German Shepherd
Courageous, confident, and incredibly intelligent, the German Shepherd is the world's premier working dog. They are fiercely loyal to their families and excel in police, military, and service roles.
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 German Shepherd if you want easier to train. Choose Shih Tzu if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
German Shepherd
Attribute
Shih Tzu
large
Size
small
22–40 kg (49–88 lbs)
Weight
4–7 kg (9–15 lbs)
55–65 cm (22–26 in)
Height
20–28 cm (8–11 in)
9–13 yrs
Lifespan
10–16 yrsBetter
Better5/5
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Energy
2/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
5/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better3/5
Grooming
5/5
2/5
Apartment
5/5Better
3/5
Health
3/5
$1,000–$3,000
Price
$500–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Exercise & Activity
German Shepherd needs more exercise; Shih Tzu is lower-maintenance.
German Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
5/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs5/5Better
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The German Shepherd has very high energy (5/5) and needs very high exercise (5/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
Grooming & Shedding
German Shepherd sheds more; Shih Tzu is easier to maintain.
German Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Shedding
5/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better3/5
vs5/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The German Shepherd's 5/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Size & Appearance
German Shepherd is the larger breed; Shih Tzu is more compact.
German Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Weight (kg)
22–40
vs4–7
Height (cm)
55–65
vs20–28
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The German Shepherd tips the scales at 22–40 kg (49–88 lbs), dwarfing the Shih Tzu's 4–7 kg (9–15 lbs).
Temperament & Personality
Shih Tzu is calmer; German Shepherd is more energetic.
German Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
4/5
vs3/5Better
Energy
5/5
vs2/5
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The German Shepherd — originally from Germany — has a courageous, intelligent and loyal disposition.
Training & Intelligence
German Shepherd is generally easier to train.
German Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Trainability
Better5/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs3/5
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The German Shepherd's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
German Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs4/5Better
Strangers
2/5
vs4/5Better
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Cost of Ownership
Shih Tzu is less expensive to own annually.
German Shepherd
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$780
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,580
Shih Tzu
Avg. Purchase$1,250
Annual Food$360
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,310 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,000–$3,000 for a German Shepherd and $500–$2,000 for a Shih Tzu. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Health & Lifespan
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
German Shepherd
Shih Tzu
Lifespan (years)
9–13
vs10–16Better
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Life expectancy favors the Shih Tzu: 10–16 years versus the German Shepherd's 9–13 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Shih Tzu.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Shih Tzu has the edge — it's more apartment-friendly (5/5), lower exercise needs (2/5), less shedding (1/5). 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 German Shepherd and Shih Tzu are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: German Shepherd needs significantly more daily exercise than Shih Tzu, German Shepherd sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Shih Tzu by roughly $300/year.
Choose German Shepherd if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — German Shepherds will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓This is your first dog — German Shepherds are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- ✓You want a dog that will alert you to strangers — German Shepherds have strong watchdog instincts (5/5).
Choose Shih Tzu if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Shih Tzus adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 2/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — Shih Tzus are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Shih Tzus shed dramatically less (1/5 vs 5/5 shedding score).
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, German Shepherd or Shih Tzu?
The German Shepherd scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Shih Tzu at 4/5. The German Shepherd is specifically recommended for families.
Is a German Shepherd or Shih Tzu easier to train?
The German Shepherd is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Shih Tzu's 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a German Shepherd or Shih Tzu?
A German Shepherd puppy costs $1,000–$3,000 while a Shih Tzu costs $500–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,580 for the German Shepherd and $1,310 for the Shih Tzu. The German Shepherd is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do German Shepherds or Shih Tzus live longer?
The German Shepherd lives 9–13 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 German Shepherd or Shih Tzu live in an apartment?
The Shih Tzu adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the German Shepherd (2/5). The Shih Tzu ranks among our best apartment breeds.