Comparison: Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu

Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Japanese Chin
Photo: Tom Mooring, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Shih Tzu
Photo: Mostafameraji, CC0, source
Japanese ChinShih Tzu
FCI group9. Companion and Toy Dogs9. Companion and Toy Dogs
Country of originJapanChina
CategoryVery small (toy)Small
Height at withers20–27 cm20–28 cm
Weight1.8–3.5 kg4–7.5 kg
Life span10–12 years12–16 years
Recognition features
  • Black-and-white or red-and-white long silky coat
  • Wide-set eyes and short muzzle
  • Feathered tail carried over the back
  • Long, flowing silky coat
  • Flat face with a beard and a ´chrysanthemum´ head
  • Tail carried over the back, short legs
CoatLong, silky, straight coat.Long dense coat with an undercoat.
PurposeA companion dog of Japanese and Chinese noble courts; brought to Europe by sailors in the 19th century.A Chinese companion dog bred at the imperial court in Beijing; the ´lion dog´.

Breed page: Japanese Chin · Breed page: Shih Tzu

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.