Yorkie vs Shih Tzu: Complete Breed Comparison Guide

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, you've likely narrowed down your options to two adorable breeds: the Yorkie and the Shih Tzu. Both are popular choices for their small size, friendly personalities, and low-maintenance grooming needs.

The Yorkie, for example, weighs in at around 7-15 pounds, making it a great option for city dwellers or those with limited space. In contrast, the Shih Tzu typically weighs between 9-16 pounds, but can sometimes be heavier due to its compact body.

Both breeds are known for their outgoing and affectionate nature, but the Yorkie is often described as more energetic and playful, while the Shih Tzu is often more laid-back and adaptable. This is likely due to the Yorkie's origins as a working dog, whereas the Shih Tzu was bred as a companion animal.

Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or a first-timer, it's essential to consider your lifestyle and living situation when choosing between these two breeds.

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Yorkies are tiny dogs, weighing in at around 7 pounds at most. Their compact terrier body is a perfect reflection of their small size.

The most notable feature of a Yorkie's appearance is their silky coat, which often reaches the floor. This coat can come in a variety of colors, including black and tan, blue and gold, blue and tan, and black and gold.

One of the most striking things about Yorkies is how similar males and females are in size. There's no considerable difference between the two, which is a unique trait among breeds.

Here are the accepted coat colors for a purebred Yorkie:

It's worth noting that Yorkies can be slightly bigger or smaller than the average 7 pounds, but they're almost always near this number.

When it comes to grooming, both Yorkies and Shih Tzus require regular attention to stay looking their best.

Yorkies have a coat similar to human hair, which means they need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and keep it clean. Their hair around their eyes should be kept short to prevent eye infections.

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Shih Tzus, on the other hand, have a dense coat that sheds very little. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but they don't need to be bathed as often as Yorkies.

Both breeds need their ears cleaned regularly to prevent infections. Yorkies are prone to ear infections due to their long hair, while Shih Tzus are more prone to ear infections due to their ear structure.

Here's a comparison of the grooming needs of both breeds:

It's worth noting that both breeds require regular grooming to prevent health issues related to their coats.

Yorkies are naturally more energetic and alert than Shih Tzus, which makes them great watchdogs. They have a strong prey drive and will happily notify you of any strangers in or around your home.

Shih Tzus, on the other hand, are more easygoing and friendly, often preferring to interact with people rather than being interested in their surroundings.

Both breeds require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long coats, which can cause eye infections if left unchecked. Daily brushing and regular baths are essential to keep their coats clean and healthy.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds' temperaments:

Note that while both breeds are affectionate and loving, Yorkies can be more aggressive and territorial if not socialized properly, while Shih Tzus are generally more friendly and outgoing.

Both Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs that are highly trainable and eager to please.

Yorkshire Terriers are known to be independent and energetic, with a strong prey drive and a tendency to bark at strangers. They were bred to be ratting dogs, not companion animals, which explains their alert and yappy nature.

Shih Tzus, on the other hand, are friendly and outgoing, with a high affection level and a tendency to form strong bonds with their owners. They were developed to be companion animals and are generally easy-going and gentle.

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Here's a comparison of the two breeds' temperaments:

As you can see, both breeds have high affection levels, but Shih Tzus are generally more outgoing and social. Yorkshire Terriers, on the other hand, have a strong prey drive and can be more sensitive to changes in their environment.

Overall, both breeds make great companions for the right owner, but it's essential to consider their unique personalities and needs before making a decision.

If you're considering bringing home a Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier, you're probably wondering how much energy they'll need. Shih Tzus have a lower energy level than other dogs, which means they're happy with short walks and playtime.

Yorkshire Terriers, on the other hand, are high-energy dogs that require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They need daily walks and playtime to burn off their excess energy.

In terms of exercise need, both breeds have minimal requirements, but the Yorkshire Terrier is slightly more active. Shih Tzus are content with short, gentle walks, while Yorkshire Terriers need a bit more physical activity to keep them satisfied.

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When it comes to sleeping, Shih Tzus are notorious sleepers and can snooze for up to 12 hours a day. Yorkshire Terriers, on the other hand, need less sleep and are generally more alert.

Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds' energy levels:

Remember, every dog is different, and their energy levels can vary depending on their individual personalities and lifestyles. However, with a little understanding of their needs, you can provide the perfect balance of exercise, playtime, and rest for your new furry friend.

When it comes to caring for your Shorkie's diet, it's essential to choose a high-quality, well-balanced food.

Dry kibble is an excellent basis for this diet, and you should look for one formulated explicitly for very active little dogs.

Feeding your Shorkie age-specific kibble ensures they get the right combination of nutrients at the right time.

Consult with your veterinarian if you can't decide on a brand of food, as they'll be able to steer you towards the most nutritious kibble for your pup's needs.

Regular bathing and combing are crucial for Shorkies, especially due to their long-ish fur, which can easily get knotted and dirty.

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Shorkies, being a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier, require a high-quality, well-balanced diet to stay healthy. Look for a dry kibble formulated for very active little dogs.

Feeding your Shorkie the right amount of food is crucial. A recommended daily amount is 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shorkies can easily gain weight if overfed, so it's essential to monitor their food intake. A Shorkie's weight gain potential is average to high if not paid attention to.

To maintain a healthy weight, feed your Shorkie an age-specific kibble. This ensures they get the right combination of nutrients at the right time.

Here's a comparison of the average daily food consumption of Shorkies and their parent breeds:

Remember, a Shorkie's diet and weight management are crucial for their overall health and well-being. Consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice on feeding and caring for your Shorkie.

Yorkies tend to be barkers and are used by some people as guard dogs.

