Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Comparison

Last updated: May 4, 2026

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Overview

The shih tzu vs pekingese decision is a comparison of two ancient Chinese palace breeds with overlapping looks and surprisingly different temperaments. Both are small, brachycephalic (flat-faced) lap dogs with long flowing coats and royal histories. The Shih Tzu is generally friendlier, more outgoing, and better with children. The Pekingese is more independent, more dignified, and more inclined to do its own thing. Both share serious brachycephalic health concerns that prospective owners should understand fully.

This comparison covers everything from history to grooming to the realities of breathing-impaired dogs.

For more, see the Shih Tzu profile, the Pekingese profile, and our rescue Shih Tzu guide.

History and Origin

Both breeds originated in China and were favored by Chinese imperial courts. The Pekingese is older and was bred specifically for the Tang Dynasty palace, where the dogs were considered sacred and theft was punishable by death. The famous “lion dog” appearance was deliberately bred to resemble Buddhist guardian lions.

The Shih Tzu (meaning “lion dog” in Mandarin) developed slightly later, traditionally credited to crosses between Lhasa Apsos brought from Tibet and Pekingese kept at the Chinese court. The breed nearly went extinct after the 1949 Communist revolution and was rebuilt from a small group of dogs preserved by Western breeders. AKC recognized 1969.

Size and Appearance

Shih Tzus stand 9 to 10.5 inches and weigh 9 to 16 pounds. The build is sturdy and somewhat boxy. Coats are long, double-layered, and flowing in many color combinations. The face is rounded with a clearly defined muzzle (though still brachycephalic).

Pekingese stand 6 to 9 inches and weigh up to 14 pounds. The build is unique — front-heavy, with a “rolling” gait, short bowed legs, and a leonine mane around the head and shoulders. The face is flatter than a Shih Tzu’s, with prominent eyes. Coats are long and heavy with extensive feathering.

Temperament

Shih Tzus are friendly, outgoing, and people-oriented. They bond closely with multiple family members, generally welcome strangers, and are typically good with respectful children and other pets. The breed name is often translated as “little lion,” but the temperament is more “happy companion” than “fierce.”

Pekingese are dignified, independent, and bond strongly with one or two people. They are courageous to the point of cocky, can be aloof or wary with strangers, and may not tolerate young children’s handling. They are watchdog-like in alertness but lack the size to back it up. The “imperial” personality is real — Pekes know they were once palace dogs.

Trainability

Shih Tzus train moderately well — they are affectionate and food-motivated but somewhat stubborn. Housebreaking can be slow.

Pekingese are notoriously independent and can be slow to train. They learn what they want to learn. Punishment-based methods backfire badly with both breeds. Positive reinforcement, short sessions, and patience work for both. Pekingese in particular respond best to owners who respect their independence rather than fighting it.

Crate training is especially useful for both breeds — it speeds housebreaking and gives the dog a quiet retreat. Both breeds also respond well to clicker training for tricks and manners, though Pekingese may treat the whole exercise as optional. Patience and humor are required.

Exercise Needs

Shih Tzus need 20 to 40 minutes of moderate activity daily — short walks, indoor play, and games. Brachycephalic anatomy means they overheat fast and cannot tolerate hot weather or vigorous exercise.

Pekingese need even less, around 20 to 30 minutes daily. They are content with short slow walks and indoor activity. Both breeds are well-suited to apartment living, with the Pekingese being even more adaptable to small spaces.

Grooming

Shih Tzus need daily brushing if kept long, less if kept in a puppy cut. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks at $50 to $90. Tear staining and beard staining are common. Eye and face hair need regular trimming or tying up. Grooming a Shih Tzu covers the routine.

Pekingese grooming is even more demanding. The dense double coat requires daily brushing to prevent severe matting, especially around the rear, ears, and feathering. Many Pekingese owners keep coats trimmed for manageability. Cost is similar at $50 to $100 per professional grooming. Both breeds need facial-fold cleaning to prevent skin infections, and both need ear cleaning to prevent infections.

Brachycephalic Health: The Critical Section

Both breeds are brachycephalic and share Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) risk. Symptoms include noisy breathing, snoring, exercise intolerance, heat intolerance, and sleep apnea. Severity varies widely. Some dogs need corrective surgery (stenotic nares, soft palate) for quality of life.

Pekingese are more severely brachycephalic on average than Shih Tzus and are at higher risk for serious BOAS. They also have prominent eyes prone to ulcers, dry eye, and trauma. Heat regulation is genuinely poor — Pekes cannot safely exercise in temperatures above 75°F.

Shih Tzus share these risks but typically less severely. Both breeds are also prone to dental disease, patellar luxation, and back issues (Pekingese especially because of the long back and heavy front).

Shih Tzus live 10 to 16 years; Pekingese 12 to 14 years.

