Shih Tzu vs Collie
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
Collie
Herding 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.
Collie Overview
Graceful and elegant, Collies possess a distinctive wedge-shaped head crowned by a refined muzzle and alert, almond-shaped eyes. Their double coat features a harsh outer layer and soft undercoat, coming in four recognized colors. Standing proudly with an air of intelligence and dignity, Collies exhibit a well-balanced body structure with deep chest and level topline, moving with smooth, effortless strides.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Shih Tzus are less energetic than Collies, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Shih Tzus require more grooming attention compared to Collies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Shih Tzus tend to be more reserved with strangers than Collies.
- 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 Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Shih Tzu and Collie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-18 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-11 inches 23-27 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 9-16 lbs 4-7 kg | 50-75 lbs 23-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing | Devoted, Graceful, Proud |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Collie Temperament
The Collie is characterized by being devoted, graceful, proud, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Shih Tzu and Collie, 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
Collie
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Collie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Shih Tzu
Rating: 3/5
Collie
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Shih Tzu
Rating: 2/5
Collie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Collie
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.
Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Collies 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 medium coat coat, Collies 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
Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- CEA
- PRA
- MDR1
- Bloat
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
Collie
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Loyal and protective
- Elegant appearance
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Sensitive personality
- Needs consistent exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Shih Tzu and Collie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.