Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier

Compare the Shih Tzu to the West Highland White Terrier. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Shih Tzus and West Highland White Terriers.

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
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General Details
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
11-16 Years
10-15 Years
Height
14-16 Inches
9-10 Inches
Weight
15-20 Pounds
9-16 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Average
History
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Origin Country
United Kingdom
China
Origin Year
1500 AD
618 AD
Temperament
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Above Average
Personality
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Traits
Affectionate
Separation Anxiety
Stubborn
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Living Environment
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
30-85 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Average
Exercise Needs
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
High
Medium
Exercise Required
Medium to High
Low
Top Running Speed
18 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Medium
Low
Grooming Needs
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Coat Maintenance
Low
Medium
Shedding
Low
None
Dander
Low
None
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
No
Yes
Independent
Yes
No
Breed Focus
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Distracted Easy
Yes
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Aggression
Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Average
Below Average
Chasing
Above Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Below Average
Below Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
None
Below Average
Herding
None
Below Average
Hunting
Average
Below Average
Protection
None
Below Average
Remove Vermin
Above Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
None
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Average Lifespan
11-16 Years
10-15 Years
Health Concerns
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Common Health Issues
Cataracts
Patellar luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Shaker syndrome
Westie jaw
Inflammatory bowel disease
Atopic dermatitis
Hyperplastic dermatosis
Krabbe disease
Pulmonary fibrosis
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Patellar luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Juvenile renal disease
Bladder stones
Corneal ulcer
Proptosis
Distichiasis
Ectopic cilia
Dry eye
Retained baby teeth
Umbilical hernias
Portosystemic shunt
Snuffles
Reverse sneezing
Appearance Comparison
Coat
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Coat Type
Fur
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Shaggy
Wavy
Silky
Coat Length
Medium
Long
Coat Coloring
West Highland White Terrier
Shih Tzu
Breed Colors
White
White
Black
Black
Black and White
Black and White
Blue
Blue
Blue and White
Blue and White
Brindle
Brindle
Brindle and White
Brindle and White
Gold
Gold
Gold and White
Gold and White
Liver
Liver
Liver and White
Liver and White
Red
Red
Red and White
Red and White
Silver
Silver
Silver and White
Silver and White
White
White
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