Cost and Rescue Availability

Shih Tzu puppies run $1,000 to $2,500. Pekingese puppies run $1,000 to $2,500. Both are common puppy-mill targets — adopt when possible. Beyond purchase, plan for $1,200 to $2,500 in first-year costs and $1,000 to $2,200 in annual ongoing costs. BOAS surgery, when needed, runs $2,000 to $5,000 — pet insurance pays off for both breeds before any pre-existing condition is diagnosed.

Shih Tzu rescues are abundant nationally. Pekingese rescues are less common but exist (Pekingese Club of America rescue). Both appear in toy-breed rescues and all-breed shelters. Senior surrenders are common in both. Adoption fees run $250 to $500.

Adopting an adult of either breed offers visible insight into temperament and breathing health. Foster-based rescues can describe how a particular dog handles strangers, kids, and other pets. Read our adopting from a foster guide for the right questions to ask. Many adult Shih Tzus and Pekingese are surrendered for owner life changes (moving, illness, death) rather than behavior issues — these dogs often settle quickly into new homes.

Living With Each Breed

A Shih Tzu’s day is sociable and inclusive: morning greeting of the household, short walk, breakfast, nap near family activity, midday play, evening lap time. They follow family members from room to room.

A Pekingese’s day is more selective: morning greeting of their primary person, short slow walk, breakfast, nap on a chosen spot (often a sunbeam), and a more limited social tolerance through the day. They are not antisocial — they are dignified.

Both breeds need climate control. Air conditioning in summer is essential — heat strokes from BOAS happen quickly in temperatures most dogs handle fine. Walks should shift to early morning and late evening in warm weather, and exercise should never be vigorous. The 3-3-3 rule for rescue dogs applies to both, especially given the bonded nature of Pekingese.

Daily care priorities: facial-fold cleaning to prevent skin infections, teeth brushing for dental disease prevention, and ear cleaning to prevent ear infections. Both breeds have prominent eyes prone to scratches and ulcers — be vigilant for squinting, redness, or pawing at the face. The dog care blog covers small-brachycephalic-breed care.

Which Is Right for You

Choose a Shih Tzu if you want a friendly, outgoing companion that does well with kids and other pets. They are easier to train, slightly less brachycephalic on average, and more naturally social.

Choose a Pekingese if you appreciate independence and dignity in a small dog and you have a quieter household without young children. They are demanding to groom and require careful health management but reward the right owner with deep loyalty.

Both need climate-controlled homes, gentle exercise, and owners who understand brachycephalic limits.

Buying or Adopting Responsibly

Both breeds attract puppy mills because of brachycephalic popularity, small size, and steady market demand. Pet store puppies, online sellers shipping nationwide, and “teacup” listings are red flags. Reputable Shih Tzu breeders test for hips, eyes, patellas, and dental health, and they breed away from extreme brachycephalic features. Reputable Pekingese breeders test similarly and emphasize functional breathing — a breeding dog who snores heavily, gasps after light exercise, or shows blue gums under stress should not be bred.

Most casual breeders do not screen this carefully. The breed standards have allowed brachycephaly to drift toward extremes, and responsible breeders are working to reverse this. Look for breeders who emphasize “open nostrils,” moderate muzzle length, and pre-breeding BOAS exams.

Adoption is often the better path. Adult Shih Tzus and Pekingese in rescue have visible breathing health, settled temperament, and revealed personalities. Foster-based rescues describe a particular dog’s exercise tolerance, kid tolerance, and other-pet tolerance. The 3-3-3 rule applies, and our first week guide helps with transition.

BOAS surgery is a real consideration for both breeds. Some dogs need surgical correction of stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils) or elongated soft palate to breathe comfortably. Surgery typically costs $2,000 to $5,000 and dramatically improves quality of life when needed. Pet insurance before age three covers much of this if BOAS develops later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better with kids?

Shih Tzus, generally. Pekingese can be intolerant of toddler handling and may snap.

Which has worse breathing problems?

Pekingese are typically more severely brachycephalic. Both can have BOAS — vet exams matter before purchase or adoption.

Which is easier to groom?

Shih Tzus, marginally. Pekingese coats are denser and mat faster.

Can either tolerate hot weather?

Neither. Both must avoid heat and exercise during cool hours. Air conditioning is essential in summer.

Are they good apartment dogs?

Yes for both. Pekingese are even more naturally suited to small spaces. See our adoption hub for available small-breed rescues.

What about flying with these breeds?

Most major airlines restrict or prohibit brachycephalic breeds in cargo because of heat and stress death risk. Cabin travel for under-20-pound dogs is sometimes possible but stressful. Avoid flying when possible. Driving is safer.

How long does it take to housebreak these breeds?

Both are slow to housebreak — typically 6 to 12 months for full reliability. Crate training, frequent outings (every two hours initially), and positive reinforcement work for both. Patience matters.