DogDataHub

German Shepherd

Herding ยท Large

VS

Shih Tzu

Toy ยท Small

German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu

Side-by-side comparison of the German Shepherd and Shih Tzu โ€” size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

German Shepherd

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

German Shepherd

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Shih Tzu

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Shih Tzu

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

German Shepherd

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Shih Tzu

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

TraitGerman ShepherdShih Tzu
SizeLargeSmall
Height22โ€“26โ€ณ9โ€“10.5โ€ณ
Weight50โ€“90 lbs9โ€“16 lbs
Lifespan7โ€“10 yrs10โ€“18 yrs
GroupHerdingToy
Coat typeDense double coat, medium lengthLong, flowing, dense double coat

Temperament & behavior

TraitGerman ShepherdShih Tzu
Energy levelVery HighLow
TrainabilityVery HighModerate
Barking levelModerateModerate

Compatibility

TraitGerman ShepherdShih Tzu
Good with kidsHighHigh
Good with dogsModerateHigh
Good with catsLowHigh
Apartment friendlyLowVery High

Care requirements

TraitGerman ShepherdShih Tzu
SheddingVery HighVery Low
Grooming needsLowVery High
Daily exercise60โ€“120 min20โ€“40 min
Daily food2.5โ€“3.5 cups0.5โ€“1 cups
Annual cost$1ย 500โ€“$2ย 600$1ย 100โ€“$2ย 000

Temperament

German Shepherd

ConfidentCourageousSmart

Shih Tzu

AffectionatePlayfulOutgoing

Common health issues

German Shepherd

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Bloat
  • Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Shih Tzu

  • Brachycephalic syndrome
  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye problems
  • Dental disease
  • Intervertebral disc disease

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