DachshundVSShih Tzu

The Dachshund is known for being clever, stubborn, playful, while the Shih Tzu is typically described as affectionate, outgoing, happy. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 4/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

Noise-wise, the Dachshund is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Shih Tzu is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Shih Tzu may be the better choice.

The Dachshund is a small breed standing 20–23 cm (8–9 in) tall and weighing 7–15 kg (15–33 lbs). In comparison, the Shih Tzu is a small breed at 20–28 cm (8–11 in) and 4–7 kg (9–15 lbs).

The Dachshund is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Dachshund has a short coat available in red, black and tan, chocolate, cream, dapple, while the Shih Tzu sports a long coat in black, white, gold, brindle, liver. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Dachshund has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Shih Tzu has low energy (2/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

The Dachshund requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Shih Tzu is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Shih Tzu is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the Dachshund's 4/5. The Dachshund generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the Dachshund drops more fur with a shedding level of 2/5, while the Shih Tzu is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Shih Tzu will be easier to live with.

Grooming-wise, the Shih Tzu needs more upkeep (5/5) than the Dachshund (2/5). The Shih Tzu's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Dachshund and $500 for the Shih Tzu. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Dachshund has a lifespan of 12–16 years, while the Shih Tzu lives 10–16 years. The Dachshund tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Dachshund include intervertebral disc disease, obesity, dental issues, patellar luxation. The Shih Tzu is prone to brachycephalic syndrome, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, eye problems. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Dachshund and $450 for the Shih Tzu. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Shih Tzu, which scores 3/5 for trainability. The Dachshund's score of 2/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 3/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

Both the Dachshund and Shih Tzu score 3/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Dachshund leans toward instinctive intelligence — naturally excelling at the tasks their breed was designed for, like guarding or herding. The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The Shih Tzu edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 4/5 with children versus the Dachshund's 3/5. The Shih Tzu's affectionate temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Shih Tzu tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Dachshund (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Shih Tzu is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Shih Tzu is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Dachshund tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Shih Tzu's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Dachshund ranges from $500–$2,000, while a Shih Tzu typically costs $500–$2,000. Both breeds have similar purchase prices.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,020 for the Dachshund and $1,310 for the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $35 for the Dachshund and $30 for the Shih Tzu. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.