Shih Tzu vs Pekingese
Pekingese and Shih Tzu breeds have many similarities. Both of these popular companion dogs are small in size and feature a luxurious coat that requires daily effort to maintain. Shih Tzus and Pekingese make wonderful family pets for families with older kids, capable of handling a small dog in a gentle way. Older adults that can spend most of the time with the dog and enjoy grooming their pet can find a perfect companion dog in either of these small breeds.
Similarities between Shih Tzu and Pekingese include a short snout and these breeds known as brachycephalic breeds. Brachycephalic dogs are not accepted by many airlines and if you are planning to fly with your pet, be sure to check with the airline company of your choice their policy regarding brachycephalic breeds such as Shih Tzu or Pekingese. The reason for such strict rules in regards to short snouted breeds is because brachycephalic dogs have trouble with regulating body temperature and should not be subjected to potentially sharp temperature changes that may occur during flights.
Despite many similarities, there are some differences between Shih Tzu and Peke breeds that need to be taken in account.
While both breeds have a beautiful fluffy coat, people with pet related allergies may find that Shih Tzus are a better fit. Shih Tzus have a hypoallergenic coat and although no dog breed is completely allergen free, Shih Tzu dogs are more allergy friendly than Pekingese. If no one in the household has pet related allergies, then both breeds can be taken into consideration as a family pet. Pekingese produce more shedding and owners need to be prepared to clean the dead hair that will end up on the floor and on the furniture. Shih Tzus have minimal shedding in comparison to Pekingese breed. Shih Tzus are known as non-shedding dog breeds that feature a coat that is very similar to human hair. Shih Tzu dogs lose a few hairs every day, but the amount is insignificant in comparison to Pekes.
Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix: Shinese image
Shih Tzu and Pekingese mix dogs have traits of the two breeds. The colors of Shinese (Shih Tzu Peke cross) can vary because Shih Tzus are known to have 19 color combinations acceptable for the breed. Pekingese also have a wide variety of acceptable coat colors that adds to the array of coat color combinations in Shinese dogs. Physical traits of Shinese can resemble either a Peke or Shih Tzu, or a bit of both of these lap dog breeds.
Image of Pekingese Shih Tzu mix.
Half Pekingese half Shih Tzu dogs are also called Shinese. Shinese size can reach up to 16 pounds in weight and up to 11 inches in height.
Pekingese vs Shih Tzu: Grooming
Peke and Shih Tzu breeds feature a long and fluffy coat that needs extensive grooming. Shih Tzu's coat is similar in structure to human hair and is hypoallergenic. Shih Tzu dogs produce lower level of allergens than most other breeds and can be considered by people who have pet related allergies. Always spend some time with the dog before purchasing to be sure that your allergies agree with the new dog. Pekingese are not hypoallergenic and in comparison to Shih Tzu, Pekingese breed sheds considerably more. If you are considering either a Shih Tzu or a Pekingese breed, be prepared to spend at least half an hour every day on grooming your pet. Pekes and Shih Tzus need to be brushed every day to keep the coat in best condition and free from mats. Shih Tzu dogs need to get their coat trimmed once every six weeks or so. Grooming a Pekingese or a Shih Tzu dog includes brushing the dog's teeth daily to prevent any dental issues.
Pekingese vs Shih Tzu: Lifespan
Shih Tzu and Pekingese breeds live on average from 12 to 14 years. Many factors can affect a Peke's or Shih Tzu's lifespan. The dog's overall health, care, diet, lifestyle and other factors affect a dog's longevity.
Shih Tzu vs Pekingese: Size
In comparison to Pekingese, Shih Tzu dogs are slightly larger in size and weigh slightly more on average. See below for more detailed information about Shih Tzu and Pekingese size comparison.
Pekingese male weight: 6 to 12 lb (2.75 to 5.5 kg)
Shih Tzu male weight: 8.8 to 16 lb (4 to 7.25 kg)
Pekingese male height: 6 to 9 in (15 to 23 cm)
Shih Tzu male height: 7.9 to 11 in (20 to 28 cm)
Pekingese vs Shih Tzu: Shedding
While Shih Tzu breed is considered to be a low shedding breed that only loses a minimal amount of hair daily, Pekingese owners report a significant amount of shedding.
Peke vs Shih Tzu: Price
Pekingese puppies cost around $700 per puppy on average, while a Shih Tzu puppy can be purchased for around $500 per puppy on average. Expect to spend more if you are looking to buy eight a Pekingese or a Shih Tzu show dog.
Pekingese vs Shih Tzu: Temperament
Pekingese temperament is self-assured, gentle and dignified. Pekes can be very stubborn. In comparison, Shih Tzu breed has a very outgoing and sociable temperament. Shih Tzu owners describe the dog as playful extrovert. Pekingese and Shih Tzu breeds have an element of independence in their character.
Shih Tzu vs Pekingese: Country of breed origin
Shih Tzu breed was developed in Tibet as a companion dog.
Pekingese dogs were first bred in China.
