Living
Which is the better overall pick?
The Shih Tzu for apartment living and first-time owners who don't mind a grooming routine; the AmStaff if you want lower maintenance costs and can provide real daily exercise.
American Staffordshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu: Which Suits Your Home?
American Staffordshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? On paper they differ most on grooming need, and on the scales American Staffordshire Terrier is the heavier at 40–70 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.
This is for someone already down to American Staffordshire Terrier and Shih Tzu and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on grooming need and exercise need, 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 3/5. It is written for the decision rather than the breed history.
Quick verdict
Between American Staffordshire 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 staffordshire terrier if...
Choose American Staffordshire 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 staffordshire terrier | shih tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | medium | small | Equal |
| Weight | 40–70 lbs | 9–16 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 17–19 in | 8–11 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | 10–16 years | american staffordshire terrier |
| Exercise need | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) | shih tzu |
| Grooming need | Very low (1/5) | Very high (5/5) | american staffordshire 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 staffordshire terrier |
| Apartment suitability | Moderate (3/5) | Very high (5/5) | shih tzu |
| Good for first-time owners | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | shih tzu |
| Tolerates being alone | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Trainability | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) | american staffordshire 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 | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) | american staffordshire terrier |
| Cost level | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | american staffordshire terrier |
| Coat | Short, stiff and glossy | Long, flowing, hypoallergenic | Equal |
| Origin | Various | China | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $100–$200 | $120–$250 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,400–$2,900 | $1,500–$3,000 | Equal |
Deep dive
Size and build
This is the widest weight gap in the batch relative to body size -- the AmStaff's 40-70 pounds against the Shih Tzu's 9-16, with height dropping from 17-19 inches to just 8-11. The Shih Tzu is genuinely tiny; you could plausibly carry two of them in the space one AmStaff takes up.
Energy and exercise
The AmStaff needs real daily exertion, high (4/5) exercise need, while the Shih Tzu rates low (2/5) -- a lapdog's requirements, not a working dog's. The Shih Tzu's own energy rating is low (2/5) too, so this isn't a small dog secretly packing big-dog stamina.
Grooming and shedding
Here's the paradox worth understanding: the Shih Tzu needs very high (5/5) grooming -- daily brushing to prevent mats in that long, flowing coat -- yet sheds very little, rated very low (1/5). The AmStaff is the mirror image, needing almost no grooming (1/5) but shedding moderately (3/5). One costs you time and possibly a groomer's bill; the other costs you a lint roller.
Apartment living, noise and time alone
The Shih Tzu is built for apartment life -- very high (5/5) suitability against the AmStaff's moderate (3/5) -- and it's also the easier first dog, rated high (4/5) against moderate (3/5). Barking leans slightly toward the AmStaff being quieter, low (2/5) against the Shih Tzu's moderate (3/5), a small but real factor for close quarters.
Training and owner experience
Trainability favors the AmStaff, high (4/5) against the Shih Tzu's moderate (3/5), though the Shih Tzu's affectionate, friendly, outgoing temperament makes it an easy dog to live with even without heavy training investment. Tolerance for being left alone ties at moderate (3/5) for both, which isn't always true of small companion breeds.
Kids, other dogs and visitors
Good with kids ties at high (4/5) for both. The Shih Tzu pulls ahead with other dogs, high (4/5) against the AmStaff's low (2/5), making it the friendlier pick for multi-dog homes. The AmStaff edges ahead with strangers, high (4/5) against the Shih Tzu's moderate (3/5).
Health and lifespan
Lifespan favors the AmStaff at the low end -- 12 to 16 years against the Shih Tzu's wider 10 to 16 -- so the AmStaff's floor is higher even if the ceilings match. The Shih Tzu's health list runs to ten conditions, several tied to its flat face and small size: brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, liver shunts, kidney disease, patellar luxation, plus dental issues.
Cost to keep
Cost level favors the AmStaff, moderate (3/5) against the Shih Tzu's high (4/5): $100-$200 a month and $1,400-$2,900 in year one for the AmStaff, versus $120-$250 and $1,500-$3,000 for the Shih Tzu. Grooming is the likely culprit -- that very-high (5/5) coat-maintenance need translates directly into recurring professional grooming bills.
American Staffordshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu at a glance
American Staffordshire Terrier weighs 40–70 lbs and lives 12–16 years; Shih Tzu weighs 9–16 lbs and lives 10–16 years. The two diverge most on grooming need, exercise need and energy level and 3 other rated axes. They are level on tolerates being alone and good with kids, so those cannot decide it. In the table, a "winner" means easier for an ordinary household — not better. Size, coat and origin are recorded without a verdict. Because both breeds are scored the same way, the gaps are reliable even where the absolute numbers are rough.
Frequently asked questions
How much smaller is the Shih Tzu?
Dramatically -- 9 to 16 pounds and 8 to 11 inches against the AmStaff's 40 to 70 pounds and 17 to 19 inches. It's roughly a quarter of the AmStaff's weight at the top of each range.
Does the Shih Tzu shed a lot?
No -- very low (1/5), actually less than the AmStaff's moderate (3/5). But it needs very high (5/5) grooming to prevent its long coat from matting, a very different maintenance job than shedding.
Is the Shih Tzu a good first dog?
Yes, rated high (4/5) against the AmStaff's moderate (3/5) -- its small size and easygoing temperament make it forgiving for newcomers, provided you're prepared for the grooming schedule.
Which fits an apartment better?
The Shih Tzu, clearly -- very high (5/5) against the AmStaff's moderate (3/5). It's about as apartment-friendly as breeds on this site get.
Which costs more to keep?
The Shih Tzu, at $120-$250 a month against the AmStaff's $100-$200, and roughly $100 more in year one -- grooming costs are the likely driver given its very-high (5/5) coat-care rating.
Do their health risks overlap?
Only hip dysplasia and allergies appear on both lists. Otherwise the Shih Tzu's risks trace to its flat face and small size -- BOAS, liver shunts, dental issues -- while the AmStaff's trace to joints and skin.
Which lives longer?
The AmStaff has the higher floor -- 12 to 16 years against the Shih Tzu's 10 to 16 -- though both breeds can reach the same 16-year ceiling.
Quick answers
View more answersCosts
Which costs more monthly?
The Shih Tzu, at $120-$250 against the AmStaff's $100-$200 -- grooming is the likely reason, given its very-high coat-care need.
Training
How much exercise does the Shih Tzu need?
Very little -- it rates low (2/5) for exercise need, against the AmStaff's high (4/5). Short walks and indoor play cover most of its needs.
Health
Which lives longer?
The AmStaff's range starts higher -- 12 years at the floor against the Shih Tzu's 10 -- though both can live to 16.
Related DogBreedCompass guides
- American Staffordshire Terrier breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of American Staffordshire Terrier before deciding.
- Shih Tzu breed guide – The same for Shih Tzu, so the comparison can be checked against the detail.
- American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier – American Pit Bull Terrier is the closest breed to American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire 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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