Chow Chow or Shih Tzu? On paper they differ most on shedding, and on the scales Chow Chow is the heavier at 45–70 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.
This is for someone already down to Chow Chow and Shih Tzu and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on shedding and good for first-time owners, 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 4/5. It is written for the decision rather than the breed history.
Between Chow Chow and Shih Tzu, shedding is what separates them, and Shih Tzu is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.
Choose Chow Chow if you want a dog that is more watchful with visitors.
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.
| Feature | chow chow | shih tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | medium | small | Equal |
| Weight | 45–70 lbs | 9–16 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 17–20 in | 8–11 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 9–15 years | 10–16 years | shih tzu |
| Exercise need | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Grooming need | Very high (5/5) | Very high (5/5) | Equal |
| Shedding | High (4/5) | Very low (1/5) | shih tzu |
| Energy level | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Barking | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Apartment suitability | High (4/5) | 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 | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | shih tzu |
| Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | shih tzu |
| Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | shih tzu |
| Friendly to strangers | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | shih tzu |
| Cost level | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Coat | Thick double coat | Long, flowing, hypoallergenic | Equal |
| Origin | China | China | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $120–$250 | $120–$250 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,600–$3,000 | $1,500–$3,000 | Equal |
This is a big-versus-tiny matchup. Chow chow weighs 45-70 lbs and stands 17-20 in; shih tzu weighs just 9-16 lbs and stands 8-11 in -- you could carry two shih tzus for the weight of one chow. Size class confirms it: medium versus small, though "small" undersells how compact a shih tzu actually is next to a chow. Pick either one up and the weight difference is obvious immediately, even before you check the numbers.
A genuine tie -- both breeds rate low (2/5) on exercise need and low (2/5) on general energy level. Neither wants a jog, and both are satisfied with short walks and indoor downtime. If exercise tolerance were your only filter, this comparison wouldn't help you choose; both breeds are content sharing a couch for most of the day, which suits owners without a lot of free time for the dog park.
Both rate very high (5/5) on grooming need, so don't expect an easy ride either way -- but the payoff differs sharply. Chow sheds high (4/5), leaving hair everywhere between sessions; shih tzu sheds very low (1/5), so all that brushing time actually keeps hair off your furniture instead of just managing what's already there. Skip either grooming routine for a few weeks and you'll see the difference show up fast in mats and tangles.
Shih tzu edges out the chow on apartment suitability, very high (5/5) against high (4/5), and both keep barking to a moderate (3/5) level, with matching moderate (3/5) alone-tolerance. Between two low-exercise, low-energy breeds, the shih tzu's smaller footprint and higher first-time-owner score make it the marginally easier apartment tenant, though the chow's calmer indoor demeanor still counts for something.
Shih tzu rates moderate (3/5) on trainability and high (4/5) for first-time owners; chow sits at low (2/5) on both. Neither is a standout obedience prospect, but the shih tzu's people-pleasing temperament -- affectionate, friendly, outgoing -- gives a beginner more to work with than the chow's reserved independence does. Both still benefit from early socialization classes, just with different odds of success.
Shih tzu wins clearly across the board -- high (4/5) with kids against the chow's moderate (3/5), high (4/5) with other dogs against the chow's low (2/5), moderate (3/5) with strangers against low (2/5). The temperament lists explain it: shih tzu reads affectionate, friendly, outgoing, playful; chow reads independent, reserved, loyal, dignified. Opposite personality profiles wearing similarly demanding coats, which is easy to miss if you only shop by grooming requirements.
Shih tzu's lifespan range runs a bit longer at the top, 10-16 years against the chow's 9-15. Hip dysplasia shows up on both risk lists. Beyond that the two diverge -- chow's list leans toward bloat, thyroid disease and stomach cancer, while shih tzu's includes brachycephalic airway issues, liver shunts and kidney disease, reflecting its flat-faced build. A vet experienced with brachycephalic breeds is worth seeking out for the shih tzu specifically.
This is one of the closer cost comparisons in the lineup -- both rate high (4/5) overall, both run $120-250 a month, and first-year costs are nearly identical ($1,600-3,000 for the chow, $1,500-3,000 for the shih tzu). Neither breed is a budget option; the grooming bill is the common driver for both, whether you pay a groomer or spend the time yourself.
Chow Chow weighs 45–70 lbs and lives 9–15 years; Shih Tzu weighs 9–16 lbs and lives 10–16 years. The two diverge most on shedding, good for first-time owners and good with other dogs. They are level on tolerates being alone, barking and cost level, 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.
Very -- chow chow runs 45-70 lbs, shih tzu just 9-16 lbs. That's close to a four-to-one weight difference at the extremes, despite both being popular household breeds.
Shih tzu, by a wide margin -- very low (1/5) versus the chow's high (4/5) -- even though both breeds require the same very high (5/5) grooming commitment. The shih tzu's coat is more work to maintain but leaves far less hair around the house.
The shih tzu -- rated high (4/5) for first-timers against the chow's low (2/5). Its friendlier, more outgoing temperament and moderate trainability make it a gentler learning curve.
Yes, unusually close for this comparison -- both run $120-250 monthly and land in nearly the same first-year range. Both are rated high (4/5) on overall cost, driven mainly by grooming.
Both do well -- shih tzu rates very high (5/5), chow high (4/5) -- and both have low exercise needs and moderate barking. The shih tzu's smaller size is the tiebreaker in a tight space.
Hip dysplasia appears on both lists. Otherwise they diverge: the shih tzu's brachycephalic build brings airway, liver shunt and kidney concerns; the chow's risks lean toward bloat, thyroid disease and stomach cancer.
The shih tzu, clearly -- high (4/5) with kids and high (4/5) with other dogs, against the chow's moderate (3/5) and low (2/5). The temperament data backs this up: shih tzu is listed as affectionate and playful, chow as reserved and independent.
For most households, especially with kids or other pets, the shih tzu is the friendlier, easier-going choice. The chow suits someone who wants an independent, low-energy dog and isn't looking for a lap companion.
Nearly identical -- both run about $120-250 a month, mostly on grooming.
Both are low-energy -- low (2/5) exercise need for each. Short walks satisfy both breeds.
The shih tzu, slightly -- up to 16 years versus the chow's 15-year ceiling, with a higher floor too (10 vs 9).
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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