Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu

Side-by-side comparison

Size
Labrador Retriever
Large
Shih Tzu
Small
Weight
Labrador Retriever
55-80 lbs
Shih Tzu
9-16 lbs
Height
Labrador Retriever
21-25 inches
Shih Tzu
9-11 inches
Lifespan
Labrador Retriever
10-12 years
Shih Tzu
10-18 years
Temperament
Labrador Retriever
FriendlyActiveOutgoing
Shih Tzu
AffectionatePlayfulOutgoing
Group
Labrador Retriever
Sporting
Shih Tzu
Toy
Origin
Labrador Retriever
Canada
Shih Tzu
Tibet

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever is a large Sporting breed from Canada. Known for being friendly, active, outgoing. Has an average lifespan of 10-12 years and a weight range of 55-80 lbs.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is a small Toy breed from Tibet. Known for being affectionate, playful, outgoing. Has an average lifespan of 10-18 years and a weight range of 9-16 lbs.

Key Differences

AttributeLabrador RetrieverShih TzuVerdict
SizeLargeSmallLabrador Retriever is the larger breed
Weight55-80 lbs9-16 lbsLabrador Retriever is heavier (approx. 440% difference)
Height21-25"9-11"Different heights (21-25" vs 9-11")
Life Span10-12 yrs10-18 yrsShih Tzu tends to live longer (10-18 vs 10-12 years)
Breed GroupSportingToyDifferent groups: Sporting vs Toy
OriginCanadaTibetDifferent origins: Canada vs Tibet
TemperamentFriendly, Active, OutgoingAffectionate, Playful, OutgoingDifferent temperaments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Labrador Retriever bigger than a Shih Tzu?

Labrador Retriever is the larger breed. Labrador Retriever weighs 55-80 lbs while Shih Tzu weighs 9-16 lbs.

Which lives longer, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzu tends to live longer (10-18 vs 10-12 years)

Are Labrador Retrievers and Shih Tzus good family dogs?

Both breeds can make great family pets. The Labrador Retriever is known for being friendly, active, outgoing, while the Shih Tzu is affectionate, playful, outgoing.

What is the difference between a Labrador Retriever and a Shih Tzu?

The main differences are in size (Large vs Small), origin (Canada vs Tibet), and breed group (Sporting vs Toy).

Which breed is easier to train, Labrador Retriever or Shih Tzu?

Trainability varies by individual dog. The Labrador Retriever (Friendly, Active, Outgoing) and Shih Tzu (Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing) each have distinct characteristics that affect training.