Shih Tzu vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison

Shih Tzu vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed ComparisonShih Tzu is originated from China but Chinese Crested Dog is originated from Mexico. Both Shih Tzu and Chinese Crested Dog are having almost same height. Both Shih Tzu and Chinese Crested Dog are having almost same weight. Shih Tzu may live 4 years more than Chinese Crested Dog. Both Shih Tzu and Chinese Crested Dog has almost same litter size. Shih Tzu requires High maintenance. But Chinese Crested Dog requires Low maintenance

History

shih tzu - historyThe Shih Tzu is an Imperial Chinese breed developed by palace breeders hundreds of years ago with breed stock from the Tibetan lines. It is quite probable that the Shih Tzu was originally a cross between two Sino-Tibetan ancient dogs – the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. Based on their looks, the Shih Tzu means the lion dog, but they were really very pampered palace dogs living with the Chinese emperors and families. The emperors were always gifting the breeders who developed the most affectionate, gentle and beautiful Shih Tzus.

Until the 1930’s the Shih Tzu was not known to the world outside the emperor’s palace. Once the breed did come out from behind the palace walls, they were immediately popular. Much debate went on about how to refine the breed as clubs began to spring up in Peking and then in England. It was not until 1969 the Shih Tzu was recognized and entered in the AKC Stud Book.

While the original Shih Tzu might have been a mix between the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso, today’s breed spread around the world after the second world war. In Europe in the 1930’s the breed was classified as Apsos. In 1935 the first Shih Tzu Club of Europe was formed, and the first standard was written, and the breed was categorized as the Shih Tzu.

Following World War II, soldiers brought the dogs to the States from Europe. By the 1950’s the breed was growing in popularity and the AKC recognized the breed in 1969 as members of the Toy Group. They are now recognized by all major kennel clubs throughout the western world. They are recognized by the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale in the Companion and Toy Group, among Tibetan breeds.

The Shih Tzu is a good watchdog, but it was bred to be a companion animal. It is a friendly, open breed that welcomes strangers. They are great with other animals and children as well as adults.

chinese crested dog - historyThe Chinese Crested Dog is believed to have its origins in Africa and there are many texts from the 19th Century that feature an Africa Hairless Terrier that resembles the Chinese Crested. However, the scientific and genetic evidence leads to an origin that is shared with the Mexican Hairless Dog. Any way you look at it the dog did not originate in China. The Chinese were very fond of this breed and used them on their ships to control the rat populations. This is probably how they got their name.

There are two types of Chinese Crested Dogs – the well known Hairless, and the lesser known Powderpuff. The Hairless type is better known because they carry the dominant trait and the Powderpuff is recessive. However, this recessive gene is carried by every Chinese Crested Dog so the Powderpuff can show up in all litters even those of two Hairless Crested. Two Powderpuffs will not result in any Hairless in their litters as the Powderpuff does not have the gene for the Hairless.

The “Crest Haven” Kennel was opened by Debora Wood in the 1950’s to breed the Chines Crested Dog. At the same time Gypsy Rose Lee, of the famous burlesque shows, was also breeding Chinese Crested Dogs. The two lines of Crested bred by Americans came together following the death of Rose Lee. Every Chinese Crested that lives today can trace their heritage directly to these two breeding lines. In 1959, Debra Wood founded the American Hairless Dog Club which became a part of the American Chinese Crested Club or the ACCC in 1978. This organization then became the breed’s parent club after AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized the breed in 1991. Prior to this the Federation Cynologique Internationale, recognized the breed in 1987, the United Kingdom (UK)the Kennel Club recognized them in 1981 and the Australian National Kennel Council recognized the Crested in 1995.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Toy dog
Origin:
China
Mexico
Height Male:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
28 - 30 cm
11 - 12 inches
Height Female:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
26 - 28 cm
10 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 18 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 8
2 - 6
Size:
Toy dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog,, Lion Dog
Crested, Puff
Colors Available:
all often multiple colored
Any color or combination of colors
Coat:
fine, straight, and silky
hairless or Puff has double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

shih tzu puppy - descriptionThis is a breed of lively, sturdy and alert little dogs with a beautiful double coat that is flowing and long. In its full glory the Shih Tzu coat is touching the floor all the way around the dog. The dog’s bearing is as royal as its history, arrogantly carrying his head high and his tail curving over his back.

The Shih Tzu is a solid, compact breed with weight and substance. They may be a small dog, but they are a strong one. They have large dark eyes with a short muzzle and fur covered drop ears. They are just a little longer than they are tall with a distinct underbite.

There are a few differences between the European or UK Kennel Club standard and the American Kennel Club AKC standard. As opposed to the UK standard the AKC standard states that:

  • The head is round and large, and the face looks up or forward.

• The hindquarters are muscular while the front are straight. They are balanced in that they are not too long or too short.

  • The eyes face the front and are very large.
  • The bod and neck are proportional and not exaggerated.
  • The shoulders are frontal.

chinese crested dog puppy - descriptionThis is a toy breed and very small. The Hairless and the Powderpuff are two types of the same breed, although they do not look like it. The Hairless type can have fur anywhere on its body, but it will not have much. It will have hair on its paws, tail and head. The Powderpuff on the other hand will have a thick double coat. When discussing the color of the hairless, one is referring to the color of its skin. It can range from flesh to black.

