There’s something adorable about a Shih Tzu; their flowing coat, compact body, and those expressive eyes make them a favorite among pet parents. This charming little dog, originally bred for Chinese royalty, isn’t just beautiful; it’s also known for its affectionate temperament and love for companionship. According to the American Kennel Club, the Shih Tzu is among the top 20 most popular toy breeds in the U.S.
Thanks to their small size, playful nature, and loyal personality, Shih Tzus are excellent companions for apartment living and active individuals alike. But what if you adore their silky coat and friendly vibes, yet want to explore other dogs with similar characteristics?
Whether you’re drawn to their ancient breed history or simply their luxurious coat, this blog is your guide. We’ll explore 9 dog breeds similar to Shih Tzu, breaking down their traits, grooming needs, and lifestyle matches, so you can find the perfect pup to welcome into your world.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Shih Tzu
1. Lhasa Apso
Like the Shih Tzu, the Lhasa Apso is a small breed that was originally developed in Tibetan monasteries as a watchdog. Now Lhasa Apso has entered houses as a loyal family friend. Don’t let their small size fool you; they are very swift.
Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso have the same type of coat; moreover, they look the same. Therefore, people usually make mistakes for one another.
The Lhasa apso is adorable, affectionate, smart, and independent. This little stubborn dog tends to make a strong bond with its owners. But they are not comfortable with strangers, and with their sharp barking, they alert owners.
2. Maltese
From the Mediterranean island of Malta, this small breed developed, which is famous for its luxurious, floor-length white coat and loving personality. At 1st look, Shih Tzu and Maltese look alike, but few key differences.
Both were bred to be companion animals. Both dogs are people-oriented and affectionate; meanwhile, they don’t need much exercise. Moreover, they are also good with other dogs and animals. But Shih Tzu is more prone to health issues.
Maltese don’t need much exercise, and daily short walks along with indoor play are sufficient for them.
3. Pekingese
Pekingese is a small and fluffy toy dog that was bred a long time ago in China. It is a friendly, loving, and intelligent dog that remains loyal to its owners.
Pekingese and Shih Tzu have thick and beautiful coats with excellent temperaments. There are differences in physical outlook, body shapes, and faces. Pekingese comes with a flatter face compared to the Shih Tzu. Both dogs have coat differences; the Pekingese has a thicker coat, while the Shih Tzu has a long, silky coat.
Both dogs have a friendly and affectionate nature. They make a strong bond with their family members, making them great companions. However, the energy level of both dogs varies, as the Shih Tzu is an active dog with a medium energy level. However, the Pekingese have low energy requirements.
4. Havanese
Havanese is a Cuban toy breed dog that shines its affectionate personality on everyone. They not only love their family members but also strangers, other animals, and even cats. But their family gets the lion’s share of love.
Shih Tzu and Havanese are similar in many ways. Both dogs are almost the same size and have similar temperaments. Havanese are more fun-loving and always ready for adventure, but Shih Tzu enjoys spending time on the sofa.
Havanese are easy to train, while Shih Tzu can be a difficult pet to train. Further, Shih Tzu is brachycephalic, but Havanese has a normal-shaped snout.
5. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a small breed from the Mediterranean region. They are very common dogs, as they make affectionate and wonderful companions.
Both Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu are historic dogs that have ruled hearts for centuries. With small stature and an affectionate personality, they are ideal for various environments. Indeed, they share similar playful dispositions, but they differ in terms of key attributes.
Bichon Frise has a fluffy white cloud coat and may have shades of cream and apricot. The curly hair requires grooming after regular intervals. Shih Tzu has a long coat that is in different colors.
6. Tibetan Spaniel
According to PetMD, the Tibetan Spaniel, also known as Tibbe, is a small dog with having unique history. This beloved dog hailed from Tibet’s mountains over 2000 years ago. Moreover, they lived with Buddhist monks to warn them of approaching wolves or strangers.
The Tibetan Spaniel Club of America states that the breed came to England in 1898. This breed is not shy; in fact, it is assertive and intelligent. They are easy to train, but Shih Tzu are easier to train.
While talking about protective instinct, a spaniel is a good watchdog; however, its territorial protection is not good. While a Shih Tzu is an average guard dog, but strongly protects their territory.
7. Coton de Tulear
The American Kanal Club refers to the Coton de Tulear as the royal dog of Madagascar. It is a happy-go-lucky type of dog with a regal appearance. This dog is very cute, fluffy, and looks like a cotton ball. Its coat is unique from other breeds as it feels like hair, not fur.
Unlike the Shih Tzu, the Coton de Tulear is quite an active dog who loves to spend time with family. It will love you, cheer you, and try to comfort you. This dog is for active families who can spend time with it.
Moreover, regular grooming is required for both dogs so that they look their best. The fluffy coats of Coton de Tulear require extra time to keep them clean and beautiful.
8. Toy Poodle
Toy poodles are one of the smallest dog breeds that originated in Germany. Despite its size, the poodle has a big and playful personality. According to the Kennel Club, it has three varieties that are available in three different sizes.
There is a great difference in the appearance of the Shih Tzu and the Toy Poodle. Shih Tzu has a sturdy build. They have a broad head with round eyes. In contrast, poodles have a narrow head with almond-shaped eyes.
Apart from different physical appearances, both dogs share similar temperaments, personalities, and traits. Moreover, both dogs require regular grooming, but the extent of grooming differs.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier, also known as Yorkie, is a small breed that originated in England. Indeed, these little souls have great personalities.
The Yorkshire Terrier and the Shih Tzu are both charming dogs. They have many common traits and also differ in certain factors. Yorkie packs a lot of personality into its small body. They are not only confident and intelligent but also possess a bold temperament.
Shih Tzu has an independent streak, but they are smart dogs. They need early socialization and consistent training.
Conclusion
Shih Tzus are adorable, but they aren’t the only ones with charm. Many other small dogs share similar looks and sweet personalities. Some love to cuddle, while others enjoy playtime and fun walks. Most need regular grooming and lots of love. Choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle. No matter which you pick, you’ll get a loyal friend with a heart full of love.
