Shih Tzu vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Shih Tzu vs Greenland Dog - Breed ComparisonShih Tzu is originated from China but Greenland Dog is originated from Greenland. Shih Tzu may grow 40 cm / 15 inches shorter than Greenland Dog. Shih Tzu may weigh 28 kg / 61 pounds lesser than Greenland Dog. Shih Tzu may live 5 years more than Greenland Dog. Both Shih Tzu and Greenland Dog has almost same litter size. Shih Tzu requires High maintenance. But Greenland Dog requires Moderate maintenance

History

shih tzu - historyThe Shih Tzu is an Imperial Chinese breed developed by palace breeders hundreds of years ago with breed stock from the Tibetan lines. It is quite probable that the Shih Tzu was originally a cross between two Sino-Tibetan ancient dogs – the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. Based on their looks, the Shih Tzu means the lion dog, but they were really very pampered palace dogs living with the Chinese emperors and families. The emperors were always gifting the breeders who developed the most affectionate, gentle and beautiful Shih Tzus.

Until the 1930’s the Shih Tzu was not known to the world outside the emperor’s palace. Once the breed did come out from behind the palace walls, they were immediately popular. Much debate went on about how to refine the breed as clubs began to spring up in Peking and then in England. It was not until 1969 the Shih Tzu was recognized and entered in the AKC Stud Book.

While the original Shih Tzu might have been a mix between the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso, today’s breed spread around the world after the second world war. In Europe in the 1930’s the breed was classified as Apsos. In 1935 the first Shih Tzu Club of Europe was formed, and the first standard was written, and the breed was categorized as the Shih Tzu.

Following World War II, soldiers brought the dogs to the States from Europe. By the 1950’s the breed was growing in popularity and the AKC recognized the breed in 1969 as members of the Toy Group. They are now recognized by all major kennel clubs throughout the western world. They are recognized by the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale in the Companion and Toy Group, among Tibetan breeds.

The Shih Tzu is a good watchdog, but it was bred to be a companion animal. It is a friendly, open breed that welcomes strangers. They are great with other animals and children as well as adults.

greenland dog - historyThe Greenland dog is an ancient breed of dog hailing from Greenland. The dog was brought to North American from Siberia hundreds of years ago. In fact the very first dogs arrived in the Americas some 12,000 years ago.

The Greenland Dog isn’t recognized by the AKC but it is recognized by a number of other groups. While the Greenland Dog is valued in Greenland, it isn't particularly well known in other parts of the world.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
Origin:
China
Greenland
Height Male:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
51 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
Height Female:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
51 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 18 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Toy dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog,, Lion Dog
Greenland
Colors Available:
all often multiple colored
grey or silver, tan, beige, white, Mix of cream, black
Coat:
fine, straight, and silky
Short to medium length, coarse, stand-offish
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

shih tzu puppy - descriptionThis is a breed of lively, sturdy and alert little dogs with a beautiful double coat that is flowing and long. In its full glory the Shih Tzu coat is touching the floor all the way around the dog. The dog’s bearing is as royal as its history, arrogantly carrying his head high and his tail curving over his back.

The Shih Tzu is a solid, compact breed with weight and substance. They may be a small dog, but they are a strong one. They have large dark eyes with a short muzzle and fur covered drop ears. They are just a little longer than they are tall with a distinct underbite.

There are a few differences between the European or UK Kennel Club standard and the American Kennel Club AKC standard. As opposed to the UK standard the AKC standard states that:

  • The head is round and large, and the face looks up or forward.

• The hindquarters are muscular while the front are straight. They are balanced in that they are not too long or too short.

  • The eyes face the front and are very large.
  • The bod and neck are proportional and not exaggerated.
  • The shoulders are frontal.

greenland dog puppy - descriptionThe Greenland Dog is a heavily built dog, and between the males and females, this medium to large sized dog can be 51 – 68cm in height and weigh 30 – 35kg.

He has the typical slanted eyes of the husky-type dogs with a keen, alert expression in them. He has small triangular erect ears. The long, bushy tail of the dog is curled over the back of the dog.

The coat is short to medium length and has 2 layers with the outer layer being fairly coarse. The double coat is thick and shortish but also stand-offish, meaning the hair doesn’t lie flat against the dog’s body. Color of the fur is a mix of cream, beige, white, tan, black, grey or silver.

Temperament:

As a working dog, the Greenland Dog is known for its strength, its boisterous nature and speed. Because its a dog that has worked as a pack, it wants a firm, patient, fair, confident owner to bring out the best in him. Being intelligent, independent and work-orientated, it is perhaps not a great choice for the first-time dog owner who may be out of their realm with the demands of these high-energy dogs.

The dog is independent, but he is quite capable of forming a strong, loving bond with his owner. This is certainly a dog that is never going to thrive if he has to lie around the house all day – he is an active dog who wants a task to do and he is going to need plenty of daily exercise.

