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Compare Shih Tzu and Pekingese 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
No
Good for first-time owners
Yes
No
Shedding
Noise level
Exercise needs
Physical & general
Life span
10–16 years
12–15 years
Weight
4.5–8.1 kg
3.2–6.4 kg
Height
25–28 cm
20–25 cm
Origin
Tibet
China
Grooming effort
Nutrition sensitivity
Health risk
Heat tolerance
Cold tolerance
The Shih Tzu and Pekingese are both small dog breeds with unique characteristics and traits. Originating from Tibet and China respectively, these breeds share similarities in energy levels and grooming needs, but they differ significantly in sociability and suitability for first-time owners. The Shih Tzu is known for its friendly demeanor and is particularly good with children, making it a popular choice for families. In contrast, the Pekingese, while affectionate, tends to be less sociable with kids and may not be the best fit for first-time dog owners. Both breeds have a moderate lifespan, but the Shih Tzu has a slightly longer expected lifespan. When considering these breeds, potential owners should weigh their living situations, family dynamics, and experience with dog training.
Shih Tzu — Advantages
Good with kids
Apartment friendly
Great for first-time owners
Moderate grooming needs
Sociable and friendly
Apartment friendly
Great for first-time owners
Moderate grooming needs
Sociable and friendly
Disadvantages
Moderate exercise needs
Can be noisy
Moderate trainability
Not very protective
Can struggle with being left alone
Can be noisy
Moderate trainability
Not very protective
Can struggle with being left alone
Pekingese — Advantages
Good climate tolerance for hot weather
Moderate grooming needs
Low exercise needs
Protective nature
Lower nutrition sensitivity
Moderate grooming needs
Low exercise needs
Protective nature
Lower nutrition sensitivity
Disadvantages
Not good with kids
Not suitable for first-time owners
Higher noise level
Less sociable
Higher climate tolerance for cold weather
Not suitable for first-time owners
Higher noise level
Less sociable
Higher climate tolerance for cold weather
Frequently Asked Questions
Which breed is better for families with children?
The Shih Tzu is better for families with children as it is known to be good with kids.
Are both breeds suitable for apartment living?
Yes, both the Shih Tzu and Pekingese are apartment friendly.
How do their grooming needs compare?
The Shih Tzu has a grooming difficulty of 4, while the Pekingese has a grooming difficulty of 3, making both breeds require regular grooming.
Which breed is more protective?
The Pekingese is more protective than the Shih Tzu.
Are either of these breeds good for first-time dog owners?
The Shih Tzu is good for first-time owners, while the Pekingese is not recommended for them.
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