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 Westie Staff 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

Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Attentive
Tenacious

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

Westie Staffs aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Tibet
China

United States

Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Tibetan Mountain Dog

West Highland White Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier

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

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Ancient Times

2000s

Brown

Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Silver
White
Brindle

Black
Gray
Brown
Cream
Fawn
Blue
White
Pied
Sable
Brindle

Shih Tzus are known for their coat length.

Westie Staffs have medium-length coats.

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 Westie Staff can have a litter of 5-10 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.

Westie Staffs are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

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

Westie Staffs typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Intervertebral Disc Disease
Eye Problems
Brachycephalic Syndrome

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Heart Diseases and Disorders

Otitis Externa
Urolithiasis
Eye Disease
Cleft Lip or Palate

Inguinal Hernias
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Eye Conditions (Cataracts, Lens Luxation)

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

Skin Evaluation
Blood And Urine Analysis
Diagnostic Imaging
Eye and Ear Examination
DNA

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

Westie Staffs are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

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

Westie Staff has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

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

Westie Staffs need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

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

Westie Staffs have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

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

The Westie Staff is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Shih Tzus are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Westie Staffs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

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 Westie Staff, 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 Westie Staffs 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 Westie Staff requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
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 40-50 pound (18 - 23 kg) Westie Staff feed 2.5 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 Westie Staff is somewhere $2.20 - $3.40 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 Westie Staff is between $67 - $101. This makes an average of $804 - $1212 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.

Westie Staffs are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Shih Tzus have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

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

Westie Staffs are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

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

Westie Staffs are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

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

Westie Staffs are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

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

Westie Staffs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

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

Westie Staffs are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

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

Westie Staffs are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Shih Tzus are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Westie Staffs are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.