DogDataHub

Golden Retriever

Sporting ยท Large

VS

Shih Tzu

Toy ยท Small

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu

Side-by-side comparison of the Golden Retriever and Shih Tzu โ€” size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Golden Retriever

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Golden Retriever

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Shih Tzu

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Shih Tzu

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Golden Retriever

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Shih Tzu

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

TraitGolden RetrieverShih Tzu
SizeLargeSmall
Height21.5โ€“24โ€ณ9โ€“10.5โ€ณ
Weight55โ€“75 lbs9โ€“16 lbs
Lifespan10โ€“12 yrs10โ€“18 yrs
GroupSportingToy
Coat typeDouble coat, long and wavyLong, flowing, dense double coat

Temperament & behavior

TraitGolden RetrieverShih Tzu
Energy levelHighLow
TrainabilityVery HighModerate
Barking levelModerateModerate

Compatibility

TraitGolden RetrieverShih Tzu
Good with kidsVery HighHigh
Good with dogsVery HighHigh
Good with catsHighHigh
Apartment friendlyLowVery High

Care requirements

TraitGolden RetrieverShih Tzu
SheddingVery HighVery Low
Grooming needsModerateVery High
Daily exercise60โ€“120 min20โ€“40 min
Daily food2โ€“3 cups0.5โ€“1 cups
Annual cost$1ย 500โ€“$2ย 800$1ย 100โ€“$2ย 000

Temperament

Golden Retriever

IntelligentFriendlyDevoted

Shih Tzu

AffectionatePlayfulOutgoing

Common health issues

Golden Retriever

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Cataracts

Shih Tzu

  • Brachycephalic syndrome
  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye problems
  • Dental disease
  • Intervertebral disc disease

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