Behavior
Which is the better overall pick?
For small-space living and first-time owners, the Shih Tzu. For an active household that doesn't mind grooming-free upkeep and a bigger dog, the APBT.
American Pit Bull Terrier vs Shih Tzu: Which Suits Your Home?
American Pit Bull Terrier or Shih Tzu? On paper they differ most on grooming need, and on the scales American Pit Bull Terrier is the heavier at 30–65 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.
This is for someone already down to American Pit Bull Terrier and Shih Tzu and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on grooming need and apartment suitability, so those are covered first and in most detail. Anyone choosing from a flat has a clear answer here: Shih Tzu rates 5/5 against 2/5. The focus throughout is on daily consequences rather than breed background.
Quick verdict
Between American Pit Bull Terrier and Shih Tzu, grooming need is what separates them, and Shih Tzu is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.
Choose american pit bull terrier if...
Choose American Pit Bull Terrier if you do not want a standing grooming appointment, you want a dog that picks up training quickly and you want a dog that can keep up with an active routine.
Choose shih tzu if...
Choose Shih Tzu if you are in a flat or a smaller home, this is your first dog and shedding is a problem in your house.
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | american pit bull terrier | shih tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | large | small | Equal |
| Weight | 30–65 lbs | 9–16 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 17–21 in | 8–11 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years | 10–16 years | Equal |
| Exercise need | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) | shih tzu |
| Grooming need | Very low (1/5) | Very high (5/5) | american pit bull terrier |
| Shedding | Moderate (3/5) | Very low (1/5) | shih tzu |
| Energy level | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Barking | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | american pit bull terrier |
| Apartment suitability | Low (2/5) | Very high (5/5) | shih tzu |
| Good for first-time owners | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | shih tzu |
| Tolerates being alone | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Trainability | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) | american pit bull terrier |
| Good with kids | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | shih tzu |
| Friendly to strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Cost level | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | american pit bull terrier |
| Coat | Short, glossy | Long, flowing, hypoallergenic | Equal |
| Origin | United States | China | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $80–$150 | $120–$250 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,200–$2,200 | $1,500–$3,000 | Equal |
Deep dive
Size and build
This is close to the widest size gap on the site: a Shih Tzu weighs 9-16 lbs and stands just 8-11 inches, while the APBT runs 30-65 lbs and 17-21 inches — the APBT can weigh more than four times as much. If you're picturing these two side by side, picture a toy breed next to a genuinely large dog, not two variations on a similar theme.
Energy and exercise
The Shih Tzu needs meaningfully less exercise — low (2/5) versus the APBT's high (4/5) — and its energy level matches at low (2/5) against the APBT's high (4/5). This is a legitimate lap-dog-versus-athlete pairing; the two breeds simply want different amounts of daily activity, and neither will adapt well to the other's routine.
Grooming and shedding
The Shih Tzu's long, flowing coat is the highest-maintenance one on this table — grooming need rated very high (5/5) — though it barely sheds (1/5), which is why it's often marketed as hypoallergenic. The APBT is the mirror image: almost no grooming effort (1/5) but moderate shedding (3/5). You're choosing between regular professional grooming bills or regular vacuuming, not avoiding maintenance altogether.
Apartment living, noise and time alone
The Shih Tzu was built for exactly this scenario — very high apartment suitability (5/5), the top score on this comparison — while the APBT sits low (2/5). It does bark somewhat more, moderate (3/5) versus low (2/5), so it's not silent, but its low exercise need and small footprint make it the far more realistic choice for a small unit or a building with tight space.
Training and owner experience
The Shih Tzu is rated a much easier first dog — high (4/5) for first-time owners versus the APBT's low (2/5) — even though the APBT actually trains slightly better on paper (4/5 vs. moderate 3/5). That mismatch is common with toy breeds: manageable in daily life, but not always the fastest learners in formal training.
Kids, other dogs and visitors
Both rate the same with kids (4/5), but the Shih Tzu pulls ahead with other dogs (4/5 vs. 2/5) while sharing an identical moderate rating with strangers. Its temperament list — affectionate, friendly, outgoing, playful — closely mirrors the APBT's own friendly, playful profile; these two actually share more temperament overlap than most pairings on this site, despite the size gap.
