Chinese Crested VS Shih Tzu

Quick Comparison

Rating Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Used as shipboard ratters by Chinese merchant sailors and reportedly kept as living hot water bottles by Chinese royalty, their warm, hairless bodies prized for soothing aches.. Bred exclusively as a companion for Chinese royalty. They lived in the imperial palace and were treasured as lap warmers and living hot water bottles for the royal family.. Both breeds remain popular in 2026, but they offer very different ownership experiences.

Size and Appearance

At 8–12 lbs and 11–13" tall, the Chinese Crested is a small-sized dog. The Shih Tzu stands 9–10" and weighs 9–16 lbs (small size). This difference matters for living space, transportation, and physical handling.

Temperament

The Chinese Crested brings energy (3/5), trainability (4/5), and a kid-friendliness score of 3/5. The Shih Tzu offers energy (2/5), trainability (3/5), and kid-friendliness of 4/5. Affectionate, alert, and needy, Chinese Cresteds thrive on close physical contact. They are sensitive and intuitive dogs who seem to read their owners' emotions with remarkable accuracy. Happy, outgoing, and trusting, Shih Tzus are remarkably friendly and sociable. They carry themselves with a proud, arrogant bearing that belies their sweet, playful nature.

Health and Lifespan

Chinese Crested: 13–18 years, watch for Dental Abnormalities. Shih Tzu: 10–18 years, watch for Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. Both breeds need health-tested parents to minimize genetic risks.

Cost

Initial cost: $1000–$2000 (Chinese Crested) vs. $800–$1500 (Shih Tzu). Monthly: ~$113 vs. ~$91. First-year total: ~$4,319 (Chinese Crested) vs. ~$3,545 (Shih Tzu).

Grooming and Maintenance

Chinese Crested: hairless or powderpuff coat, grooming 3/5, shedding 1/5. Shih Tzu: long double coat coat, grooming 5/5, shedding 1/5. The Chinese Crested is hypoallergenic. The Shih Tzu is hypoallergenic.

Living Situation

Apartment: 5/5 vs. 5/5. Exercise: 2/5 vs. 2/5. Barking: 3/5 vs. 3/5. Consider these factors carefully if you're in a shared-wall living situation.

Size and Physical Differences

When comparing the Chinese Crested and Shih Tzu side by side, the physical differences become immediately apparent and play a significant role in determining which breed suits your home environment. The Chinese Crested weighs 8–12 lbs, while the Shih Tzu comes in at 9–16 lbs. In terms of height, the Chinese Crested stands 11–13" tall compared to the Shih Tzu at 9–10". These measurements directly impact how much space the dog needs to move comfortably, the size of crate and bed required, and even the cost of food and medication dosing since larger dogs require proportionally more of both.

Lifespan is another critical physical factor - the Chinese Crested typically lives 13–18 yrs, whereas the Shih Tzu has an expected lifespan of 10–18 yrs. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans due to faster cellular aging and greater strain on joints and organs. This difference means a potentially longer commitment with one breed versus the other, affecting everything from total lifetime costs to the emotional timeline of companionship. Consider which lifespan range aligns with your family situation and long-term plans before making a decision between these two breeds.

Temperament and Lifestyle Fit

Beyond physical traits, the temperament profiles of the Chinese Crested and Shih Tzu reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. The Chinese Crested is the higher-energy breed at 3/5 compared to the Shih Tzu's 2/5, meaning it demands more daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain well-behaved. For trainability, the Chinese Crested scores 4/5 versus 3/5 for the Shih Tzu, making it generally easier to train for first-time owners.

Both breeds are equally vocal at 3/5 for barking tendency. Consider which temperament profile aligns with your household dynamics, daily schedule, and activity preferences before choosing between these two breeds.

Cost of Ownership

The initial purchase price differs between these breeds: the Chinese Crested typically costs $1000–$2000, while the Shih Tzu runs $800–$1500. However, the purchase price represents only a fraction of the total cost of dog ownership. First-year expenses including supplies, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and early training classes typically add $1,000–$2,500 on top of the acquisition cost regardless of breed. Larger breeds generally incur higher ongoing costs because they consume more food, require larger doses of medications, and need bigger crates, beds, and accessories.

Monthly costs for either breed include food ($30–$100 depending on size and dietary needs), pet insurance ($30–$60), routine grooming ($0–$100 depending on coat type), and miscellaneous supplies. Annual veterinary care adds $300–$800 for healthy dogs, with senior dogs and those with chronic conditions requiring significantly more. Over a full lifespan, total ownership costs for medium to large breeds commonly reach $15,000–$30,000, not including emergency veterinary care. Before deciding between the Chinese Crested and Shih Tzu, create a realistic budget that accounts for these ongoing expenses to ensure you can provide excellent care throughout the dog's entire life without financial strain.

Hidden costs that prospective owners frequently overlook include professional training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75 per night), dog-proofing your home ($100–$300), and replacement of items damaged during puppyhood. Renters should factor in pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75) that many landlords charge. Pet insurance at $30–$60 per month is strongly recommended regardless of which breed you choose, as a single emergency can easily cost $3,000–$8,000. Establishing an emergency veterinary fund alongside insurance provides a financial safety net that prevents care decisions from being driven by budget constraints during your dog's most vulnerable moments.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Choose the Chinese Crested if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Chinese Crested's specific combination of traits and temperament characteristics outlined above. Consider this breed if your living situation, activity level, and experience with dogs align well with what the Chinese Crested demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Chinese Crested profile for detailed information on health issues, grooming requirements, training tips, and real ownership costs broken down by category.

Choose the Shih Tzu if: Your lifestyle and preferences align more closely with the Shih Tzu's temperament and physical characteristics. Review the complete Shih Tzu breed profile for in-depth coverage of health, temperament, cost breakdowns, and practical ownership advice. Spending time with both breeds before making a final decision is strongly recommended - attend breed-specific events, connect with local breed clubs, or visit reputable breeders and rescue organizations to interact with dogs of each breed in person.

Still undecided? Use our Dog Age Calculator and Puppy Weight Calculator to understand the growth and aging trajectory for each breed. Browse our expert guides for advice on training, nutrition, health care, and choosing the right breed for your specific situation. The right dog is not simply the most popular or the most attractive breed - it is the one whose daily needs, temperament, and care requirements align with what you can realistically provide over the next decade or more. Take the time to meet dogs of both breeds in person before committing - the investment in research and firsthand experience prevents the heartbreak of rehoming a dog that does not fit your lifestyle.