Shih Tzus would probably be a better choice for apartment living because they're easy-going and non-territorial.

They don't make much noise, which is a plus for apartment living.

When choosing between a Yorkie and a Shih Tzu, it's essential to consider the potential health issues that come with each breed.

Yorkies are relatively healthy, but they do need regular eye and ear care to avoid infections. They're also prone to low blood sugar, so it's crucial to feed them small meals frequently.

Shih Tzus, on the other hand, are more likely to develop joint issues and arthritis due to their larger size and shorter legs.

Both breeds can be prone to eye problems, but Shih Tzus are more susceptible due to their protruding eyes.

Here are some common health issues that can affect both breeds:

It's worth noting that Shih Tzus are more likely to develop joint issues, while Yorkies are more prone to low blood sugar and eye problems.

Yorkies typically live for 12-16 years, while Shih Tzus have an average lifespan of 10-16 years.

Ultimately, it's crucial to work with a reputable breeder to minimize the risk of inherited health issues in your new furry friend.

If you're looking for a playful little dog, a Yorkie is a great choice. They're more active than Shih Tzus and need more exercise to keep them happy.

The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, makes a wonderful lap dog. They're happy to just cuddle up with you and snooze the day away.

Both breeds have similar grooming requirements, so you won't have to worry about one being a lot more high-maintenance than the other.

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The Shorkie breed originated through selective breeding, a process also used to create other popular designer dog breeds like Labradoodles and Pitweilers.

These breeds were created to combine the desirable traits of two parent breeds, in this case, the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier.

The goal was to create a dog that's both intelligent and friendly, which are traits found in both parent breeds.

Dog breeders wanted to create a pet that looks adorable, and they hoped to avoid some of the genetic issues that can affect Shih Tzus and Yorkies.

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The Shorkie breed is still in its developmental stages, having only been around for about 10 to 15 years as a designer breed.

Don't expect to see a Shorkie in the Westminster Kennel Club show anytime soon, but they may have a future in agility competitions, which are open to mixed breeds.

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If you're looking for a playful little dog, a Yorkie might be the perfect fit.

Yorkies are more active than Shih Tzus, so they need more exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Both Yorkies and Shih Tzus have similar grooming requirements, making them relatively low-maintenance in that regard.

The Yorkie's high energy level means they'll bark more than a Shih Tzu, so if you live in an apartment or have noise restrictions, a Shih Tzu might be a better choice.

Shih Tzus are lap dogs through and through, perfect for snuggling up on the couch.

Yorkies were bred as ratting dogs, which explains their natural instinct to bark and be alert.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you're looking for in a dog - if you want a playful companion, a Yorkie is a great choice, but if you prefer a lap dog, a Shih Tzu is the way to go.

When considering the cost of owning a Shih Tzu or a Yorkshire Terrier, it's essential to know that the price range for these breeds is quite different.

The Shih Tzu typically costs between $800 and $1200, making it a more expensive option compared to the Yorkshire Terrier.

If you're looking for a breed that's easier on your wallet, the Yorkshire Terrier is a more affordable choice, with a price range of $600 to $1000.

Both breeds are relatively easy to get, with frequent availability making them accessible to many potential owners.

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Yorkshire Terriers are known for their intelligence, ranking them as one of the smartest dog breeds. They are often described as brilliant, but also stubborn.

Early training is crucial for Yorkies, as they can be quite feisty and require regular training to keep them in tip-top shape. Socialization is also essential to ensure they are well-adjusted to various people, places, and things.

In contrast, Shih Tzus have a lower degree of obedience intelligence, ranking them as one of the dog breeds with the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.

Interestingly, both Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus are considered easy to train, which may seem contradictory given their differing intelligence rankings. However, it's essential to remember that trainability and intelligence are not always directly correlated.

Here's a comparison of the trainability of Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus:

Overall, both breeds require consistent training and socialization to become well-behaved and well-adjusted companions.

Both Yorkies and Shih Tzus are known for being low-shedding breeds, which is great news for people with allergies. They both shed none to minimal.

When it comes to biting, both breeds are generally gentle and not prone to aggression. However, as with any dog, it's essential to socialize them properly to ensure they're comfortable around people and other animals.

Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds' bite and allergy-related characteristics:

Both Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus are known to be hypoallergenic, meaning they produce fewer allergens than other breeds. This makes them a great option for people with allergies.

Their coats are fine and dense, respectively, and require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Yorkshire Terriers need to be brushed daily, while Shih Tzus require less frequent grooming.

Bath time is also a consideration, with Yorkshire Terriers needing to be bathed every 3-4 weeks and Shih Tzus every 4-6 weeks. Regular ear cleaning is also essential to prevent infections.

Here's a comparison of their grooming needs:

It's worth noting that both breeds have a low drooling tendency, making them a great option for people who don't want to deal with slobber. However, they do require regular grooming to prevent eye infections and keep their coats clean.

Both Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus have a weak bite force, ranging from 100 to 200 PSI.

Their biting potential is low, meaning they have a low chance of biting someone.

Yorkshire Terriers have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people, which is a good thing for families with small children.

Shih Tzus, on the other hand, have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people, making them more prone to mouthing.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds in terms of their bite characteristics:

Both Yorkies and Shih Tzus make excellent companions for the right owner.

You'll want to evaluate your lifestyle carefully, taking into account your living situation, work schedule, and family dynamics.

Yorkies are generally more energetic and require regular exercise, while Shih Tzus are more laid-back and adaptable to apartment living.

Consider how much time you have to devote to grooming, as both breeds require regular maintenance to prevent matting and tangling.

Ultimately, the decision between a Yorkie and a Shih Tzu comes down to your individual needs and preferences.