Chihuahua vs Shih Tzu
Both were bred for companionship. Both are small dogs by weight. The Chihuahua has a coat that comes in varieties, needing light to weekly grooming; the Shih Tzu, long hair, needing regular grooming. The Chihuahua sheds some; the Shih Tzu, less than most. Both need lighter exercise.
Side by side
| Chihuahua | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Bred for | Companionship | Companionship |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Weight | 2 to 7 lb | 10 to 18 lb |
| Coat | By variety: short and smooth or silky and feathered | Long hair |
| Grooming | Light to weekly | Regular brushing, and trims for some coats |
| Shedding | Some | Less than most |
| Exercise | Lighter exercise | Lighter exercise |
| Voice | Not in its sources | Not in its sources |
| In license records | 7,499 | 8,276 |
What people name them
The most common names in the pet license records we use.
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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