Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu: Complete Comparison

Side-by-side breed comparison with ratings, health data, and recommendations

Quick Verdict

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Best for Families: Labrador Retriever — higher family compatibility scores overall

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Best for Apartments: Shih Tzu — lower energy and better suited to small spaces

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Best for First-Time Owners: Labrador Retriever — easier to train with lower maintenance needs

Breed Ratings Comparison

Labrador Retriever	Category	Shih Tzu
Good (4/5)	Shedding	Poor (1/5)
Below Average (2/5)	Grooming	Excellent (5/5)
Excellent (5/5)	Exercise	Below Average (2/5)
Excellent (5/5)	Trainability	Average (3/5)
Excellent (5/5)	Good w/ Kids	Excellent (5/5)
Excellent (5/5)	Good w/ Dogs	Good (4/5)
Below Average (2/5)	Barking	Average (3/5)
Excellent (5/5)	Energy	Below Average (2/5)

Size Comparison

Labrador Retriever	Metric	Shih Tzu
65-80 lbs	Weight	9-16 lbs
21.5-24.5 in	Height	9-10.5 in
Large	Size Category	Toy

Lifespan Comparison

Labrador Retriever	Metric	Shih Tzu
11-13 years	Lifespan	10-18 years
#1	Popularity Rank	#20

Temperament Comparison

Labrador Retriever

Friendly, Active, Outgoing

Shih Tzu

Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing

Coat & Grooming Comparison

Labrador Retriever	Feature	Shih Tzu
Double coat	Coat Type	Double coat
Short	Coat Length	Long
4/5	Shedding	1/5
2/5	Grooming	5/5

Health Issues Comparison

Labrador Retriever

ModerateHip dysplasia
ModerateElbow dysplasia
ModerateProgressive retinal atrophy
ModerateExercise-induced collapse

Shih Tzu

ModerateBrachycephalic syndrome
ModerateHip dysplasia
ModerateEar infections
ModerateEye problems
ModerateDental disease

Origin Comparison

Labrador Retriever	Detail	Shih Tzu
Canada	Origin	China/Tibet
Sporting	Breed Group	Toy

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Choose Labrador Retriever if you:

Lead an active lifestyle and want a high-energy companion
Have children and need a kid-friendly breed
Want a highly trainable dog that learns commands quickly
Prefer a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming
Are looking for a large sporting breed from Canada

Choose Shih Tzu if you:

Prefer a calm, low-energy companion
Have children and need a kid-friendly breed
Want minimal shedding around the house
Are looking for a toy toy breed from China/Tibet

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu?

Labrador Retriever is typically the larger breed. Labrador Retriever weighs 65-80 lbs and stands 21.5-24.5 inches tall, while Shih Tzu weighs 9-16 lbs and stands 9-10.5 inches tall.

Which lives longer, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzu tends to live longer. Labrador Retriever has a typical lifespan of 11-13 years, while Shih Tzu lives 10-18 years.

Which is better with kids, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu?

Both breeds rate equally well with children at 5/5. Either can be a great family dog with proper socialization.

Which sheds more, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu?

Labrador Retriever sheds more. Labrador Retriever has a shedding level of 4/5 compared to Shih Tzu at 1/5. Shih Tzu is the better choice if shedding is a concern.

Which is easier to train, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu?

Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train with a trainability rating of 5/5. Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 and Shih Tzu scores 3/5 for trainability. Labrador Retriever may be a better choice for first-time dog owners.

Breed Ratings Comparison

Labrador Retriever

Choose Labrador Retriever if you:

Lead an active lifestyle and want a high-energy companion
Have children and need a kid-friendly breed
Want a highly trainable dog that learns commands quickly
Prefer a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming
Are looking for a large sporting breed from Canada

Choose Shih Tzu if you:

Prefer a calm, low-energy companion
Have children and need a kid-friendly breed
Want minimal shedding around the house
Are looking for a toy toy breed from China/Tibet

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu?

Labrador Retriever is typically the larger breed. Labrador Retriever weighs 65-80 lbs and stands 21.5-24.5 inches tall, while Shih Tzu weighs 9-16 lbs and stands 9-10.5 inches tall.

Which lives longer, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzu tends to live longer. Labrador Retriever has a typical lifespan of 11-13 years, while Shih Tzu lives 10-18 years.

Which is better with kids, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu?

Both breeds rate equally well with children at 5/5. Either can be a great family dog with proper socialization.

Which sheds more, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu?

Labrador Retriever sheds more. Labrador Retriever has a shedding level of 4/5 compared to Shih Tzu at 1/5. Shih Tzu is the better choice if shedding is a concern.

Which is easier to train, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu?