Not every dog can handle being this cute and this low-maintenance, yet Shih Tzus do it like pros. These little charmers were once royal lap warmers in palaces, and today, they rule couches, beds, and human hearts with fluffy paws and googly eyes.
What if you’re obsessed with their adorable looks and sweet vibes… yet curious about other dogs or a separate breed that brings the same magic? Maybe your Shih Tzu needs a buddy, or maybe you just want more fluff in your life.
The good news? There are plenty of dog breeds similar to Shih Tzus. Just as cuddly, playful, and totally ready to be spoiled. This list is full of small dogs with playful personalities. Some are extra friendly, some are a little dramatic, but all are totally lovable.
Whether you’re looking for a soft-coated sidekick or a toy-sized bestie that thrives in apartment living, these 10 breeds are proof that the Shih Tzu family vibe comes in many equally cute packages.
Dog Breeds Similar to Shih Tzus
1. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a fluffy pup of Tibetan royalty, like a Shih Tzu’s cousin from the Himalayas. Their thick, luxurious coat and expressive eyes made them temple guardians in Tibetan monasteries.
AKC describes the Lhasa Apso as a smart, confident, long‑coated breed originally bred as watchdogs in Tibetan monasteries.
Though sometimes aloof with strangers, Lhasas are extremely loving with families. They’re intelligent, sensitive, and thrive with gentle training, even if grooming can be a bit more frequent. Still, few pups match their charm and history.
Fun Fact: These fluffy guardians were once adored in Tibetan monasteries and were once reserved for royalty. They’re basically ancient fluff sentinels!
2. Havanese
Don’t let the name fool you, Havanese dogs feel like Cuban royalty with soft, silky fur that rivals a teddy bear’s. They’re playful, affectionate, and famous for their fluffy coat and big, expressive eyes.
Originally bred as lap companions aboard elegant yachts, they adore attention and make excellent companions for older children or active individuals. With the right brushing routine, they’ll smile into your life every day.
Fun Fact: Havanese dogs are so friendly and affectionate that they’re often called the “Velcro dogs” of the dog world. Never far from your side, especially if you’re in a lap-ready spot.
3. Bichon Frise
Imagine a cottonball with puppy dog eyes. That’s the Bichon Frise for you. Their white cotton-like coat makes them stand out among fluffy dogs, and their cheerful personality brightens any room.
They’re social, curious, and a perfect match for Shih Tzu lovers who want a small size with bigger affection. They respond well to training, love family life, and hardly ever demand much space.
Fun Fact: Bichon Frises were once popular with French nobles who loved their cotton white coats, earning them the nickname “little clown” for their playful charm.
4. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin has aristocratic charm and a cute, almost cat‑like personality. With that distinctive face and silky coat, they’re often mistaken for tiny lions but without the roar.
PetMD states that these pups often perch on the back of a couch or the arm of a chair like a cat, but make no mistake; they’re still dogs at heart. They love strolling through the park and showing off their favorite tricks for their humans.
They’re sensitive, polite, and known as lion-dog lookalikes in miniature. Chin’s gentle temperament pairs with loyalty: a perfect pup for families wanting soft affection and low‑key playtime.
Fun Fact: Japanese Chins were prized in ancient Japan as palace companions, some even believe their regal Posture inspired how samurai sat in meditation!
5. Coton de Tulear
Cotons feel like plump clouds with their cotton-like coat and sweet-natured vibe. They’re lively, eager to please, and make tender, affectionate companions in small spaces.
Originally bred as family pets, they naturally crave company and cuddle time. Few other breeds cuddle with your lap or drag toys over like Cotons do; they’re master snuggle buddies.
Orvis describes Cotons as adaptable, people-oriented little dogs originally bred in Madagascar, called the “Royal Dog of Madagascar.”
Fun Fact: Cotons were most often pampered on sailing ships, making them natural snuggle experts at sea or on land.
6. Pekingese
Royalty in a small package, Pekingese dogs earned the name “lion dog” centuries ago in China’s imperial courts. With their fat faces and Plush coat, they look regal even when snoozing.
Pekes are small but big in personality. They’re calm, dignified, and love lounging. Even though they can be pampered, they form deep bonds with owners and only ask for your lap in return.
Fun Fact: Pekingese dogs were ancient Chinese palace pups. Legends say that they were stolen by a warrior hidden in his sleeve, so compact and miniature that they went unnoticed!
7. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
This rare breed checks all the boxes: silky coat, cheerful personality, and house-level energy only, not couch potato level. They’re playful, goofy, and love attention as much as Shih Tzus do.
Bolonkas are flexible house dogs. Eager to cuddle, easy to train, and great with other pets. They look like floppy-eared fluffballs and share that irresistibly soft charm.
Fun Fact: Bolonkas nearly went extinct twice in Russian history, yet they’re cherished for their playful spirit and soft, curly coat that blends a teddy bear look with loyalty.
8. Biewer Terrier
If you love the Shih Tzu’s perky face and fluffy silhouette, the Biewer Terrier delivers me times with a tricolor twist. They’re small, curious, and just as snuggly, with bright energy and strong bonds with family.
Despite their terrier roots, they’re gentle inside and adapt well to quieter homes. Think: low barking, high cuddles, and a lot of adorable little fur to pet.
Fun Fact: The Biewer Terrier’s tricolored pattern began through a magical puppy spotting in Germany. Now they’re considered both rare and adorable by fans of fluffy dogs.
9. Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is not your typical Spaniel. It’s a seal watcher from monastery rooftops, regal and a bit independent. They have a silky coat and an expressive face like a mini Shih Tzu.
Spaniels are smart and alert and prefer small dog tasks like cuddles or gentle walks. With proper training, they thrive as indoor pals with the heart of a small guardian.
Fun Fact: Tibetan Spaniels once stood guard on monastery rooftops, trusted to bark warnings at approaching strangers, tiny watchmen with big hearts.
10. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies might be tiny, but they pack a bold and brave spirit. With their silky coat and fancy little walk, they often look like they just walked out of a doggy fashion show. But don’t be fooled, they’re energetic, smart, and love to explore everything.
They’re great for families or solo owners who want a playful but cuddly pup. Their small size and lively personality make them ideal for apartment living, and they’re always up for a game or quick snuggle.
Fun Fact: Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to catch rats in clothing mills. Fancy coat, gritty roots! Yorkies may be small, but they once worked in coal mines in England, earning a reputation as dogs with bigger courage than their size!
Conclusion
Every breed on this list shares qualities that endear Shih Tzu lovers: affection, soft, silky fur, small size, and a knack for making families feel complete. These little dogs thrive in apartment living, form strong bonds, and often steal hearts with their expressive faces and cuddly temperament.
With minimal exercise needs and grooming routines that pay off in rainy-day lap sessions or lively play, they’re perfect for families or individuals looking for excellent companions. Be it the bubbly Bichon Frise or the regal Japanese Chin, each pup brings charm, intelligence, and loyalty into your home with just the right amount of fluff.
If you’re considering your next dog to match your lifestyle, one of these dog breeds might just be your ideal choice. Offering playfulness, sensitivity, and quieter energy. If you want a cute, loyal companion that loves lap time as much as short play sessions, any of these breeds could be your perfect next dog. They’re more than beloved pets, they’re fluffy soulmates ready to share life’s calm and joyful moments.
