Shih Tzu has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Dogo Argentino has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Shih Tzus are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Dogo Argentino is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Active
Friendly
Happy
Lively
Playful
Courageous
Gentle
Intelligent
Outgoing

Sociable
Loyal
Protective
Tolerant
Loving

Shih Tzus shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Dogo Argentinos are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Shih Tzus are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Choose a Dogo Argentino if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Tibet
China

Argentina

Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Tibetan Mountain Dog

mastiff, cordoba fighting dog

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
National Kennel Club
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Federacion Cinologica Argentina
Backwoods Bulldog Club

Ancient Times

1920s

Toy (AKC:1969)
Companion Dog (UKC)

Working
Guardian Dog (UKC)

Brown

Brown
Amber

Black
Brown

Black

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Silver
White
Brindle

White

Shih Tzus are known for their coat length.

Dogo Argentinos have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

A Shih Tzu can have a litter of 10-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Dogo Argentino can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Shih Tzus are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Dogo Argentinos have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

While the Shih Tzu breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Dogo Argentinos are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Intervertebral Disc Disease
Eye Problems
Brachycephalic Syndrome

About 10% Of Dogs Are Born Deaf
Hypothyroidism

Otitis Externa
Urolithiasis
Eye Disease
Cleft Lip or Palate

Glaucoma
Laryngeal Paralysis

Eye
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
Skeletal
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Eye
Hearing
Skeletal
Thyroid Tests
Eye Examination

Shih Tzus are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

Dogo Argentinos' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Shih Tzu has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Dogo Argentino has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Shih Tzus need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Dogo Argentinos require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Shih Tzus are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

Dogo Argentinos sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Shih Tzu minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Dogo Argentino is an average drooler, monitor for excessive drooling which may indicate health issues.

Shih Tzu dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Dogo Argentino dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Shih Tzu dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

Dogo Argentino dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Walk, Bike ride, Brushing, Running, Sleeping, Resting, Short walks, Play, Play with lea, Sniffing, Dog Parks, Go to Park, Being pet, Sit, Eating Snacks, Fetch, Walking, Snuggling, Run, Treats, Petting, Scenting, Marking, Runnig, Watching tv, Playing, Cuddling, Trick training, Shopping, Training

None, Walking, Finding sticks, Running, Sniffing, Fetch, Tug-of-war, Jumping, Walk, Snuggling, Dog Parks, Doggie daycare, Swimming, Attack

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shih Tzu, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Dogo Argentino, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Shih Tzus usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Dogo Argentinos usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Shih Tzus have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

The Dogo Argentino has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Ideally, Shih Tzu should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Dogo Argentino should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

For an average 9-16 pound (4 - 7 kg) Shih Tzu feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 88-100 pound (40 - 45 kg) Dogo Argentino feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Shih Tzu is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

The average cost of a Dogo Argentino is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Shih Tzu is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Dogo Argentino is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Shih Tzu is an independent and stubborn breed with low obedience intelligence, making training a test of patience.

Dogo Argentino is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Shih Tzus make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

The Dogo Argentino is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Shih Tzus are not the best choice for families with kids.

Dogo Argentinos have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Shih Tzus are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Dogo Argentinos are not cat friendly.

Shih Tzus are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Dogo Argentinos are not dog-friendly.

Shih Tzus are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Dogo Argentinos are not very stranger friendly.

Shih Tzus are not known for being a highly playful breed.

Dogo Argentinos have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.