Shih Tzu vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Shih Tzu vs German Spaniel - Breed ComparisonShih Tzu is originated from China but German Spaniel is originated from Germany. Shih Tzu may grow 26 cm / 10 inches shorter than German Spaniel. Shih Tzu may weigh 18 kg / 39 pounds lesser than German Spaniel. Shih Tzu may live 3 years more than German Spaniel. Both Shih Tzu and German Spaniel has almost same litter size. Shih Tzu requires High maintenance. But German Spaniel requires Moderate 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.

german spaniel - historyLooking like a smaller version of the Red Setter, the German Spaniel, known also as the Deutscher Wachtelhund or German Quail Dog, hails from Germany.

It isn't a new dog breed and in fact it was developed around 1890 already. Used as a hunting dog, the German Spaniel isn’t well known outside of Germany, but it was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996.

There are a number of breeds which feature in the development of the German Spaniel, and one of the more prominent dog breeds used for the modern day German Spaniel is the extinct Stoeberer. The Stoeberer was crossed with water dogs and sporting spaniels to bring about the modern German Spaniel as we know it today.

It was in 1903 that the dog was recognized as a breed, and in the 1960s and 1970s the dogs were imported into the United States.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
Origin:
China
Germany
Height Male:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
45 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
Height Female:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
45 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 18 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 8
2 - 6
Size:
Toy dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog,, Lion Dog
Deutscher Wachtelhund, German Quail Dog
Colors Available:
all often multiple colored
copper, Brown, reddish brown with white
Coat:
fine, straight, and silky
Medium to long - wavy or curly
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
High maintenance
Moderate 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.

german spaniel puppy - descriptionAs a medium-sized, muscular dog which stands at roughly 45cm to 54cm in height and weighs 18 – 25kg, the German Spaniel is a sporty gun dog who has a long back in relation to his height.

The ears are long and floppy with wavy or curly hair that will need to be attended to so as to avoid matting.

He has a long, wavy or curly weather-resistant coat, being short on the head but with feathering around the legs and stomach. Color of the coat includes brown, reddish brown and white. The white markings can be found on the chest of the dog, the legs, tails and muzzle. `

Temperament:

The German Spaniel loves to work and be busy and if he can be included in his human family’s activities, then so much the better. He is a social dog and gets on well with other dogs as well as children in the home. The German Spaniel is an intelligent dog and easily trained. In fact training and socialization are important for him, making him obedient and a pleasure to have around.

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.

german spaniel dog - characteristicsThe German Spaniel makes a wonderful family pet. He is friendly and sociable, getting along well with just about all dogs and people. He loves his human family, wanting to be involved in all their activities.

He is an active dog, used to hunting and being outdoors and he will therefore require a good deal of exercise from his owners, otherwise he becomes bored and frustrated and even destructive.

He is an adaptable dog, living in the city or the countryside, but wherever he is, exercise is important. Docile and non-aggressive, he has got all the characteristics that make him a splendid family pet.

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.

german spaniel puppies - health problemsHealth problems are fairly unknown with the robust German Spaniel, and if well cared for, he can reach 12 to 15 years of age.

There are always one or two hereditary health concerns, and the health issues that affect the breed the most are hip dysplasia, skin allergies and splayed feet.

The American Kennel Club tells us that this type of foot is flat, with spreading toes. It is a fault in your pet because it doesn’t support his weight well, causing health problems later on for your pet. This is why it is so important to have your pet’s nails clipped from time to time, because long nails can turn a good paw into a splayed one, actually injuring the tendons.

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.

Grooming:

german spaniel dogs - caringShedding quite heavily and seasonally, the German Spaniel’s thick coat will require being brushed twice a week to keep it shiny and healthy. He loves the attention you give him at the same time.

There are some German Spaniel owners who like to take their dogs in for professional grooming, requesting that the coat be cut short all round.

The long ears of your German Spaniel, especially if your pet spends a lot of time swimming, can be permanently damp, picking up dirt easily. Check inside the ears and make sure they are dry and clean to prevent ear infections.

Make sure to brush his teeth 2 or 3x a week as well because plaque build up leads to dental disease but it also negatively affects other body organs too, shortening your pet’s life.

Diet:

Every dog, just like any human being, requires good nutrition, fresh water and warm, dry sleeping facilities to remain happy and to give him a good chance at longevity.

Apart from the very best commercially manufactured dog foods, ensure he occasionally gets some raw meat in as well as some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken. These can be added into his kibble.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. German Spaniel vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  6. German Spaniel vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. German Spaniel vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  8. German Spaniel vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  9. German Spaniel vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  10. German Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  11. German Spaniel vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  12. German Spaniel vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. German Spaniel vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  14. German Spaniel vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  15. German Spaniel vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  16. German Spaniel vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. German Spaniel vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. McNab vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  19. Porcelaine vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Griffon Nivernais vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  21. Hokkaido vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. Pumi vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Spaniel - 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 Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Shih Tzu vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  34. Shih Tzu vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  35. Shih Tzu vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  36. Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  37. Shih Tzu vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  38. Shih Tzu vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  39. Shih Tzu vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  40. Shih Tzu vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  41. Shih Tzu vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  42. Shih Tzu vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Shih Tzu vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  44. Shih Tzu vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  45. Shih Tzu vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  46. Shih Tzu vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  47. Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  48. Snorkie vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Bulldog vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  50. Toy Mi-Ki vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds