Welsh Terrier vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Welsh Terrier vs Shih Tzu - Breed ComparisonWelsh Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Shih Tzu is originated from China. Welsh Terrier may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Shih Tzu. Both Welsh Terrier and Shih Tzu are having almost same weight. Welsh Terrier may live 4 years less than Shih Tzu. Both Welsh Terrier and Shih Tzu has same litter size. Welsh Terrier requires Moderate maintenance. But Shih Tzu requires High maintenance

History

welsh terrier - historyOriginating in Wales and bred to hunt the Welsh Terrier might be the oldest dog breed from the U.K. still in existence today. They were bred to hunt badgers, rodents, and fox. Today however they are mostly bred for show and companionship.

There are only two breeds of terrier that are native to the country of Wales, the Welsh and the Black and Tan Rough Terrier. It is believed that the Welsh Terrier was descended from that Black and Tan Rough Terrier in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Welsh Terrier was separated out as a separate breed in the late 1700s.

This breed was hunting with the Otterhounds of Wales and was called a Ynysfor. At the same time their was a breed in England, the Old English Broken Haired Terrier. Both breeds were incredibly alike and once the Ynysfor or Welsh Terrier was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1886. When shown together they were considered the same breed.

Even though all these dogs from Wales and England were considered to be Welsh Terriers, the breed was not recognized until 1886. It is currently on the list of threatened breeds, with only 300 puppies registered every year. They were the 45th breed to be recognized by the English Kennel Club and the AKC. They are recognized by 14 clubs and registries.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Toy dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
China
Height Male:
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
33 - 37 cm
12 - 15 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
9 - 10 kg
19 - 23 pounds
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 9 kg
17 - 20 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
1 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
Welshie Black-and-Tan Wire Haired Terrier • Old English Terrier • Old English Wire Haired Black-and-Tan Terrier • Welsh Black-and-Tan Rough-Coated Terrier
Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog,, Lion Dog
Colors Available:
black and tan and grizzle with a black jacket
all often multiple colored
Coat:
The coat is double with a soft undercoat and a wiry, hard, dense outer coat with bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard.
fine, straight, and silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

welsh terrier puppy - descriptionThe Welsh Terrier is a medium sized breed that is compact and sturdy. They had docked tails in the past, but the practice is now illegal in the U.K. The dog is about as long as it is tall. The head and face are elongated with a beard and whiskers. Females are smaller than males, but both are compact and sturdy.

Eyes are almond shaped, dark brown and small. The ears are small and V shaped. They should not be thin. The muzzle is square and strong with a black nose. The lips are tight and they are also black.

They have a double coat with is rugged and wiry on top and the undercoat is insulative and softer. The coat is waterproof and protects from wind and dirt as well. The puppies are all black until about 9 months when they become black and tan. The legs, head and underbelly are tan, with a black saddle.

The Welsh Terrier has wiry hair on the legs, muzzle and quarters. The hair is very dense in the top coat. Their gait and movement is straight, effortless and free.

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.

Characteristics

welsh terrier dog - characteristics1Children friendliness – The Welsh Terrier is good with kids and will follow them anywhere. They do want to play with the children by tugging on them and could cause a young child to fall. They can learn to play gently with small children.

2.Special talents – they love to swim.

3.Adaptability – They do fine in smaller indoor spaces as long as they have a robust exercise routine daily. They will be active indoors.

4.Learning ability -They are very smart, independent thinkers as can been seen by their ability to learn to play gently with small children. They need plenty of socialization early in life

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.

Health Problems

Health Problems

welsh terrier puppies - health problemsThe Welsh Terrier is a fairly healthy hunting dog, though they do have some health issues.

  • Skin irritations and allergies

• Onychodystrophy – Nails grow weak and are very brittle. They can break easily and cause pain, irritation and even infections.

• Primary lens luxation – causes secondary glaucoma which can cause blindness.

• If hunting, they are exposed to hunting injuries and should be checked over well after a field adventure, whether hunting or in field trials.

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.

Caring The Pet

welsh terrier dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – the breed is prone towards obesity so do not overfeed wither the puppy or the adult. Watch the calorie level and make sure they get high quality, high protein feed meant for the breed or for medium sized dogs. Feed the puppies small amount 3-4 times per day.

2.Feeding the adult - the breed is prone towards obesity so do not overfeed wither the puppy or the adult. Watch the calorie level and make sure they get high quality, high protein feed meant for the breed or for medium sized dogs. Feed the adult at least 2 times per day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina

4. Games and Exercises Full of energy and requiring a routine outlet for that energy, the Welsh Terrier is an active dog. Just running around a fenced yard all day will not be enough physical and mental stimulation for them. If bored they can get into trouble. They need a job or a challenge. They love to swim and they love to chase. They do well in agility, field trials and barnhunt.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Welsh Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Welsh Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Welsh Terrier vs Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  4. Welsh Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Welsh Terrier vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Terrier vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Welsh Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Welsh Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Welsh Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  10. Welsh Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Welsh Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  12. Welsh Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Welsh Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Welsh Terrier vs Jagdterrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Welsh Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Welsh Terrier vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Welsh Terrier vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Welsh Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Welsh Terrier vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Welsh Terrier vs Old English Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Welsh Terrier vs Scoland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Terrier vs Skye Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Welsh Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Welsh Terrier vs Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier - 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