Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu (All You Need to Know)

Choosing between a Yorkie and a Shih Tzu is quite a difficult choice. Since they share many things in common, deciding which one to get may seem so hard. For this reason, we made a head-to-head comparison of these two cute lap dog breeds. Hopefully, this article will help you decide which puppy suits your preference the most.

In this article, we’ll tackle many aspects to see which one is better for you. 

This information will help you narrow down your options and decide which one you’ll get.

Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu General Information

	Yorkshire Terrier	Shih Tzu
Breed Type	Purebred	Purebred
Hypo­allergenic	Yes	Yes
Lifespan	10-15 Years	12-15 Years
Weight	9-16 pounds	4-7 pounds
Height	9-10 Inches	8-9 inches
Intelligence	Average	Average
Friendliness	Very Good	Good
Living Environment	Apartment/Indoor	Apartment/Indoor
Barks	Below Average	Often
Energy	Medium	Medium
Required Exercise	Low	Low
Aggression	Below Average	Very Low
Coat	Hair	Hair
Shedding	No	Low
Grooming	Medium	High

Read also our other comparisons:

• Maltese vs. Shih Tzu
• Havanese vs. Shih Tzu
• American Bulldog vs. Pitbull
• Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund

Now, let’s get into it more.

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu Lifespan

When it comes to lifespan, both a Yorkie and a Shih Tzu are the same. Both lap dogs live on an average span of 11-16 years.

Of course, the lifespan of your pet depends on many factors. Among these are the overall health, care, lifestyle, diet, and other things.

The lifespan of your pet will depend on how well you take care of it. As long as you care and give it the necessary attention and needs, you’ll have a great companion for many years. 

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu Appearance and Size

Yorkies and Shih Tzus are both popular pets known for being cute little lap dogs. At a single glance, you’ll probably think there’s not much of a difference between these two.

In general, the Yorkshire Terriers are smaller and a bit more delicate than Shih Tzus. They also differ in the style of coat and fur. The former can weigh up to 7 pounds. However, the latter can weigh double, up to 16 pounds, especially when fully-grown.

Thus, choosing in terms of appearance depends on your preference. However, if you want a smaller lap dog, a Yorkie is your choice. If you want a bigger one, then the Shih Tzu is your option.

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu Diet

When it comes to diet, both Yorkies and Shih Tzus also share the same nutritional requirements. 

Yorkies, like other dogs, need a diet with carbohydrates, protein, vegetables, and fruits. However, the leading food should be high-quality protein like chicken, lamb, turkey, or fish.

On the other hand, Shih Tzus need the same components. Moreover, they need high-quality protein sources. Thus, food like chicken, turkey, and eggs would do well with them. Besides that, fish of any kind is also a great source of protein and healthy fats.

Both dogs also need the same amount of daily food intake. A Yorkshire Terrier eats an average of 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food daily. Its puppies need to take their meals 3 to 4 times a day since they can’t eat large servings at once. As they become adults, they can eat twice a day.

Shih Tzus also need the same amount of daily food intake. Since they are a bit bigger, they may need 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup, but that’s the limit. The puppies also need to eat frequently in small amounts. As they become adults, they can eat large servings twice a day.

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu Grooming

Both the Yorkie and the Shih Tzu need regular, constant, and thorough maintenance and grooming. 

These two dogs have a coat that grows continuously. Thus, their best condition lies in constant brushing and grooming. 

Whatever you choose, you’ll need to brush these dogs daily and trim the coat at least once a month. 

Moreover, these dogs need daily teeth brushing and monthly nail clipping. 

Of course, the effort comes with a prize. With constant care, you’ll get a good looking and adorable cute little pet.

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu Shedding

The Yorkshire Terrier and the Shih Tzu are non-shedding dogs. In fact, they almost don’t shed. 

Both dogs have coats like human hair that continue to grow but don’t shed. Of course, a hair falls now and then is normal. 

However, both dogs don’t shed like other breeds. Thus, you won’t have a shedding problem with either of these two.

While they don’t shed, it doesn’t mean they don’t need constant grooming. As an owner, you’ll need to allow at least half an hour every day to attend to their grooming needs.

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu Temperament

Both the Yorkies and Shih Tzus are alert dogs that love spending time with their owner. One thing to note is that the latter may be a bit more laid back. 

Still, both dogs remain friendly to everyone, even to strangers. They stay to act as long as they receive proper socialization.

Both pets are playful and active. They are also full of character, and so they need plenty of attention and love.

When it comes to socialization, the Shih Tzus are famous for being so friendly, clingy, and affectionate. 

However, they have an independent attitude that makes training difficult.

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu Intelligence

Both the Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu are intelligent dog breeds. Of course, the level of intelligence may still vary in every pet. 

For this reason, intelligence depends on their origin as well as their training. Not all Yorkies are intelligent, and the same thing applies to Shih Tzus.

For this reason, you may want to get your pet’s intelligence tested if you wish to know more about it.

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu Environment and Family

Both Yorkies and Shih Tzus share similar preferences when it comes to the living environment. 

Since they are both lap dogs, they prefer to stay indoors, and they aren’t the type to run in the yard. For this reason, they are ideal pets if you live in an apartment or the city. Moreover, they don’t need large yards to play. A small room would be plenty enough for both dogs.

Yorkies are affectionate and enjoy the attention. They like to snuggle, and it’s not a good idea to leave them alone for long periods.

The same attitude gets expressed by Shih Tzus. However, unlike the Yorkshire Terriers, they can be a bit stubborn and jealous. Thus, they may show a bit of aggressiveness.

Still, they remain the cute and adorable lap dogs as long as they receive the attention and love they need.

