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Compare Shih Tzu and Dachshund side by side: temperament, energy, trainability, apartment fit, shedding, lifespan, weight and free adoption listings.
Breed traits
Character & behavior
Energy level
Playfulness
Intelligence
Trainability
Protectiveness
Sociability
Can stay alone
Lifestyle fit
Apartment-friendly
Yes
Yes
Good with kids
Yes
Yes
Good for first-time owners
Yes
Yes
Shedding
Noise level
Exercise needs
Physical & general
Life span
10–16 years
12–16 years
Weight
4.5–8.1 kg
7–14 kg
Height
25–28 cm
20–25 cm
Origin
Tibet
Germany
Grooming effort
Nutrition sensitivity
Health risk
Heat tolerance
Cold tolerance
The Shih Tzu and Dachshund are both popular breeds known for their friendly nature and adaptability to apartment living. While both breeds share similar energy levels and playfulness, they differ in size, lifespan, and certain behavioral traits. The Shih Tzu, originating from Tibet, typically weighs between 4.5 to 8.1 kg and has a lifespan of 10 to 16 years. In contrast, the Dachshund, hailing from Germany, weighs more, ranging from 7 to 14 kg, and has a slightly longer lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Both breeds are sociable and good with children, making them suitable for families. However, the Dachshund has a higher protectiveness level, while the Shih Tzu is known for its lower exercise needs and higher grooming difficulty. Understanding these differences can help potential owners choose the right breed for their lifestyle.
Shih Tzu — Advantages
Apartment-friendly
Good with kids
Suitable for first-time owners
Lower exercise needs
Sociable and friendly
Good with kids
Suitable for first-time owners
Lower exercise needs
Sociable and friendly
Disadvantages
Higher grooming difficulty
Can be less protective than Dachshund
Moderate noise level
Not as tolerant to cold climates
Can be less protective than Dachshund
Moderate noise level
Not as tolerant to cold climates
Dachshund — Advantages
Apartment-friendly
Good with kids
Suitable for first-time owners
Lower grooming difficulty
Higher cold climate tolerance
Good with kids
Suitable for first-time owners
Lower grooming difficulty
Higher cold climate tolerance
Disadvantages
Heavier weight range
Slightly longer exercise needs
Moderate noise level
Potentially more protective than Shih Tzu
Slightly longer exercise needs
Moderate noise level
Potentially more protective than Shih Tzu
Frequently Asked Questions
Which breed is better for families with children?
Both breeds are good with kids, making them suitable for families.
How much exercise do these breeds need?
The Shih Tzu has lower exercise needs compared to the Dachshund.
Are they good for first-time dog owners?
Yes, both breeds are suitable for first-time owners.
How do they fare in cold weather?
The Dachshund has a higher tolerance for cold climates than the Shih Tzu.
Which breed requires more grooming?
The Shih Tzu has a higher grooming difficulty compared to the Dachshund.
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