French Bulldog
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
VS
Shih Tzu
An ancient royal companion bred for Chinese emperors, the Shih Tzu is a charming, outgoing lap dog. They are affectionate with everyone they meet and thrive on human companionship.
Quick Answer
Choose French Bulldog if you want a great companion. Choose Shih Tzu if you want less shedding and better health.
Quick Comparison
French Bulldog
Attribute
Shih Tzu
small
Size
small
8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)
Weight
4–7 kg (9–15 lbs)
28–33 cm (11–13 in)
Height
20–28 cm (8–11 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
10–16 yrsBetter
3/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Energy
2/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
2/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better1/5
Grooming
5/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
2/5
Health
3/5Better
$1,500–$5,000
Price
$500–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Grooming & Shedding
French Bulldog sheds more; Shih Tzu is easier to maintain.
French Bulldog
Shih Tzu
Shedding
2/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs5/5
The French Bulldog sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Shih Tzu (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Shih Tzu has a slight edge.
Cost of Ownership
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
French Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$3,250
Annual Food$480
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,380
Shih Tzu
Avg. Purchase$1,250
Annual Food$360
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,310 ✓
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A French Bulldog puppy runs $1,500–$5,000, while a Shih Tzu is $500–$2,000.
Health & Lifespan
Shih Tzu tends to be the healthier breed overall.
French Bulldog
Shih Tzu
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs10–16Better
Health Robustness
2/5
vs3/5Better
Life expectancy favors the Shih Tzu: 10–16 years versus the French Bulldog's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Shih Tzu.
Temperament & Personality
Shih Tzu is calmer; French Bulldog is more energetic.
French Bulldog
Shih Tzu
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
3/5
vs2/5
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The French Bulldog — originally from France — has a playful, adaptable and affectionate disposition.
Size & Appearance
French Bulldog is the larger breed; Shih Tzu is more compact.
French Bulldog
Shih Tzu
Weight (kg)
8–13
vs4–7
Height (cm)
28–33
vs20–28
The French Bulldog stands 28–33 cm (11–13 in) and weighs 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs), while the Shih Tzu measures 20–28 cm (8–11 in) and 4–7 kg (9–15 lbs). The French Bulldog is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Exercise & Activity
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
French Bulldog
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
3/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (2/5) and similar energy levels (French Bulldog: 3/5, Shih Tzu: 2/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — a daily walk and some playtime covers both breeds' needs.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
French Bulldog
Shih Tzu
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs4/5Better
Strangers
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Training & Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
French Bulldog
Shih Tzu
Trainability
3/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
3/5
vs3/5
Both breeds score 3/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are moderately responsive and benefit from consistent training sessions.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Shih Tzu has the edge — it's less shedding (1/5), better health profile (3/5). For most families, the Shih Tzu is the more practical choice, particularly if you value low-maintenance ownership.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The French Bulldog and Shih Tzu are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose French Bulldog if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Shih Tzu if...
- ✓Long-term health costs concern you — Shih Tzus are generally more robust (3/5 health score).
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Shih Tzus tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, French Bulldog or Shih Tzu?
The French Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Shih Tzu at 4/5. The French Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
Is a French Bulldog or Shih Tzu easier to train?
The French Bulldog is equally easy to train with a score of 3/5, matching the Shih Tzu. The French Bulldog is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a French Bulldog or Shih Tzu?
A French Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Shih Tzu costs $500–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $1,310 for the Shih Tzu. The French Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do French Bulldogs or Shih Tzus live longer?
The French Bulldog lives 10–12 years on average, while the Shih Tzu lives 10–16 years. The Shih Tzu tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a French Bulldog or Shih Tzu live in an apartment?
The French Bulldog is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Shih Tzu (5/5). The French Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.