Both pets can also play well with kids and adults. However, they are too delicate pets. While kids are safe with them, they aren’t safe with kids. 

Thus, always make sure that your pet and kid have someone watching them as they play together.

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu Training

Both the Yorkies and Shih Tzus respond well to positive reinforcement and training. Since both pets are intelligent breeds, they can learn new commands. 

However, when comparing these two, the Shih Tzus may come to be a bit more stubborn during training.

The reason is that they have that independent character in them that pops out. It results in a challenging training session.

However, nothing is impossible as long as you give constant and proper training.

When training either of these two dogs, it would be best to start at an early age. It would also take a long time to potty train both pets. 

In general, you may need a few weeks or more to train your pet around the house thoroughly.

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu Exercise

Yorkies tend to be a bit more agile and active than Shih Tzus. Still, both pets need daily exercise for at least 30 minutes.

It may be in the form of playing or daily walks. It would be best to take either pet to walk at least four times a week. On other days, indoor playtime would be enough.

If you own a Shih Tzu, keep in mind that it’s brachycephalic. Thus, it may find it difficult to cool off on hot days. 

During such weather conditions, it would be best to lessen the exercise a bit more.

Another thing to note about both pets is that toys play a significant role in stimulating your dog. By getting your pet a dog, you also exercise both its body and its mind.

You can use such things by playing and exercising. Of course, don’t forget to give your pet some treats.

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu Barking

When it comes to barking, Yorkies are louder, and they bark more often than Shih Tzus. Since they are both companion dogs, they usually bark out of loneliness.

Thus, when you hear your pet bark, it may be asking for your attention. 

Many barking issues are usually due to separation anxiety. For this reason, your pet is less likely to bark if you give it the attention it needs.

Of course, training your pet to bark on command helps address such an issue. Moreover, it’s the key to commanding your pet to be quiet as well.

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu Health

Both Yorkies and Shih Tzus are healthy dogs, but they also get affected by how they receive care, nutrition, and medical attention.

Like all other breeds, both of these two dogs are prone to specific health conditions. 

For instance, Yorkies are prone to suffering from low blood sugar, heart conditions, and collapsed trachea. They can also suffer from kneecap and elbow dislocation, cataracts, heart murmurs, and epilepsy.

Shih Tzus suffer more in their joints and arthritis than Yorkies. The reason is that they are heavier and they have shorter legs. 

Aside from that, Shih Tzus may also suffer from heart failures and kidney issues. They are also prone to specific blood and eye problems.

In general, the health condition is only a matter of preparation and proper care and prevention. As long as you give your pet the appropriate attention and care it needs, it’s less likely to suffer from such complications.

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu Price

The prices for both Yorkies and Shih Tzus don’t differ much. In general, they both range from $500-$1000. 

Of course, it will always depend on many factors. For instance, getting these pups from breeders may cost more than a local pet store. 

Moreover, both Shih Tzus and Yorkies have rare types. Such varieties would cost more than the average as well.

Still, the typical Shih Tzus and Yorkies don’t differ that much. 

Yorkies vs. Shih Tzu FAQ

Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding Shih Tzus and Yorkies. Take a look and see if you can find something handy and useful.

Do Shih Tzu and Yorkies get along?

The short answer is yes. Shih Tzus and Yorkies get along. In fact, they might even be play buddies if you put them in the same room.

Both Yorkies and Shih Tzus are companion dogs. Thus, they get along with all the members of the family, and even with strangers. If you own both pets, they would likely get along well.

Of course, Shih Tzus can show a bit of aggressiveness, and they may compete in getting your attention.

For this reason, it would be best to give both pets the time and attention they need. If you can, it would be best to bond with one without the other seeing you. 

Paying attention only to a single dog may bring out some jealousy in the other.

What is a Shih Tzu mixed with Yorkie?

A Shih Tzu mixed with Yorkie is a mixed breed dog called Shorkie. This hybrid dog goes by many names. Among the titles are:

• Shorkie Tzu
• Yorkie Tzu
• Shih Tzu-Yorkie mix

A Shorkie dog inherits many features from both parents. Thus, these puppies are a combination of two of the most famous lap dogs.

If you like both breeds, a Shorkie stands as an excellent option for you to take home.

These dogs are famous for being small but fierce and loyal. They inherited many of the best qualities of both parents.

Thus, you can’t go wrong with choosing Shorkies.

How much does a Shih Tzu mix with Yorkie cost?

A Shorkie puppy doesn’t differ much from the price of its parents. In general, a Shih Tzu mix with Yorkie costs an average of $300-$1000.

Of course, the price of this puppy depends on many factors as well. When getting this puppy, it would be best to go to a reputable breeder.

This way, you can ensure your pet received the proper care it needs, and you can be confident that it’s healthy and adequately checked.

Shih Tzu vs. Yorkie – What breed is right for you? 

Choosing between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkie can be a difficult decision. Since both breeds have their unique and adorable qualities, it is indeed something you need to think through.

Of course, choosing the breed depends on your preference. Thus, my advice is to list down your preferences before comparing both species. This way, you’ll narrow down the choices.

Yorkies are best for pet lovers who don’t mind a lively and loud pet that barks frequently. Moreover, it is for those who prefer a smaller pet.

Shih Tzus are ideal for pet lovers who don’t want too much noise and prefer a quiet pet. Further, Shih Tzus can be double the weight of a Yorkie. Thus, it’s perfect for those who want a bigger pet. Still, there are Shih Tzu types with small sizes so that you can go for such puppies nonetheless.

If you’re still torn between the two breeds, going for a mix of both is your best option. A Shorkie puppy shares many features from both species. Thus, taking home such would be like taking both dogs in a single body.