Pekingese vs Shih Tzu — Complete Comparison
Choosing between the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu comes down to lifestyle fit, living space, and the time you can commit to training and grooming. Both breeds are small-sized dogs, so their space and feeding requirements are broadly similar. Both breeds have comparable exercise needs, though individual dogs will vary. Lifespan is also worth considering — Pekingeses typically live 12–14 years, whereas Shih Tzus average 10–16 years. The Shih Tzu is generally the better choice for families with young children.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Bold green indicates the better result for that trait. Exercise, grooming and shedding: lower is easier to manage. Trainability and lifespan: higher is better.
Health Comparison
Understanding each breed's health profile helps owners budget for insurance, schedule appropriate screening, and make informed decisions before purchasing.
Pekingese (5 conditions)
Conditions shared by both breeds: brachycephalic syndrome , patellar luxation , progressive retinal atrophy .
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Based on data across health, exercise, trainability, and temperament, here is how the two breeds compare across common owner priorities:
Explore Each Breed in Depth
Pekingese
The Pekingese is one of the oldest of all dog breeds, bred exclusively for over a thousand years in the imperial court o…
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed kept exclusively for Chinese royalty for over a millennium, serving as treasured lap wa…
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger — a Pekingese or a Shih Tzu?
The Pekingese and Shih Tzu are very similar in size. The Pekingese weighs 3.2–6 kg and the Shih Tzu weighs 4–7.2 kg.
Which breed lives longer — Pekingese or Shih Tzu?
Both breeds have a comparable average lifespan. The Pekingese typically lives 12–14 years and the Shih Tzu 10–16 years.
Are Pekingeses or Shih Tzus easier to train?
The Shih Tzu (trainability 3/5) is generally easier to train than the Pekingese (2/5). Shih Tzus tend to respond quickly to reward-based training, while Pekingeses may require more patience and consistency.
Which needs more grooming — Pekingese or Shih Tzu?
Both breeds have similar grooming requirements (5/5). Regular brushing and routine coat maintenance apply equally to both.
Which breed is better for families — Pekingese or Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is generally the more family-friendly choice. The Pekingese can still be a good family companion but may require more careful socialisation around children.
Do Pekingeses and Shih Tzus have the same health problems?
Some health conditions are shared between both breeds, including brachycephalic syndrome, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy. The Pekingese has 5 documented conditions overall and the Shih Tzu has 5. Pet insurance is strongly recommended for both.
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