The Shih Tzu is royalty in the dog world—small, fluffy, and full of personality. But what if you love their iconic look but want a pup with a different vibe or grooming needs?
Good news: the Shih Tzu isn’t the only adorable face on the block. There are plenty of other little dog breeds that share the Shih Tzu’s squishy face, big expressive eyes, and soft coat, but each with its own twist on temperament and care.
Whether you’re looking for a dog with less grooming maintenance or one that’s a little more independent (or clingier!), you’ll find that these companion dog breeds can pass for Shih Tzu siblings at first glance.
We’ll introduce you to dogs that resemble the Shih Tzu but bring their own unique charm. From lap-loving to lively, these beloved pets may just be the lookalike you didn’t know you needed.
Dog Breeds that Look Like Shih Tzu
1. Bichon Frise
Weight: 12–18 pounds
Height: 9–12 inches
Vibe: The fluffy cloud of cheerfulness with a heart full of love
Originally from the Mediterranean region, these dogs were favored by Renaissance royalty. They were introduced to the United States around 1950 and have since gained popularity as show dogs, companion animals, and therapy dogs.
These two teddy bears look like long-lost cousins, but here’s the scoop: while both have that adorable, soft, and cuddly look, the Bichon Frise has a curly, cotton like coat, whereas the Shih Tzu has silky, flowing hair that sometimes needs a fancy haircut (and lots of brushing).
Bichons are a bit more energetic and love to play, while Shih Tzus tend to be a tad more laid-back and lap-loving. When it comes to exercise, Bichons are fairly active little pups—they enjoy about 30 to 45 minutes of daily playtime or walks to burn off their happy energy.
They have a playful personality and love interactive games, so expect some joyful zoomies around the house. Bichons are smart and eager to please, making training a breeze, especially when you reward them with lots of praise and treats. Their friendly temperament and social nature mean they thrive in households where they get plenty of attention and interaction.
Bichons are social butterflies who love meeting new people and pets. They’re perfect companions who can keep up with family fun but also settle down nicely for cuddle time. As per WebMD, their hypoallergenic luxurious coat is a bonus for allergy sufferers!
2. Biewer Terrier
Weight: 4–8 pounds
Height: 7–11 inches
Vibe: The tiny showstopper with a heart as big as their tri-color beautiful coat
The Biewer Terrier looks like a pocket-sized party with its unique, eye-catching tri-color fur (white, black, and tan), making it one of the most adorable small dog breeds out there. Despite their dainty size, these little dynamos have big personalities and loads of love to give.
One of the most distinctive features of the Biewer Terrier is its long, silky coat. Every Biewer sports a tricolor pattern, typically in one of three combinations: chocolate, tan, and white; black, tan, and white; or blue, tan, and white.
Perfect for apartment living and first-time dog parents, Biewers are social butterflies who get along well with kids and other pets.
Affectionate and friendly nature, Biewers love to be the center of attention but aren’t overly demanding. Their cheerful nature makes them perfect companions who’ll happily cuddle up or show off their tricks.
Biewers are naturally alert and often curious about their environment. They enjoy exploring and are usually eager to investigate anything new around them.
They require about 30 minutes of daily exercise—think short walks and playful indoor games—to keep their energy in check. Training these clever pups is usually a joy since they’re eager to please, but a little consistency and patience go a long way. They thrive on positive reinforcement and lots of praise.
3. Bolognese
Weight: 7–12 pounds
Height: 10–12 inches
Vibe: The fluffy aristocrat with a calm, sweet soul
The Bolognese may remind you of a miniature white cloud—soft, fluffy, and impossibly charming. Hailing from Italy, these elegant pups have been pampered companions for centuries, and their calm demeanor reflects their refined heritage.
As noted by PetMD, the Bolognese is a relatively rare breed today, but it may look familiar. The “Bolo,” as it’s sometimes called, is closely related to other small white dogs of Mediterranean origin, such as the Maltese, Havanese, and Bichon Frise.
Calm, affectionate, and quietly confident, Bolognese dogs make wonderful family pets for individuals looking for a loyal, delightful companion who enjoys plenty of cuddle time but also appreciates their peaceful alone moments.
According to the AKC, the Bolognese is prone to separation anxiety and doesn’t handle being alone for extended periods. They are not a good match for individuals with a typical 9-to-5 work schedule.
Bolognese dogs don’t need intense workouts; a gentle 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise through short walks or light play keeps them happy and healthy.
Training them is generally straightforward—they’re smart, attentive, and respond well to positive reinforcement. They might be a little reserved around strangers, but quickly warm up when properly socialized.
4. Coton de Tulear
Weight: 8–15 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
Vibe: The little cotton ball with a heart full of sunshine
Originating from the island of Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is exactly what its name promises—a soft, fluffy, cloud-like companion who loves to brighten your day.
Related to the Bichon Frise and Maltese, this small breed has a wonderfully plush, cottony coat that’s super cuddly and hypoallergenic, making it a favorite among allergy sufferers.
Sweet, affectionate, and social, Cotons adore being around people and are excellent family dogs. They can be a bit vocal, so early training helps keep the barking in check.
