Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Shih Tzu | Yorkshire Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Small | Toy |
| Adult weight | 4.1 to 7.3 kg | 3.2 kg |
| In pounds | 9 to 16 lb | 7 lb |
| Adult height | 23 to 27 cm | 18 to 20 cm |
| Energy | Moderate | High |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Coat | Long double | Long silky |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| Lifespan | 10 to 18 years | 11 to 15 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Reliably good |
| Good with other dogs | Reliably good | Fine with supervision |
| Country of origin | Tibet (China) | Great Britain |
The main differences
- The Shih Tzu is the bigger dog: 4.1 to 7.3 kg against 3.2 kg for the Yorkshire Terrier.
- The Yorkshire Terrier needs more exercise: high energy against moderate for the Shih Tzu.
- Grooming is high for both.
- The Shih Tzu usually lives longer: 10 to 18 years against 11 to 15 years.
Temperament
Shih Tzu: Friendly and independent, intelligent, active and alert.
Yorkshire Terrier: Affectionate and sprightly, the Yorkshire Terrier is tenacious, feisty and brave, showing all the traits of a true terrier in a toy size frame.
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.
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
Yorkshire Terrier
- Patellar luxation, with a patella evaluation recommended by the national breed club
- Eye disease, with an ophthalmologist evaluation recommended by the national breed club
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Shih Tzu or the Yorkshire Terrier?
The Shih Tzu. Adults weigh 4.1 to 7.3 kg, against 3.2 kg for the Yorkshire Terrier, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Shih Tzu or the Yorkshire Terrier?
The published life expectancy is 10 to 18 years for the Shih Tzu and 11 to 15 years for the Yorkshire Terrier. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Shih Tzu or the Yorkshire Terrier 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