Shih Tzu vs Rat Terrier
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
Rat Terrier
Terrier 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.
Rat Terrier Overview
Rat Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with a smooth, short coat and distinctive erect ears. Their athletic build reflects their heritage as skilled hunters, combining speed with agility. These versatile terriers showcase a balanced blend of strength and refinement, featuring a wedge-shaped head, dark expressive eyes, and a naturally graceful gait that speaks to their sporting background.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Shih Tzus are less energetic than Rat Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Shih Tzus require more grooming attention compared to Rat Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Shih Tzus tend to be more reserved with strangers than Rat Terriers.
- 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 Rat Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Shih Tzu and Rat Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-18 years | 12-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-11 inches 23-27 cm | 10-18 inches 25-46 cm |
| Weight | 9-16 lbs 4-7 kg | 10-25 lbs 5-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing | Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Rat Terrier Temperament
The Rat Terrier is characterized by being friendly, inquisitive, lovable, 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 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 Rat Terrier, 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
Rat Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Shih Tzu
Rating: 3/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Shih Tzu
Rating: 2/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
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.
Rat Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rat Terriers 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, Rat Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Shih Tzu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Dental Issues
Rat Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
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
Rat Terrier
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Can be vocal
- High prey drive
- May be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be territorial
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Shih Tzu and Rat Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.