Shih Tzu vs Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Chinese Lion Dog or Wheaten?

Compare the Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Chinese Lion Dog or a Wheaten? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Chinese Lion Dog, Chrysanthemum Dog

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Wheaten Terrier, Softcoated Wheaten Terrier, Wheaten

Weight

What is the average weight of Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

12.5 pounds ( 6 kg )

37.5 pounds ( 17 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

9.5 inches ( 24.1 cm )

18.5 inches ( 47 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Shih Tzus or Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers hypoallergenic, or neither?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Shih Tzus are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Shih Tzu or Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Shih Tzus are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Origin

What is the origin of Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier dog breeds?

Tibet
China

Ireland

Ancestry

What are the origins of Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier breeds?

Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Tibetan Mountain Dog

terrier

Date of Birth

When were Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier breeds first developed?

Ancient Times

1700s

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Black
Brown

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier breeds?

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Silver
White
Brindle

Black
Cream

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier breeds?

Shih Tzus are known for their coat length.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers have medium-length coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Straight

Wavy

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

10-16 puppies per pregnancy

A Shih Tzu can have a litter of 10-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

10-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier can have a litter of 10-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier breeds?

Intervertebral Disc Disease
Eye Problems
Brachycephalic Syndrome

Protein Wasting Diseases (Ple And Pln)
Kidney Problems

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Otitis Externa
Urolithiasis
Eye Disease
Cleft Lip or Palate

Elbow Dysplasia
Cataracts
Allergies
Addison's Disease

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier breeds?

Eye
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
Skeletal
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Blood Test
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Shih Tzus and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers compare?

Shih Tzus are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Exercise Needed

Shih Tzu vs Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier exercise need comparison.

Shih Tzus need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Tendency to Bark

Do Shih Tzus or Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers bark more/less frequently?

Shih Tzu dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier entertained?

Walk, Bike ride, Brushing, Running, Sleeping, Resting, Short walks, Play, Play with lea, Sniffing, Dog Parks, Go to Park, Being pet, Sit, Eating Snacks, Fetch, Walking, Snuggling, Run, Treats, Petting, Scenting, Marking, Runnig, Watching tv, Playing, Cuddling, Trick training, Shopping, Training

Shake, Getting Pet, Walking, New Smells, Tracking, Walk, Running, Sniffing, Pets, Bike ride, Tug-of-war

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Shih Tzus or Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers?

Medium

Both Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Walks per Week

How many miles should Shih Tzu or Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier walk each week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shih Tzu, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

7 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Shih Tzus or Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers require more exercise?

30 minutes

In general most Shih Tzus usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

60 minutes

In general most Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Shih Tzus or Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers?

Shih Tzus have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs?

Daily

Ideally, both Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) to improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Shih Tzus and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Shih Tzu or Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier in cups?

1 cups

For an average 9-16 pound (4 - 7 kg) Shih Tzu feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

2 cups

For an average 35-40 pound (16 - 18 kg) Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Shih Tzu or Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Shih Tzu is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

$2.10 - $2.50 / day

The average cost of a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is somewhere $2.10 - $2.50 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Shih Tzu or Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

$28 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Shih Tzu is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$63 - $74 / month

The average per month expenses of a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is between $63 - $74. This makes an average of $756 - $888 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Shih Tzus vs Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers

Shih Tzu is an independent and stubborn breed with low obedience intelligence, making training a test of patience.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Shih Tzu or Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Shih Tzus are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are not dog-friendly.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Shih Tzu and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Shih Tzus and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers compare?

Shih Tzus are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.