Pug vs Shih Tzu
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Pug | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Small | Small |
| Adult weight | 6.4 to 8.2 kg | 4.1 to 7.3 kg |
| In pounds | 14 to 18 lb | 9 to 16 lb |
| Adult height | 25 to 33 cm | 23 to 27 cm |
| Energy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Grooming | Moderate | High |
| Coat | Short smooth | Long double |
| Shedding | High | Low |
| Lifespan | 13 to 15 years | 10 to 18 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Reliably good |
| Good with other dogs | Usually good | Reliably good |
| Country of origin | China | Tibet (China) |
The main differences
- The Pug is the bigger dog: 6.4 to 8.2 kg against 4.1 to 7.3 kg for the Shih Tzu.
- Both have moderate energy in their published profiles.
- The Shih Tzu takes more grooming (high) than the Pug (moderate).
- Life expectancy is similar: 13 to 15 years for the Pug and 10 to 18 years for the Shih Tzu.
Temperament
Pug: Even tempered, happy and lively disposition, with great charm, dignity and intelligence.
Shih Tzu: Friendly and independent, intelligent, active and alert.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Pug
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), graded by a vet on an exercise tolerance test
- Pug dog encephalitis (PDE), with a DNA test that flags dogs at raised risk
- Hip dysplasia, which breeding stock should be hip scored by x-ray before mating
- Hereditary eye disease screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
Shih Tzu
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), graded by a vet on an exercise tolerance test
- Hereditary eye disease screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
- Skin problems in the facial folds, found on a routine veterinary skin check and kept down by daily fold cleaning
- Dental crowding and periodontal disease, found at a routine dental check and kept down by regular teeth cleaning
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Pug or the Shih Tzu?
The Pug. Adults weigh 6.4 to 8.2 kg, against 4.1 to 7.3 kg for the Shih Tzu, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Pug or the Shih Tzu?
The published life expectancy is 13 to 15 years for the Pug and 10 to 18 years for the Shih Tzu. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Pug or the Shih Tzu better with children?
They score the same: reliably good with children. Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin