French Bulldog vs Shih Tzu: A Detailed Comparison

These two dogs ask for very different amounts of your time, and it is almost entirely about coat.

A Shih Tzu has a long, fine double coat that grows continuously and mats quickly. Kept long, it needs brushing down to the skin most days and a professional groom every four to six weeks. Most owners settle on a short "puppy clip", which cuts the daily brushing but keeps the grooming appointment — $50 to $80 a visit in most US cities, indefinitely. The hair around the eyes also needs regular trimming and the face needs wiping daily.

A French Bulldog has a single short coat that needs a brush once a week and no professional grooming at all. What it does need is daily attention to the facial folds, which trap moisture and can become sore.

Over ten years the grooming difference alone is thousands of dollars and several hundred hours.

Both breeds are brachycephalic, so both can be affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome — noisy breathing, low heat tolerance, and reduced exercise capacity. Both also have prominent eyes that are vulnerable to injury and ulcers. Neither is a hot-climate dog, and neither should be exercised hard in warm weather.

The Shih Tzu is generally the longer-lived of the two, often reaching the mid-teens, and its conformation is less extreme than a modern French Bulldog's. Its most common problems are dental disease — normal for a small jaw — and eye conditions.

The French Bulldog carries the heavier health load: spinal problems including intervertebral disc disease, skin allergies, and a higher rate of airway surgery. It is also the more expensive dog to buy, in part because most litters need a caesarean, and it costs considerably more to insure.

Choose a Shih Tzu if you want a small, long-lived companion, you are comfortable with a permanent grooming commitment, and you would rather pay for grooming than for surgery.

Choose a French Bulldog if grooming time is what you do not have, you want a slightly sturdier and more robust-feeling dog, and the higher purchase price, insurance premium and health risk are affordable.

For either, the same two rules apply: do not buy from anyone who cannot show you the mother with the litter, and arrange insurance before the dog comes home.

Both the French Bulldog and Shih Tzu have low energy levels, making them great companions for apartment living. They enjoy short walks and playful interactions but do not require extensive exercise. If you're looking for a dog that will enjoy lounging on the couch just as much as a quick play session, either breed can be a good match.

However, the Shih Tzu does require regular grooming due to its longer coat, which can add to the care routine.

When comparing the costs between a French Bulldog and a Shih Tzu, you'll find that French Bulldogs tend to be more expensive overall. Monthly expenses for a Frenchie can range from $150 to $300, while Shih Tzus typically fall between $100 to $200. Additionally, French Bulldogs often face higher vet bills due to their unique health issues.

If budget is a significant factor in your decision, the Shih Tzu may be a more economical choice.