Good with kids: Pekingese vs Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu and Pekingese both are small dogs and are more appropriate for families with older, more sensible children that can treat a family pet with respect. Pekes and Shih Tzu dogs require enough time for grooming and attention every day and parents of younger children may be too busy for these demanding small dogs. A Shih Tzu or Pekingese owner will need to allocate at least 30 minutes each day for grooming the dog.
Pekingese compared to Shih Tzu: Companion dogs
Shih Tzu and Pekingese are small companion breeds that need to be around the owner most of the time to be happy. An ideal owner for either of these breeds has enough time for grooming and socializing the dog. Older people who have more time and energy to dedicate to a family pet can consider either of these decorative dog breeds.
Good with other dogs: Shih Tzu vs Pekingese
Shih Tzu and Pekes can get along with other dogs with supervision. If properly socialized from a young age, both breeds can enjoy the company of other dogs. Do not leave your Pekingese or Shih Tzu around larger, aggressive dogs. Smaller dogs can be vulnerable around larger dogs with high prey drive.
Pekingese vs Shih Tzu: Intelligence
The Pekingese and Shih Tzu are clever small dogs. Not all Shih Tzus are equal in terms of intelligence, just like not all Pekingese are equal in intelligence when compared to other dogs of the same breed. Due to these variations within each breed, intelligence level needs to be tested on individual dogs to make a reasonable estimation.
Pekingese vs Shih Tzu: Trainability
Pekes and Shih Tzus aren't the easiest breeds to train. Training can be a challenge for Shih Tzu or Pekingese owners because both breeds possess a rather independent temperament that may interfere with the training process. Short and fun training sessions work best with Pekingese or Shih Tzu. Finding the right motivation is the key to successfully training any breed, including Shih Tzu or Pekingese. Both of the small breeds can successfully learn basic commands, provided that the owner is consistent and patient with the dog.
Pekingese versus Shih Tzu: Barking
Barking level is similar for Pekingese and Shih Tzu breeds. Both breeds will bark if there's an underlying cause for barking. For example, many dogs react to an unfamiliar noise from outside and you can either a Pekingese or a Shih Tzu to respond with barking whenever there's anything that is out of ordinary happening in their vicinity. Small dogs such as Pekes or Shih Tzu can successfully learn to be quiet on command. Train your pet the "Quiet!" command by providing the dog with a small treat every time he stops barking on command. To stop a dog from barking, try filling up a metal tin with coins and whenever the dog starts barking say "Quiet!" and immediately shake the tin to make a noise. The dog will immediately stop barking to figure out what's making the noise and as soon as the dog is quiet, reward him with a small treat. Eventually a Shih Tzu or Pekingese will understand the meaning of the command and will stop barking as soon as they hear the word "Quiet!"
Pekingese vs Shih Tzu: Exercise needs
Both breeds are reasonably active and do best with a few daily walks to stay in best physical shape. Pekingese and Shih Tzu are brachycephalic breeds, meaning they have a short muzzle. Brachycephalic breeds tend to have difficulties with regulating their body temperature as the short muzzle does not allow the dog to quickly cool himself or herself off during hot weather or during very active exercise. Pay a close attention to your pet and if you see any signs of tiredness, discontinue exercising the dog. During the hot months keep your small pet in a cool environment to protect the dog from overheating. Never leave your dog in a car alone during the hot weather to prevent a heat stroke that can be fatal.
Health issues: Shih Tzu vs Pekingese
There are certain genetic diseases associated with Shih Tzu and Pekingese breeds but overall both breeds are considered to be relatively healthy. Both, Pekes and Shih Tzus are susceptible to back problems and eye injuries.
Pekingese versus Shih Tzu: Dog behavior issues
When bored or left alone often, both Pekes and Shih Tzu will exhibit problem behaviors such as barking, chewing on things other than his chewable toys, scratching or ripping furniture and other problem dog behaviors. Most dogs will exhibit destructive behaviors if left alone with nothing to do. Shih Tzu and Pekingese are both companion dog breeds and need to spend most of the time with their family. When any companion dog is left alone frequently, the dog may develop depression or other psychological issues as human companionship is very important for both of these breeds. Pekingese and Shih Tzus were created specifically to be lap dogs that spend lots of time with the owners and leaving the dog unattended will cause the dog to be unhappy, which is a root of destructive dog behavior in many cases.
If you do need to step out and leave either the Pekingese or Shih Tzu alone for an hour or so, consider providing the dog with a safe, chewable toy that the dog can play with while you are not around. Be sure to check the toy for any small parts that the dog can accidentally bite off and swallow.
Some owners choose to crate train their Pekingese or Shih Tzu to keep the pet safe and out of trouble while the owner is not around to supervise the dog.
Difference between Pekingese and Shih Tzu: Popularity
Shih Tzu is more popular in the United States and takes 20th place in popularity ranking, according to AKC. Pekingese takes 93rd place in popularity ranking in the United States.
Pekingese compared to Shih Tzu: Loyalty to the owner
Both of these companion breeds are very loyal to their owners. Pekes and Shih Tzu are happiest when spending time with their families.
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