Comparison: Shih Tzu and Tibetan Terrier

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

Shih Tzu
Photo: Mostafameraji, CC0, source
Tibetan Terrier
Photo: PateraIncus, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Shih TzuTibetan Terrier
FCI group9. Companion and Toy Dogs9. Companion and Toy Dogs
Country of originChinaChina
CategorySmall–
Height at withers20–28 cm–
Weight4–7.5 kg–
Life span12–16 years–
Recognition features
  • Long, flowing silky coat
  • Flat face with a beard and a ´chrysanthemum´ head
  • Tail carried over the back, short legs
  • Long double coat with fine woolly undercoat, straight or waved
  • Sturdy, medium-sized dog with a generally square outline
  • Wide range of colours except chocolate, liver and merle
CoatLong dense coat with an undercoat.Double coat: fine woolly undercoat and profuse, long, fine top coat, neither silky nor woolly, straight or waved but not curled. White, golden, cream, grey or smoke, black, parti-colour and tricolour; any colour is permissible except chocolate, liver or merle.
PurposeA Chinese companion dog bred at the imperial court in Beijing; the ´lion dog´.A companion dog; originally a herding dog also doubling as a guard for traders travelling to and from China.

Breed page: Shih Tzu · Breed page: Tibetan Terrier

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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.