Toy Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

Toy Fox Terrier
Category
Shih Tzu

📏 Physical Stats

4 - 9
Weight (lbs)
9 - 16
8 - 11
Height (inches)
8 - 11
12 - 15 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 18 years
Toy
Breed Group
Toy
United States
Origin
China
Bred For
Lapdog

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

2/5
Energy Level
2/5
4/5
Better
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
5/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
Better

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$1,413
Toy Fox Terrier
vs
Annual Cost
$1,796
Shih Tzu
Toy Fox Terrier
Expense
Shih Tzu
$1,413
Lower ✓
Annual Cost
$1,796
$2,133
Lower ✓
First Year
$2,516
$19,796
Lower ✓
Lifetime Total
$25,864
$228
Lower ✓
Food (annual)
$336
$515
Vet Care (annual)
$515
$165
Lower ✓
Grooming (annual)
$440
$480
Insurance (annual)
$480
$40
Insurance (monthly)
$40

Over their lifetimes, a Toy Fox Terrier (~14 yrs) costs approximately $6,068 less than a Shih Tzu (~14 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

Toy Fox Terrier

Friendly, Spirited, Alert, Loyal, Playful, Intelligent, Affectionate, Curious, Gentle, Quiet, Protective

Shih Tzu

Clever, Spunky, Outgoing, Friendly, Affectionate, Lively, Alert, Loyal, Independent, Playful, Gentle, Intelligent, Happy, Active, Courageous