Italian GreyhoundVSShih Tzu

The Italian Greyhound is known for being affectionate, agile, 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 Shih Tzu is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Italian Greyhound is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Italian Greyhound may be the better choice.

The Italian Greyhound is a small breed standing 33–38 cm (13–15 in) tall and weighing 3–5 kg (7–11 lbs). In comparison, the Shih Tzu is a small breed at 20–28 cm (8–11 in) and 4–7 kg (9–15 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Italian Greyhound has a short coat available in gray, blue, fawn, red, cream, black, 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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound 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.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (1/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

Grooming-wise, the Shih Tzu needs more upkeep (5/5) than the Italian Greyhound (1/5). The Shih Tzu's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $50 for the Italian Greyhound and $500 for the Shih Tzu. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Italian Greyhound has a lifespan of 14–15 years, while the Shih Tzu lives 10–16 years. The Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound include leg fractures, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, dental disease. 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 Italian Greyhound and $450 for the Shih Tzu. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

The Italian Greyhound ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

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.

In terms of raw intelligence, the Italian Greyhound outranks the Shih Tzu with a score of 4/5 compared to 3/5. The Italian Greyhound tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in adaptive intelligence. Both are skilled at reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving everyday problems on their own.

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 Italian Greyhound's 2/5. The Shih Tzu's affectionate temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

The Shih Tzu is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound ranges from $1,200–$3,000, while a Shih Tzu typically costs $500–$2,000. The Italian Greyhound has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $850 for the Italian Greyhound and $1,310 for the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $25 for the Italian Greyhound 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.