Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
Moderate
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
Low
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Shih Tzu might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
- Want a breed known for longevity
French Bulldog might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Live in an apartment or prefer quiet dogs
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy dog known for its long, flowing coat and distinctive pushed-in face. They typically weigh between 9 to 16 pounds and stand about 9 to 10.5 inches tall at the shoulder. Their large, dark eyes and short muzzle give them a sweet, expressive appearance. Shih Tzus have a friendly and outgoing personality, often forming strong bonds with their families. They are generally affectionate, playful, and lively, making them excellent companions for both individuals and families. Despite their small size, they are known for their confident demeanor and can exhibit a bit of stubbornness during training. Regular grooming is essential due to their long coat, which can mat easily if not maintained properly. They thrive on human companionship and are known to be relatively good with children and other pets.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a small breed known for its distinctive bat-like ears and muscular build. They typically weigh between 16 to 28 pounds and stand about 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder. Their coat is short, smooth, and comes in various colors, including brindle, fawn, and white. French Bulldogs are affectionate, playful, and adaptable, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike. They are generally good with children and other pets but can be territorial. They are not known to bark excessively, which makes them suitable for apartment living. Their moderate exercise needs and low grooming requirements further add to their appeal as a pet.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Excellent with children
Excellent with children
Good with Other Dogs
Very social with other dogs
Very social with other dogs
Shedding
Light shedding level
Moderate shedding level
Grooming Needs
High grooming needs
Low grooming needs
Trainability
Highly trainable
Highly trainable
Energy Level
Moderately energetic breed
Moderately energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Moderate barking tendency
Minimal barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Shih Tzu
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush the coat daily to prevent matting and tangles.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their size and age.
Health Care
Check and clean the ears weekly to avoid infections.
French Bulldog
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Groom regularly to manage shedding and keep their coat healthy.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their age and weight.
Health Care
Groom regularly to manage shedding and keep their coat healthy.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush the coat daily to prevent matting and tangles.
Grooming
Groom regularly to manage shedding and keep their coat healthy.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their size and age.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their age and weight.
Health Care
Check and clean the ears weekly to avoid infections.
Health Care
Groom regularly to manage shedding and keep their coat healthy.
Additional Care Notes
Shih Tzu
- •Ensure fresh water is available at all times.
French Bulldog
- •Brush their teeth regularly to maintain dental health.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement methods, including treats and praise, to encourage good behavior. Consistency and short training sessions are key, as Shih Tzus can lose focus quickly. Socialization is also important, introducing them to various environments, people, and other dogs from an early age.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness during training sessions
- •difficulty with housebreaking
- •tendency to bark excessively
- •distraction by other pets or people
- •separation anxiety leading to destructive behaviors
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs require consistent and positive reinforcement training methods. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Socialization is crucial; expose them to various environments, people, and other pets early on. Keep training sessions short and engaging, as French Bulldogs can become bored quickly. Use treats and praise to reward good behavior.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness can make training sessions more difficult
- •Short attention span may lead to distractions
- •Sensitivity to heat can limit outdoor training sessions
- •Prone to separation anxiety, which can affect focus during training
- •Difficulty in house training due to their unique body structure
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement methods, including treats and praise, to encourage good behavior. Consistency and short training sessions are key, as Shih Tzus can lose focus quickly. Socialization is also important, introducing them to various environments, people, and other dogs from an early age.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness during training sessions
- •difficulty with housebreaking
- •tendency to bark excessively
- •distraction by other pets or people
- •separation anxiety leading to destructive behaviors
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs require consistent and positive reinforcement training methods. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Socialization is crucial; expose them to various environments, people, and other pets early on. Keep training sessions short and engaging, as French Bulldogs can become bored quickly. Use treats and praise to reward good behavior.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness can make training sessions more difficult
- •Short attention span may lead to distractions
- •Sensitivity to heat can limit outdoor training sessions
- •Prone to separation anxiety, which can affect focus during training
- •Difficulty in house training due to their unique body structure
Training Resources
Shih Tzu Training Guide
French Bulldog Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Shih Tzu Breeders
Find French Bulldog Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.