Labrador Retriever

Sporting · Large

Shih Tzu

Toy · Small

Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu

Side-by-side comparison of the Labrador Retriever and Shih Tzu — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Labrador Retriever

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Labrador Retriever

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Shih Tzu

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Shih Tzu

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Labrador Retriever

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Shih Tzu

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Labrador Retriever	Shih Tzu
Size	Large	Small
Height	21.5–24.5″	9–10.5″
Weight	55–80 lbs	9–16 lbs
Lifespan	11–13 yrs	10–18 yrs
Group	Sporting	Toy
Coat type	Double coat, short and dense	Long, flowing, dense double coat

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Labrador Retriever	Shih Tzu
Energy level	Very High	Low
Trainability	Very High	Moderate
Barking level	Moderate	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Labrador Retriever	Shih Tzu
Good with kids	Very High	High
Good with dogs	Very High	High
Good with cats	Moderate	High
Apartment friendly	Low	Very High

Care requirements

Trait	Labrador Retriever	Shih Tzu
Shedding	High	Very Low
Grooming needs	Low	Very High
Daily exercise	60–120 min	20–40 min
Daily food	2–3 cups	0.5–1 cups
Annual cost	$1 500–$2 500	$1 100–$2 000

Temperament