Shih Tzu vs Pug
Shih Tzu and Pugs are small companion dog breeds that share some similarities and differences. The similarities between Pugs and Shih Tzu dogs include a short muzzle. These breeds are known as brachycephalic dog breeds. Many airlines banned brachycephalic breeds because dogs with short snouts do not adjust well to fluctuations in air temperature during flights. Shih Tzu and Pug owners report that both of these breeds tend to snort, snore and may have troubles breathing. Pugs and Shih Tzu have other things in common. For example, both of these breeds originated in China. The minimal exercise requirements and low level of barking that Pugs and Shih Tzu are known for make these small breeds ideal for living in an apartment. Pug or Shih Tzu are essentially companion dogs that can be playful and affectionate family pets and loving pet companions to seniors or families with older children.
Differences between Pugs and Shih Tzu breeds include different grooming requirements. Shih Tzu dogs have a long, abundant coat while Pugs feature a short coat. Despite the differences in coat length, both, Shih Tzu and Pugs should be brushed daily. Another important difference between these companion breeds is that while Shih Tzus have minimal shedding, Pugs produce an impressive amount of shedding.
What makes Pugs and Shih Tzu similar and what are the key differences between the two popular breeds?
Pug and Shih Tzu Mix dog image (Pug Tzu)
Pug Tzu is a mix between a Pug dog and a Shih Tzu. Pug Tzu dogs can inherit any of the colors of purebred Pugs and Shih Tzu dogs. Pugs, for example come in two acceptable colors while Shih Tzu have a much wider array of colors. Since both, Shih Tzu and Pug have short muzzles, Pug Tzu also features a short muzzle, just like the parents. Physical traits of Shih Tzu and Pug mix dogs resemble either of the parents, or a bit of both of these small dog breeds.
Image of Pug and Shih Tzu mix.
Half Pug half Shih Tzu dogs are small in size and can reach up to 20 pounds in weight and up to 14 inches in height.
Pug vs Shih Tzu: Grooming
Pugs and Shih Tzu dogs are high maintenance when it comes to grooming. While Pugs shed a lot and require daily brushing to remove the dead hair, Shih Tzu dogs need to be brushed for a different reason. Brushing a Shih Tzu dog helps to remove and prevent mats and tangles from forming on the long, flowing coat. Shih Tzu dogs shed minimally in comparison to Pugs. Pugs have naturally short coat that does not require trimming. Shih Tzu, in comparison, needs to be trimmed once every six weeks or so to keep the coat neat. Shih Tzu's coat grows continuously and as Shih Tzu hair gets longer and longer, the maintenance becomes more and more challenging. That is the reason why many Shih Tzu owners opt to keep Shih Tzu's coat neatly trimmed. Overall, Shih Tzu dogs are more demanding when it comes to grooming. Shih Tzu dogs need to have their coat trimmed regularly and brushed daily to remove any tangles or mats. A neglected Shih Tzu will experience discomfort associated with mats and tangles that pull on the dog's skin and can cause various skin issues besides major discomfort. Pugs shed a lot, otherwise their short coat doesn't mat or tangle the way a Shih Tzu's coat does and in that sense Pug's coat is easier to manage.
Pug vs Shih Tzu: Lifespan
In comparison to Shih Tzu, Pugs have about the same life span and can live from 11 to 15 years and sometimes longer. Many factors can affect a Pug and Shih Tzu lifespan, including overall health, care, diet, lifestyle and other factors.
Pugs vs Shih Tzus: Size
When comparing Shih Tzu and Pug in size, it is clear that Pugs are larger and weigh more than smaller Shih Tzus. While a Pug can weigh up to 20 pounds, a Shih Tzu reaches up to 16 pounds in weight. In height, Pugs are taller and can reach a height of 14 inches while shorter Shih Tzuz reach only up to 11 inches in height.
Pug male weight: 13 to 20 lb (5.8 to 9 kg)
Shih Tzu male weight: 8.8 to 16 lb (4 to 7.25 kg)
Pug male height: 12 to 14 in (30 to 35 cm)
Shih Tzu male height: 7.9 to 11 in (20 to 28 cm)
Pug vs Shih Tzu: Shedding
In comparison to Shih Tzu, Pugs shed significantly more. Shih Tzu are low shedding breeds and only lose a few hairs every day while Pugs shed noticeably more and need frequent deshedding. Using a Furminator deshedding tool can dramatically help manage a heavily shedding Pug dog.
Pug compared to Shih Tzu: Price
Prices for a Pug puppy start at around $900 and up while cost of a Shih Tzu puppy is around $750 and up. Pugs are more expensive on average than Shih Tzu dogs.
Pugs vs Shih Tzu: Temperament
Pugs and Shih Tzu are essentially companion dogs that share many similar temperament characteristics. Both breeds are friendly and affectionate towards their owners. Shih Tzus and Pugs are tolerant and full of personality. Pugs and Shih Tzu may be stubborn and can be challenging when it comes to obedience training. Lively and playful Pugs and Shih Tzu dogs make wonderful family pets for older kids.
Pug vs Shih Tzu: Country of breed origin
Pugs and Shih Tzu dogs share the same country of origin, which is China.
