shih Tzus tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Shih Tzu and Bernese Mountain Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 10-18 years | 7-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-11 inches 23-27 cm | 23-27 inches 58-70 cm |
| Weight | 9-16 lbs 4-7 kg | 70-115 lbs 32-52 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Frequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing | Good-Natured, Calm, Strong |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Shih Tzu Temperament
The Shih Tzu is known for being affectionate, playful, outgoing, making them excellent family dogs. 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.
Bernese Mountain Dog Temperament
The Bernese Mountain Dog is characterized by being good-natured, calm, strong, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Shih Tzu and Bernese Mountain Dog, 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
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Shih Tzu
Rating: 3/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Shih Tzu
Rating: 2/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Shih Tzu Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shih Tzus 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, Shih Tzus require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Bernese Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bernese Mountain Dogs need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bernese Mountain Dogs 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
Shih Tzu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Dental Issues
Bernese Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cancer
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
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
Bernese Mountain Dog
Pros
- Gentle and patient with children
- Loyal family companion
- Good working dog capabilities
- Excellent guard dog instincts
Cons
- Short lifespan
- Heavy shedding
- Heat sensitivity
- Significant grooming needs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Shih Tzu and Bernese Mountain Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.