The Powderpuff has a soft, thick, straight double coat. It can have very long hair. The Hairless must have its skin taken care of and protected. Both types of Chines Crested are small in stature with well proportioned, athletic bodies.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness – they are very good with children.

shih tzu dog - characteristics2.Special talents – they were bred to be companion animals. They are friendly and loyal.

3.Adaptability Yes very much so. They can live in an apartment or on a farm. It doesn’t matter and they don’t need a yard.

4.Learning ability – intelligent but can be stubborn.

chinese crested dog dog - characteristicsThe Chines Crested Dog is very intelligent and love to perform for audiences. They do well with obedience courses and they are very affectionate lap dogs. They want to be with you and on you or in your arms all the time. They are loyal and playful.

Health Problems

shih tzu puppies - health problemsFor many breeds that have the advantage of isolation like the Shih Tzu did with the emperors of China usually have very little genetic health issues. Most of the breed is indeed healthy but there are some issues.

• Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome due to the shape of their face and head causes them to have breathing issues. They cannot handle heat and they cannot swim. They can have an upper airway obstruction that makes it hard for them to breath. If this is bad enough, surgery may be required.

  • Hip Dysplasia and patellar luxation can both lead to lameness or arthritis.

• Hypothyroidism – thyroid does not produce the hormones necessary for metabolism to work effectively. This can lead to weight gain, hair loss, lethargy and muscle loss. It can be treated effectively.

• Issues of the eyes include – cataracts, corneal dryness and inflammation, progressive retinal atrophy, improperly closing eyelids and retinal detachment.

  • Portosystemic shunt of the liver.
  • Intervertebral disk disease – severe back pain.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Ear infections.
  • Immune mediated hemolytic anemia can be fatal.

chinese crested dog puppies - health problemsThe Chinese Crested Hairless version must have its skin take care of much in the same way we take care of our own. It will burn if exposed to too much sun without protection. They can suffer from dry skin, acne, need moisturizing cremes. They get skin allergies as well and it is important to take care of the skin instead of the brushing you don’t have to do.

The Chinese Crested does not suffer from most of the diseases other toy breeds do. They can have ye issues. The Hairless have a “primitive mouth” . They have pointy teeth and poor dentition. This is not true of the Powderpuffs however. Their eye issues include:

  • Lens Luxation
  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
  • Glaucoma

Other issues include:

  • Luxating Patellas
  • Legg-Perthes Disease
  • Canine Multiple System Degeneration (CMSD)
  • Allergies

Caring The Pet

shih tzu dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the puppy at least 3 times a day, maybe four in very small amounts, never more than ½ cup per day.

2.Feeding the adult - this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the adult once or twice a day in larger amounts than the puppy but never more than ¾ of a cup per day.

3.Points for Good Health - most Shih Tzu’s are hardy with exceptionally good health.

4. Games and Exercises

This is a pampered, not high energy dog. However, she still needs playtime, which can be indoors and short walks outdoors every day.

Feeding

chinese crested dog dogs - caringLike several other toy breeds, it is easy to overfeed the Chinese Crested because it has such a small stature. Feed once or twice a day but never more than one fourth of a cup total for the day.

Health issues

  • Lens Luxation – causes blindness and is inherited
  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – can also lead to blindness
  • Glaucoma – also leads to blindness
  • Dry Eye Syndrome

Other issues include:

Luxating Patellas – kneecaps move out of place and cause lameness and arthritis

Legg-Perthes Disease – a hip disorder where blood does not reach the head of the femur. The bone dies, and growth stops.

Canine Multiple System Degeneration (CMSD) – a progressive movement disorder can call falls

  • Allergies – skin and sometimes food

Exercise and games

This Breed does not need an excessive amount of exercise, but they do enjoy running. They are competitive and athletic, so they can excel at flyball, lure coursing, agility and obedience. They are sensitive and trainable enough to become a therapy dog.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Morkie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Havanese vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Chorkie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Pekingese vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Chinese Crested Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Chinese Crested Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  8. Chinese Crested Dog vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  9. Chinese Crested Dog vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  10. Chinese Crested Dog vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  11. Chiweenie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Chug vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Chipoo vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Chiapom vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Phalene vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. Cockachon vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Shih Tzu vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Silky Terrier vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Snorkie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Bulldog vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Mi-Ki vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  28. Shih Tzu vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  29. Shih Tzu vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  30. Shih Tzu vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  31. Shih Tzu vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  32. Shih Tzu vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  33. Shih Tzu vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  34. Shih Tzu vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  35. Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  36. Shih Tzu vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  37. Shih Tzu vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  38. Shih Tzu vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  39. Shih Tzu vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  40. Shih Tzu vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  41. Shih Tzu vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Shih Tzu vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  43. Shih Tzu vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  44. Shih Tzu vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  45. Shih Tzu vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  46. Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  47. Snorkie vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  48. Toy Bulldog vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Mi-Ki vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds