Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu
Compare the Rat Terrier to the Shih Tzu. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Rat Terriers and Shih Tzus.
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
Yes
Lifespan
12-18 Years
10-15 Years
Height
10-18 Inches
9-10 Inches
Weight
10-24 Pounds
9-16 Pounds
Intelligence
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Origin Country
United States
China
Origin Year
1800 AD
618 AD
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Overall Friendliness
Family Friendly
Child Friendly
Pet Friendly
Stranger Friendly
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
45-80 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
Medium
Medium
Exercise Required
Medium
Low
Top Running Speed
27 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Low to Medium
Low
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Coat Maintenance
Low to Medium
Medium
Shedding
Medium
None
Dander
Medium
None
Drool
None
None
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Aggression
Burrow / Digging
Chasing
Follow Commands
Fighting
Guarding
Herding
Hunting
Protection
Remove Vermin
Sled Pulling
Watch / Guardian
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Average Lifespan
12-18 Years
10-15 Years
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Coat Type
Fur
Hair
Coat Layering
Single
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Silky
Coat Length
Short
Long
Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