Coton de Tulears are lively and playful, but don’t require marathon exercise sessions. About 30 minutes to an hour of daily activity—like brisk walks or playtime—is perfect to keep them happy and healthy.
They’re smart, eager learners, and respond beautifully to positive, gentle training methods. If you want a fluffy coat sidekick who’s equally happy cuddling on the couch or chasing a ball, this is your breed.
5. Havanese
Weight: 7–13 pounds
Height: 8.5–11.5 inches
Vibe: The happy-go-lucky charmer with a heart full of love
Hailing from Cuba, the Havanese is the national dog and for good reason—it’s as charming and friendly as a dog can be. Sporting a silky, wavy coat that can come in a rainbow of colors, the Havanese is both stunning and super social.
Havanese are also known for their wide variety of coat colors—there are at least 25 recognized shades. Some of the most common include black, black and silver, chocolate, and cream, giving each dog a unique and charming appearance.
Havanese are incredibly affectionate, cheerful, and people-oriented. They don’t like to be left alone for long and can develop separation anxiety if ignored. But when you’re around, they’re your loyal little shadow, ready to brighten every day with their happy personality.
Their small size makes Havanese ideal travel companions, and they thrive in compact living spaces, making them well-suited for apartment life.
While they don’t require excessive grooming, their long coats do need daily brushing to prevent tangles and keep them looking their best. These dogs thrive on human interaction and enjoy moderate exercise—about 30 to 60 minutes daily, including walks, play, or even doggy agility fun.
Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training a breeze, especially when you throw in lots of treats and praise.
One important thing to consider before bringing a Havanese home is that they tend to be quite vocal. They often bark to alert their owners of anything unusual, making them attentive watchdogs, but this trait may require early training to manage excessive barking.
6. Pekingese
Weight: 7–14 pounds
Height: 6–9 inches
Vibe: The royal couch potato with a big personality in a compact body
The Pekingese is basically a walking antique rug with dark eyes—and that’s a compliment!
Originally bred to sit on the laps of Chinese emperors, this little lion dog carries itself with noble dignity (and a dramatic flair). With its long, flowing coat and compact size, it closely resembles the Shih Tzu—but the attitude? Slightly sassier.
Nowadays, they are cherished as affectionate and loyal companions, often carrying themselves with a dignified and proud demeanor that reflects their royal heritage.
Loyal companion, elegant appearance, and a tad aloof with strangers, the Pekingese loves their inner circle fiercely. They’re calm and confident but may have a touch of “small dog syndrome” if not properly socialized.
Exercise-wise, the Pekingese prefers a low-key lifestyle, needing just about 20–30 minutes a day of leisurely walks or indoor play. They’re not running-buddy material, but they’re always down for a royal stroll.
They’re smart, but stubborn. Think: “I’ll do it, but only if I feel like it.” Use gentle, consistent methods with plenty of praise—no drill sergeant vibes, please.
Pekingese are a brachycephalic breed, meaning their short snouts make them more susceptible to overheating, so it’s important to avoid vigorous exercise in hot weather. In addition to keeping them cool, owners must also dedicate time to grooming—their thick double coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting.
7. Japanese Chin
Weight: 4–11 pounds
Height: 8–11 inches
Vibe: The graceful little comedian with a royal heart and a mischievous streak
One glance at the Japanese Chin and you might think someone shrunk a Shih Tzu and gave it more catlike finesse.
This elegant toy breed, a favorite of Japanese nobility, has a silky coat, feathered tail, and an aristocratic air—until they do something totally goofy and remind you they’re full of surprises. Regal yet friendly temperament, this breed enjoys moderate popularity in the United States.
Affectionate nature, gentle, and occasionally clownish, they’re wonderful lapdogs with a flair for theatrics. They adore their humans and can be surprisingly intuitive, often mirroring your mood.
They’re low-maintenance on the energy scale, needing just 20–40 minutes of daily exercise, mostly through play or a walk around the block. Indoors, they’ll often entertain themselves—or perch somewhere high like a cat.
Smart, sensitive, and a little dramatic, Japanese Chins respond best to calm, positive training. They get bored easily, so keep things fun and short.
Japanese Chins enjoy leisurely walks with their owners, during which they love to sniff, explore, and prance about, making them well-suited for apartment living. However, they can be stubborn and prone to running off, so it’s not safe to let them off-leash outdoors.
Conclusion
Other dog breeds that look like the Shih Tzu breed include the Lhasa Apso, Tibetan Spaniels, Havanese dogs, Toy Poodles, and other breeds with charming little stature and fascinating ancient breed backgrounds. Known for their luxurious, flowing, or floor-length coats, these loving and loyal companions share the Shih Tzu’s charm and playful nature. Despite their small stature, they are excellent companions for active families and individuals who value human companionship and early socialization.
Many of these breeds, connected to Chinese royalty and Tibetan monasteries, have an independent nature and unique personality traits, but still form strong bonds with pet parents and other animals. Their regal appearance, delightful companionship, and playful antics make them a wonderful choice for those seeking a toy breed with personality and beauty.
