Living
Which is the more practical apartment dog?
The Shih Tzu, rated a top 5/5 on apartment suitability against the Bloodhound's 2/5, though its 5/5 grooming need means real time at the brush or groomer.
Bloodhound vs Shih Tzu: Which Suits Your Home?
Bloodhound or Shih Tzu? On paper they differ most on grooming need, and on the scales Bloodhound is the heavier at 90–110 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.
This is for someone already down to Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound and Shih Tzu, grooming need is what separates them, and Shih Tzu is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.
Choose bloodhound if...
Choose Bloodhound if you do not want a standing grooming appointment 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 | bloodhound | shih tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | large | small | Equal |
| Weight | 90–110 lbs | 9–16 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 23–27 in | 8–11 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 7–10 years | 10–16 years | shih tzu |
| Exercise need | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) | shih tzu |
| Grooming need | Low (2/5) | Very high (5/5) | bloodhound |
| Shedding | Moderate (3/5) | Very low (1/5) | shih tzu |
| Energy level | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Barking | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| 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 | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | shih tzu |
| Trainability | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | shih tzu |
| Good with kids | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Friendly to strangers | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) | bloodhound |
| Cost level | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | bloodhound |
| Coat | Short, dense | Long, flowing, hypoallergenic | Equal |
| Origin | Belgium | China | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $100–$200 | $120–$250 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,500–$2,800 | $1,500–$3,000 | Equal |
Deep dive
Size and build
A Shih Tzu tips the scale at just 9-16 lbs and stands 8-11 inches tall - small enough to fit in a shoulder bag, and a world away from the Bloodhound's 90-110 lbs and 23-27 inch frame. This is one of the largest size gaps in any comparison on this site.
Energy and exercise
The Shih Tzu asks much less of you physically, rating 2/5 on exercise need against the Bloodhound's 3/5, and low energy overall rather than moderate. Short walks and indoor play generally cover a Shih Tzu's needs, while a Bloodhound wants a real chance to follow its nose most days.
Grooming and shedding
This is the Shih Tzu's biggest ask - grooming rates a full 5/5, the highest tier, thanks to its long, flowing hypoallergenic coat that mats quickly without regular brushing and professional trims. Shedding, though, is very low at 1/5, better than the Bloodhound's moderate 3/5. You're trading a vacuum problem for a groomer's-bill problem.
Apartment living, noise and time alone
The Shih Tzu was practically built for small spaces - 5/5 on apartment suitability, the top score, against the Bloodhound's 2/5. Barking is tied at moderate (3/5) for both, so noise isn't really the differentiator here; space and exercise needs are.
Training and owner experience
The Shih Tzu is friendlier to new owners across the board - 4/5 for first-time owners and 3/5 for trainability, both ahead of the Bloodhound's 2/5 in each. It also tolerates being alone better, at 3/5 versus 2/5, which matters if your schedule doesn't allow constant company.
Kids, other dogs and visitors
Kids and other dogs are a tie, both breeds rating 4/5. The Bloodhound pulls ahead with strangers, 4/5 against the Shih Tzu's 3/5 - not a huge gap, but the Bloodhound's easygoing nature with unfamiliar faces is a bit more pronounced.
Health and lifespan
The Shih Tzu's health list is long and includes some serious items - brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, kidney disease, and liver shunts among them - reflecting its flat-faced build. It shares eye problems, ear infections, and hip dysplasia risk with the Bloodhound. Despite the longer list, it lives considerably longer: 10-16 years against the Bloodhound's 7-10.
Cost to keep
The Bloodhound is actually the cheaper of the two here, rating 3/5 on overall cost against the Shih Tzu's 4/5. Monthly costs run $100-200 for the Bloodhound versus $120-250 for the Shih Tzu, with first-year costs close but slightly higher for the smaller dog at $1,500-3,000 versus $1,500-2,800 - grooming bills add up.
Bloodhound vs Shih Tzu at a glance
Bloodhound weighs 90–110 lbs and lives 7–10 years; Shih Tzu weighs 9–16 lbs and lives 10–16 years. The two diverge most on grooming need, apartment suitability and shedding and 1 other rated axes. They are level on barking, good with other dogs and good with kids, 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
How small is a Shih Tzu compared to a Bloodhound?
Dramatically smaller - 9-16 lbs against 90-110 lbs, and 8-11 inches tall against 23-27 inches. It's one of the widest size gaps you'll find in a breed comparison here.
Which breed needs more grooming?
The Shih Tzu by far - it rates the maximum 5/5 on grooming need thanks to its long coat, against the Bloodhound's low 2/5.
Is the Shih Tzu better for a first-time owner?
Yes - it rates 4/5 for first-time owners and 3/5 for trainability, both ahead of the Bloodhound's 2/5 in each category.
Which fits an apartment better?
The Shih Tzu, with a top score of 5/5 on apartment suitability against the Bloodhound's 2/5.
Which costs more to keep?
The Shih Tzu, slightly - $120-250 a month versus the Bloodhound's $100-200, and it rates 4/5 on overall cost against the Bloodhound's 3/5.
Do they share health risks?
Some - both can develop eye problems, ear infections, and hip dysplasia. The Shih Tzu's flat face adds its own risks, like brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and liver shunts, not shared with the Bloodhound.
Which lives longer?
The Shih Tzu, at 10-16 years against the Bloodhound's 7-10 years.
Quick answers
View more answersCosts
Which is cheaper to keep?
The Bloodhound, slightly - $100-200 a month against the Shih Tzu's $120-250.
Training
Which needs more exercise?
The Bloodhound, rated 3/5 versus the Shih Tzu's 2/5, though neither is a high-energy breed.
Health
Which lives longer?
The Shih Tzu, typically 10-16 years compared to the Bloodhound's 7-10.
Related DogBreedCompass guides
- Bloodhound breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of Bloodhound before deciding.
- Shih Tzu breed guide – The same for Shih Tzu, so the comparison can be checked against the detail.
- Bloodhound vs Old English Sheepdog – Old English Sheepdog is the closest breed to Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound 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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