Health and lifespan
Lifespan ranges overlap (10-16 years for the Shih Tzu, 12-14 for the APBT), so neither has a clear edge. The Shih Tzu's health list is long and skews toward its brachycephalic build — airway syndrome, eye problems, dental issues — conditions tied directly to its flat face and small size. The APBT's risks are almost entirely unrelated: joint, cardiac and skin issues rather than structural ones.
Cost to keep
The Shih Tzu costs more to keep despite its smaller size — $120-250 monthly versus $80-150 for the APBT, and $1,500-3,000 versus $1,200-2,200 in year one. Grooming bills and the vet costs tied to brachycephalic health issues both push its budget higher than its size alone would suggest.
American Pit Bull Terrier vs Shih Tzu at a glance
American Pit Bull Terrier weighs 30–65 lbs and lives 12–14 years; Shih Tzu weighs 9–16 lbs and lives 10–16 years. The two diverge most on grooming need, apartment suitability and exercise need and 5 other rated axes. They are level on tolerates being alone, good with kids and friendly to strangers, so those cannot decide it. The table below marks a winner only where one breed is genuinely easier for a typical owner; size and origin are facts rather than merits and stay level. Ratings come from one source applied to both breeds, so they are meaningful against each other rather than as absolute scores.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Shih Tzu cheaper to keep because it's smaller?
No — it actually costs more, $120-250 a month versus $80-150 for the APBT. Grooming needs and brachycephalic-related vet visits outweigh the savings from a smaller appetite.
Which breed sheds less?
The Shih Tzu, dramatically — a 1 out of 5 rating versus the APBT's moderate 3 out of 5. Its low-shed coat is why it's often recommended for allergy-sensitive households, though it demands far more grooming in return.
Which is the better apartment dog?
The Shih Tzu, without much competition — 5 out of 5 versus the APBT's 2 out of 5. Its low exercise needs and small size suit tight living spaces in a way the APBT's build doesn't.
Is the Shih Tzu a good first dog?
Yes, more so than the APBT — 4 out of 5 for first-time owners versus 2 out of 5, even though its formal trainability score is slightly lower.
Do they share health risks?
Only hip dysplasia overlaps. The Shih Tzu's list is dominated by brachycephalic issues like airway syndrome and eye problems, tied to its flat face; the APBT's skews toward joints and skin.
Which lives longer?
It's close — the Shih Tzu's range (10-16 years) tops out higher than the APBT's (12-14), but the APBT's floor is also higher. Individual dogs vary more than the averages suggest here.
Are their temperaments actually similar?
Surprisingly, yes — both lists include friendly and playful. The size and grooming needs differ enormously, but day-to-day personality overlaps more than most breed pairs on this site.
Quick answers
View more answersCosts
How much more does the Shih Tzu cost monthly?
About $40-100 more — $120-250 versus $80-150 for the APBT, driven by grooming and health costs.
Training
Which needs more exercise?
The APBT, rated high (4/5) versus the Shih Tzu's low (2/5).
Health
Which lives longer?
Roughly comparable — Shih Tzu 10-16 years, APBT 12-14 years; individual variation matters more than the averages.
Related DogBreedCompass guides
- American Pit Bull Terrier breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of American Pit Bull Terrier before deciding.
- Shih Tzu breed guide – The same for Shih Tzu, so the comparison can be checked against the detail.
- American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier – American Staffordshire Terrier is the closest breed to American Pit Bull Terrier on the measured axes, so it is the natural next comparison.
- Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise – Bichon Frise sits closest to Shih Tzu, which makes it the alternative worth ruling out.
- What American Pit Bull Terrier costs to keep – Anyone weighing these two is usually also pricing them, and the cost pages carry city-level figures.
- Shih Tzu health problems – The health pages set out what each breed is actually screened for.
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Important reminder
Health information here is general and is not veterinary advice. If your dog shows pain, sudden behaviour change, or worsening symptoms, consult a licensed veterinarian.
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