These breeds sit on opposite ends of the activity spectrum. The Golden Retriever (energy: 4/5, exercise: 4/5) was bred to work all day and still has that drive.

If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Golden Retriever's 5/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.

You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Golden Retriever stands 51–61 cm (20–24 in) tall and weighs 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Shih Tzu at 20–28 cm (8–11 in) and 4–7 kg (9–15 lbs).

If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Golden Retriever's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.

One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Golden Retriever is typically friendly, intelligent and devoted, making them well suited for families, first-time owners, active lifestyles and houses with yards.

The Golden Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Golden Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.

Life expectancy favors the Shih Tzu: 10–16 years versus the Golden Retriever's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Shih Tzu.

Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever and $500–$2,000 for a Shih Tzu. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.