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Side by side
Choose two breeds. You’ll see the same strip of citeable traits — not a winner, and not kids / apartment / shedding scorecards.
Temperament lines are short plate excerpts, not a verdict. Open each plate for the full entry.
- AKC group
Toy
- Size
Toy
- Height
20–28 cm (AKC)
- Weight
4.1–7.3 kg (AKC)
- Energy
Moderate
- Energy notes
Moderate. The standards call the Shih Tzu lively, active and alert, but the AKC notes that as a house companion it needs only modest exercise: short daily walks and indoor play are enough for this small, short-legged dog.
- Trainability
Moderate
- Coat
The coat is luxurious, dense, long and flowing, with a long outer coat over a moderate undercoat; a slight wave is allowed, but it should never be curly or woolly.
- Origin
Tibet / China
- Temperament
Bred purely as a companion, the Shih Tzu should be outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting toward everyone, says the AKC standard, with a warm, sweet, wide-eyed expression. The FCI and Kennel Club describe it as intelligent, active and alert, friendly and independent.
- AKC group
Toy
- Size
Toy
- Height
~13–20 cm (AKC profile)
- Weight
1–3 kg (FCI)
- Energy
Moderate
- Energy notes
Moderate. The Chihuahua loves to run and play but can usually get enough exercise in a small space, and the AKC says trotting around after its people is often enough, with short, slow walks to keep it fit.
- Trainability
Moderate
- Coat
There are two coats.
- Origin
Mexico
- Temperament
Big personality, tiny frame: the AKC standard asks for an alert dog with 'terrier-like' self-importance, confidence and self-reliance. The Kennel Club describes a gay, spirited and intelligent dog, neither snappy nor withdrawn, and the FCI a quick, lively and very courageous one.
