Shih TzuVSWest Highland White Terrier

The Shih Tzu is known for being affectionate, outgoing, happy, while the West Highland White Terrier is typically described as confident, loyal, entertaining. 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 West Highland White Terrier 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 Shih Tzu is a small breed standing 20–28 cm (8–11 in) tall and weighing 4–7 kg (9–15 lbs). In comparison, the West Highland White Terrier is a small breed at 25–28 cm (10–11 in) and 6–10 kg (13–22 lbs).

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

The Shih Tzu has a long coat available in black, white, gold, brindle, liver, while the West Highland White Terrier sports a wiry coat in white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Shih Tzu has low energy (2/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The West Highland White Terrier has moderate energy (3/5) and moderate exercise needs (3/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the West Highland White Terrier, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Shih Tzu is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

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

The West Highland White Terrier sheds more than the Shih Tzu — 2/5 versus 1/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the West Highland White Terrier.

The Shih Tzu demands more grooming attention with a score of 5/5, while the West Highland White Terrier is lower-maintenance at 4/5. The Shih Tzu's long coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $500 for the Shih Tzu and $400 for the West Highland White Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Shih Tzu has a lifespan of 10–16 years, while the West Highland White Terrier lives 13–15 years. The West Highland White Terrier generally has a longer lifespan.

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

Common health issues for the Shih Tzu include brachycephalic syndrome, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, eye problems. The West Highland White Terrier is prone to atopic dermatitis, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, pulmonary fibrosis. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $450 for the Shih Tzu and $450 for the West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier 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.

The West Highland White Terrier is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 4/5 to the Shih Tzu's 3/5. This means the West Highland White Terrier generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Shih Tzu leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The West Highland White Terrier, on the other hand, shows strong instinctive intelligence — excelling at breed-specific tasks through natural instinct rather than learned behavior.

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.

For families with children, the Shih Tzu is the stronger choice, scoring 4/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the West Highland White Terrier's 3/5. The Shih Tzu's affectionate nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

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

The initial purchase price for a Shih Tzu ranges from $500–$2,000, while a West Highland White Terrier typically costs $800–$1,800. The West Highland White Terrier is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,310 for the Shih Tzu and $1,270 for the West Highland White Terrier. The Shih Tzu is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $30 for the Shih Tzu and $35 for the West Highland White Terrier. 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.