At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Pekingese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 6 to 9 inches | 9 to 10 inches |
| Weight | 7 to 14 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Pekingese
Bred for centuries in the Chinese imperial court. Some were carried in the sleeves of courtiers. British soldiers took the first ones to Britain after looting the Summer Palace in 1860.
Its flat face makes it prone to breathing trouble and overheating.
Health to watch
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Eye injuries
- Skin fold dermatitis
The Shih Tzu
A Tibetan and Chinese palace dog, bred for centuries by the imperial court. Its name means little lion.
Its flat face and prominent eyes need care in heat and from injury.
Health to watch
- Brachycephalic airway issues
- Eye problems (dry eye, proptosis)
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Renal dysplasia
- Dental disease
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Friendly with strangers
The Shih Tzu is friendlier with strangers than the Pekingese.
Good with children
The Shih Tzu is better with children than the Pekingese.
Good with other dogs
The Shih Tzu gets on better with other dogs than the Pekingese.
Barking
The Pekingese barks more than the Shih Tzu.
Shedding
The Pekingese sheds more than the Shih Tzu.
First-time owners
The Shih Tzu suits first-time owners better than the Pekingese.
Which to choose
Pekingese or Shih Tzu?
Choose the Pekingese if…
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
Choose the Shih Tzu if…
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want a dog that barks less
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Pekingese or the Shih Tzu?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Pekingese or the Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Pekingese can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Shih Tzu sheds less than the Pekingese. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Pekingese and Shih Tzu have?
The Pekingese is prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, intervertebral disc disease, eye injuries. The Shih Tzu is prone to brachycephalic airway issues, eye problems (dry eye, proptosis), intervertebral disc disease. Both share a risk of intervertebral disc disease. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
