Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier

Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.

Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier — at a glance

The Shih Tzu (4–7 kg, 10–16 years) and the Yorkshire Terrier (2–3 kg, 13–16 years) sit in different — or sometimes overlapping — corners of dog ownership. Here's how they really compare for an everyday Irish or UK family.

Both breeds have similar energy demands — Yorkshire Terrier tips slightly higher but neither is a couch dog.

Insurance premiums for breeds with brachycephalic, joint or cancer predispositions run 20–40% above average — check before you commit. We have a free quote calculator here.

	Shih Tzu	Yorkshire Terrier
Group	Toy	Toy
Origin	Tibet / China	Yorkshire, England
Weight	4–7 kg	2–3 kg
Height	20–28 cm	20–23 cm
Lifespan	10–16 years	13–16 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

Shih Tzu

Temperament

Gentle, friendly, slightly aloof, content. Shih Tzus thrive on company and dislike being left alone. They're playful but not high-energy, and generally good with children, other dogs and cats.

Exercise

30 minutes of daily walking plus indoor play is plenty. Brachycephalic features mean they overheat easily — avoid hot weather and strenuous exercise.

Grooming

Long double coat. Daily brushing if kept long; most owners choose a "puppy cut" every 4–6 weeks for ease. Hair around eyes needs daily wiping (eye discharge collects). Top-knot to keep hair out of eyes.

Health

Brachycephalic airway syndrome (mild). Eye issues (proptosis — eye popping out — in trauma). Patellar luxation. Hip dysplasia. Dental disease (small crowded mouths). Generally long-lived for a brachycephalic breed.

Full Shih Tzu profile →

Yorkshire Terrier

Temperament

Confident, brave, affectionate, sometimes feisty. Yorkies often think they're the size of a German Shepherd and will challenge larger dogs. Bond very closely with one person. Can be yappy without training.

Exercise

30–45 minutes a day plus indoor play. Two short walks plus mental work is enough. Yorkies are easy to over-exercise — their joints are tiny.

Grooming

Daily brushing if kept in a long coat. Most owners opt for a "puppy cut" every 6–8 weeks. Hair grows continuously and doesn't shed (good for allergies). Tear staining around eyes is common — wipe daily.

Health

Tracheal collapse (use a harness, never a collar). Patellar luxation. Liver shunts (puppy screen test). Dental disease (small mouths, crowded teeth — daily brushing essential). Hypoglycaemia in young puppies.

Full Yorkshire Terrier profile →

Which is right for you?

Pick the Shih Tzu if

First-time owners, retirees, apartment dwellers, allergy-sensitive families.

Pick the Yorkshire Terrier if

Apartment-dwellers, allergy-sensitive owners, retirees, anyone wanting a long-lived pocket-sized companion.

🎯 Take the breed match quiz → 💰 Compare lifetime cost