Australian Shepherd

Herding · Medium

Shih Tzu

Toy · Small

Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu

Side-by-side comparison of the Australian Shepherd and Shih Tzu — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Australian Shepherd

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Australian Shepherd

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Shih Tzu

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Shih Tzu

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Australian Shepherd

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Shih Tzu

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Shih Tzu
Size	Medium	Small
Height	18–23″	9–10.5″
Weight	40–65 lbs	9–16 lbs
Lifespan	12–15 yrs	10–18 yrs
Group	Herding	Toy
Coat type	Medium-length double coat, straight to wavy	Long, flowing, dense double coat

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Shih Tzu
Energy level	Very High	Low
Trainability	Very High	Moderate
Barking level	Moderate	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Shih Tzu
Good with kids	High	High
Good with dogs	High	High
Good with cats	Low	High
Apartment friendly	Very Low	Very High

Care requirements

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Shih Tzu
Shedding	High	Very Low
Grooming needs	Moderate	Very High
Daily exercise	60–120 min	20–40 min
Daily food	1.5–2.5 cups	0.5–1 cups
Annual cost	$1 300–$2 200	$1 100–$2 000

Temperament