Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu

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

Yorkshire Terrier
Category
Shih Tzu

📏 Physical Stats

4 - 7
Weight (lbs)
9 - 16
8 - 9
Height (inches)
8 - 11
12 - 16 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 18 years
Toy
Breed Group
Toy
England
Origin
China
Small vermin hunting
Bred For
Lapdog

⚡ Temperament & Traits

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

5/5
Better
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
4/5
Grooming Needs
4/5

💰 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
$1,688
Yorkshire Terrier
vs
Annual Cost
$1,796
Shih Tzu
Yorkshire Terrier
Expense
Shih Tzu
$1,688
Lower ✓
Annual Cost
$1,796
$2,408
Lower ✓
First Year
$2,516
$24,352
Lower ✓
Lifetime Total
$25,864
$228
Lower ✓
Food (annual)
$336
$515
Vet Care (annual)
$515
$440
Grooming (annual)
$440
$480
Insurance (annual)
$480
$40
Insurance (monthly)
$40

Over their lifetimes, a Yorkshire Terrier (~14 yrs) costs approximately $1,512 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

Yorkshire Terrier

Bold, Independent, Confident, Intelligent, Courageous, Affectionate, Curious, Friendly, Playful, Protective, Gentle

Shih Tzu

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