Beagle vs Shih Tzu

The Beagle was bred for hunting rabbits and hares by scent; the Shih Tzu was bred for companionship. The Beagle is small to medium by weight; the Shih Tzu is small. The Beagle has a short, smooth coat, needing light grooming; the Shih Tzu, long hair, needing regular grooming. The Beagle sheds some; the Shih Tzu, less than most. The Beagle needs a good daily walk; the Shih Tzu, lighter exercise.

Side by side

BeagleShih Tzu
Bred forHunting rabbits and hares by scentCompanionship
SizeSmall to mediumSmall
Weight20 to 25 lb10 to 18 lb
CoatShort and smoothLong hair
GroomingA quick brush now and thenRegular brushing, and trims for some coats
SheddingSomeLess than most
ExerciseA good daily walkLighter exercise
VoiceIts descriptions mention barkingNot in its sources
In license records4,5808,276
See how each fits your answers

What people name them

The most common names in the pet license records we use.

Beagle

  1. 1Daisy68
  2. 2Lucy53
  3. 3Bella52
  4. 4Bailey51
  5. 5Buddy46

Shih Tzu

  1. 1Bella153
  2. 2Coco120
  3. 3Teddy114
  4. 4Luna106
  5. 5Max104

From pet license records published by New York City, Seattle, Cambridge in Massachusetts, and Allegheny County in Pennsylvania.

General information to help you narrow your choices. Every animal is an individual; meet them first. Check your lease and local rules.

Breed facts: Wikidata and each breed's Wikipedia article, read 2026-10-04. The ratings are ours, from those facts; how we match is on the breed fit quiz.

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