Good with kids: Pugs vs Shih Tzu
Both, Pugs and Shih Tzu breeds are not fragile and generally well tempered, which makes these companion pets wonderful additions to families with children. There are some considerations that need to be taken into consideration as both breeds have extensive grooming needs. Pugs, for example, constantly shed and need to be brushed daily. Shih Tzus, on the other hand have a hair that continually grows and needs to be brushed to keep it neat and tangle free. Only families with children who can commit to grooming a small dog daily can consider either of these family-friendly dog breeds.
Shih Tzus vs Pugs: Companion dogs
Shih Tzus and Pugs are popular companion dogs for many reasons. These small, but full of character dogs shower their owners with unconditional love and plenty of good energy every day. Senior citizens, older adults, single people and families with sensible, older kids make good owners for these small but demanding breeds. Both, Pugs and Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of attention from the owners to thrive. Busy people who can't spend most of the time with a Pug or Shih Tzu should consider other breeds. One of the significant differences between Pugs and Shih Tzus is that Shih Tzus have maximum grooming needs while Pugs are lower maintenance when it comes to coat care. Potential Shih Tzu owners need to enjoy grooming a dog, otherwise find a less demanding breed that doesn't require much coat maintenance.
Good with other dogs: Pug compared to Shih Tzu
A well socialized Pug or Shih Tzu tend to be friendly towards other dogs. These are not aggressive dogs and will happily extend their friendship to other family dogs. Owners of Pugs or Shih Tzu should be careful when introducing a pet to unfamiliar larger dogs. Shih Tzu and Pug are small breeds that might be mistaken for a prey by large breeds. Small dogs are also more likely to get hurt during a playtime with a larger dog that can accidentally step on a smaller dog and cause an injury.
Pugs vs Shih Tzu: Intelligence
Pugs and Shih Tzu breeds are intelligent and enjoy mental stimulation. Providing a small dog with a treat dispenser toy or with an interactive dog toy can provide the dog with the mental stimulation that any dogs needs. Training a dog to do tricks or to understand new words helps to develop their intellectual abilities.
Pugs vs Shih Tzu: Trainability
Shih Tzus and Pugs are strong minded dogs that aren't easy to train. Both breeds can present a challenge during potty training, for example. Start obedience and potty training early, while the dog is still flexible enough to be willing to learn good behavior. Gentle, positive motivation works best with both of these clever but stubborn breeds. Obedience enthusiasts may need to look for other breeds as Pugs and Shih Tzus are notoriously difficult to train, especially for a novice dog owner.
Shih Tzu vs Pug: Barking
Pugs and Shih Tzu do not bark much. These quiet small breeds are very popular in cities as they make good apartment dogs. Being a quiet dog is one of the similarities that Pugs and Shih Tzu dogs share.
Pugs vs Shih Tzu: Exercise needs
Although Pugs and Shih Tzu enjoy being playful and active, these breeds do not have high exercise needs. A few daily walks around the block and some indoor playtime is enough to keep Pugs and Shih Tzu dogs happy. Owners of Pugs or Shih Tzu should not over exercise their pets during hot weather as these brachycephalic breeds are sensitive to extreme temperatures and may not be able to efficiently regulate their body temperature. Pugs and Shih Tzu may easily get overheated and need limited exercise during hot and humid weather.
Health issues: Pugs versus Shih Tzu
Pugs love to eat and are prone to overeating, which can cause obesity. Obesity in dogs can cause other serious health problems and Pug owners should maintain their pets in healthy weight. Shih Tzu and Pugs are brachycephalic breeds and may have breathing problems that manifest as snoring, snorting and wheezing. Owners of these breeds should know that these dogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures and need to be in a cool environment during hot days to prevent heat stroke. Pugs and Shih Tzu dogs have protruding eyes and Pugs should not be hugged too hard as their eyes may pop out from the sockets due to pressure, which will require medical attention. Shih Tzu dogs have a long hair that may irritate the dog's eyes and cause infection or irritation of the eyes. To help prevent eye infections in Shih Tzu dogs, keep the dog's hair away from eyes.
Pugs versus Shih Tzu: Dog behavior issues
Dog behavior problems often develop in companion breeds that are left alone frequently. Shih Tzu and Pugs need to be around their owners most of the time. Busy owners who do not have time to spend with their dogs every day and frequently leave their pet alone can expect various behavior problems in their pet. Behavior problems in Pugs or Shih Tzu can vary as some dogs may damage the furniture while others may soil the floor and so on. To help prevent behavior problems from developing, always give your pet a long walk prior to leaving the dog alone. Also, provide some form of entertainment such as a chewable dog toy or treat dispenser dog toy for small breeds to keep the dog busy while you are away.
Some owners choose to crate train their Shih Tzu or Pug to keep the pet safe and out of trouble while the owner is not around to supervise the dog. Keep in mind that a dog should not spend more than an hour or two in a crate.
Shih Tzu compared to Pugs: Popularity
The Pug takes 32rd place in popularity ranking in the United States and is a well known breed.
Shih Tzu is a popular breed and takes 20th place in popularity ranking in the United States, according to AKC.
Difference between Shih Tzus and Pugs: Loyalty to the owner
Pugs and Shih Tzu love their owners unconditionally and enjoy spending most of the time with their owners. These companion breeds are very loyal to their human families.
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