Breed comparison
Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu
Yorkies and Shih Tzus are both popular small companions, but the temperament, energy, and care routines are different. Honest side-by-side guide.
Yorkshire Terrier
Full breed guide →Shih Tzu
Comparison breed
Quick answer
Yorkshire Terriers are bolder and more terrier-like — they bark more, are more territorial, and have stronger opinions. Shih Tzus are calmer companion dogs with brachycephalic anatomy and more patient temperaments with children. Both live 12-15 years. Pick a Yorkie for confident small-dog personality; pick a Shih Tzu for an easier-going lap companion, especially with kids.
The Yorkie is a 19th-century rat-catcher in disguise; the Shih Tzu is a centuries-old Tibetan and Chinese palace companion bred specifically for laps. Both are small, popular, and adored by their owners — and they're often considered side-by-side by people choosing their first small dog. The differences come down to whether you want a confident little terrier with opinions, or a calmer companion that was literally bred for sitting on royalty's lap.
Snapshot comparison
Trait
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Size
7–8 inches at the shoulder
8–11 inches at the shoulder
Weight
4–7 lbs
9–16 lbs
Lifespan
11–15 years
10–18 years
Energy
Moderate
Low to moderate
Grooming
High — daily brushing if in show coat
High — daily brushing or short trim
Best for
Excellent with adults, careful with toddlers
Excellent — bred specifically as companion
Temperament
Yorkshire Terrier
Bold, vocal, confident. Yorkies have a terrier streak — they bark at exciting things, are territorial, and have firm views on visitors.
Shih Tzu
Calm, friendly, deeply affectionate. Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs for over 1,000 years and the personality reflects it — softer, less reactive, less territorial.
The verdict: Yorkie for bold; Shih Tzu for serene.
Exercise
Yorkshire Terrier
20–30 minutes daily. Yorkies are short-burst athletes with terrier energy.
Shih Tzu
15–25 minutes daily. Shih Tzus prefer indoor games and short walks; they overheat easily due to brachycephalic anatomy.
The verdict: Both are happy apartment dogs. Yorkies want slightly more activity; Shih Tzus prefer more lounging.
Grooming
Yorkshire Terrier
High in show coat (daily brushing) or moderate in puppy cut (every 2–3 days). Hair, not fur — minimal shedding.
Shih Tzu
Very high. The long double coat tangles fast; daily brushing essentially required, with regular professional grooming. Most pet owners opt for a short trim every 6–8 weeks.
The verdict: Shih Tzus are slightly higher-maintenance due to coat density. Either kept in short trims, the workload is similar.
Training
Yorkshire Terrier
Smart, food-motivated, but stubborn. Housetraining is famously difficult; bark control needs work.
Shih Tzu
Friendly and eager to please, but housetraining can take time. Less stubborn than Yorkies; responds well to positive methods.
The verdict: Both can be slow to housetrain. Shih Tzus are typically slightly easier overall.
Health
Yorkshire Terrier
Luxating patella, tracheal collapse (use a harness!), dental disease, portosystemic shunt.
Shih Tzu
Brachycephalic airway issues, eye problems (proptosis, cherry eye), hip dysplasia, dental crowding.
The verdict: Different profiles. Shih Tzus have brachycephalic risks (heat sensitivity, breathing); Yorkies have tracheal and shunt risks. Both need dental care.
Family fit
Yorkshire Terrier
Best with adults and respectful older children. Fragile and vocal.
Shih Tzu
Excellent with children of all ages — Shih Tzus are notably patient with kid handling. Still fragile, so supervise with toddlers.
The verdict: Shih Tzus are typically better with younger or rougher children due to gentler temperament.
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Yorkshire Terrier
Pick a Yorkshire Terrier if you want a small dog with a big personality, are okay with some terrier barking, and want a confident companion that's as bold as you are.
Pick the Shih Tzu
Pick a Shih Tzu if you want a calm, affectionate companion dog with a long history of being bred for laps. They're great with kids, easygoing with visitors, and content to be wherever you are.
Frequently asked questions
Which is easier to take care of, a Yorkie or a Shih Tzu?
Roughly equal effort overall. Yorkies are slightly easier on the grooming side if kept in a puppy cut; Shih Tzus are typically easier on temperament and training. Either kept in short trims, daily care is comparable.
Which sheds less, Yorkie or Shih Tzu?
Both shed very little — both have hair-type coats (not fur) and are often tolerated by mild allergy sufferers. Yorkies sometimes do slightly better with allergies because they have a single coat; Shih Tzus have a double coat that can hold more dander.
Which is better for first-time owners?
Shih Tzus on average. They're calmer, more forgiving of inexperienced training, and generally more tolerant of typical family chaos. Yorkies are smarter but their terrier streak takes work.
Which is more affectionate?
Both are devoted to their families. Shih Tzus are typically more cuddly and lap-oriented; Yorkies are loyal but more independent, often choosing their favorite person and being velcro to that one human in particular.
Which lives longer?
Similar lifespans — both typically 12–15 years, with many individuals reaching 16+. Shih Tzus actually have a slight edge on average; Yorkies have a slight edge among the longest-lived individuals.