They’ve always had active lives pulling sleds or hunting for seals and he craves this busy, active lifestyle. He is the kind of dog that shouldn’t live in the city with a tiny garden unless he has an owner who takes time to walk him and exercise him vigorously. He is a dog that will require training and socialization.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness – they are very good with children.

shih tzu dog - characteristics2.Special talents – they were bred to be companion animals. They are friendly and loyal.

3.Adaptability Yes very much so. They can live in an apartment or on a farm. It doesn’t matter and they don’t need a yard.

4.Learning ability – intelligent but can be stubborn.

greenland dog dog - characteristicsBred as a working dog, the Greenland Dog, native to Greenland is a high energy dog who is boisterous, lively and social. With training and socialization, he becomes an obedient, loyal and devoted pet.

While he is quite capable of being an awesome domesticated pet, he is essentially a working dog, loving having to be part of a very active lifestyle. He may not be the best pet for a first time owner or a home with small children. This is because he isn't your cuddly, lying-around-the-house, playmate kind of pet. He wants a home and owner similar to himself – strong, active, energetic, bold, independent, strong-willed and firm, and when he gets this, he becomes the splendid pet he is so well known for.

Health Problems

shih tzu puppies - health problemsFor many breeds that have the advantage of isolation like the Shih Tzu did with the emperors of China usually have very little genetic health issues. Most of the breed is indeed healthy but there are some issues.

• Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome due to the shape of their face and head causes them to have breathing issues. They cannot handle heat and they cannot swim. They can have an upper airway obstruction that makes it hard for them to breath. If this is bad enough, surgery may be required.

  • Hip Dysplasia and patellar luxation can both lead to lameness or arthritis.

• Hypothyroidism – thyroid does not produce the hormones necessary for metabolism to work effectively. This can lead to weight gain, hair loss, lethargy and muscle loss. It can be treated effectively.

• Issues of the eyes include – cataracts, corneal dryness and inflammation, progressive retinal atrophy, improperly closing eyelids and retinal detachment.

  • Portosystemic shunt of the liver.
  • Intervertebral disk disease – severe back pain.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Ear infections.
  • Immune mediated hemolytic anemia can be fatal.

Eye Disease:

greenland dog puppies - health problemsYour Greenland dog can battle with eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, hereditary or juvenile cataracts and corneal dystrophy. Eye diseases like this can cause a host of problems for your pet and should receive immediate veterinary attention.

Cataracts in dogs are a common problem affecting the eyes of dogs, with there being different forms and causes.The age at which your pet develops cataracts is important for identifying the type of cataract it is because it will give the vet an idea if the cataracts are an hereditary trait in certain dog breeds.

Hip Dysplasia:

Nearly every dog can battle with hip dysplasia and it can be a serious concern for active canines such as the Greenland dog.

This joint and bone ailment can start manifesting itself as early as 4 months of age with your pet. This dysplasia occurs when the head of the femur doesn't fit into the pelvic joint the way it should. It can lead to pain, arthritis and lameness with your dog.

Caring The Pet

shih tzu dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the puppy at least 3 times a day, maybe four in very small amounts, never more than ½ cup per day.

2.Feeding the adult - this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the adult once or twice a day in larger amounts than the puppy but never more than ¾ of a cup per day.

3.Points for Good Health - most Shih Tzu’s are hardy with exceptionally good health.

4. Games and Exercises

This is a pampered, not high energy dog. However, she still needs playtime, which can be indoors and short walks outdoors every day.

Diet:

greenland dog dogs - caringAs a medium- to large-sized dog breed, the Greenland Dog will require a high-quality commercial dog food if that is what you will be feeding him. The top quality brands have the right mix of vitamins and minerals in them for health.

However, it is wise to ensure that such an active dog breed gets his quota of raw meat in too. He has been used to eating fish and seal meat and will require this raw diet too. Sometimes if you cook rice, chicken and vegetables, you can add this into his kibble too.

He must never be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

Greenland Dogs need to be groomed at least twice a week to keep the thick coat in tip top condition. He sheds throughout the year.

He will also require you brushing his teeth to get rid of plaque which can cause a host of health issues. You get special toothpaste and toothbrush for dogs. His teeth should be brushed 2 or 3 times a week.

Exercise:

Make sure you give your high-energy Greenland Dog the right dose of exercise. He is intelligent too so he needs walks, games and other activities that contribute towards his physical and mental wellbeing.

He will do well on large properties or farms but won't do well where the space is tiny and where the owners are inactive couch potatoes.

Be careful too that the Greenland Dog isn't exercised immediately after eating as this puts him in danger of developing bloat.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  3. Shih Tzu vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  4. Shih Tzu vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  5. Shih Tzu vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  6. Shih Tzu vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  7. Shih Tzu vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Shih Tzu vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  9. Shih Tzu vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  10. Shih Tzu vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  12. Shih Tzu vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Shih Tzu vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  14. Shih Tzu vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  15. Shih Tzu vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  16. Shih Tzu vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  17. Shih Tzu vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Shih Tzu vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  19. Shih Tzu vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  20. Shih Tzu vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  21. Shih Tzu vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  23. Snorkie vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Bulldog vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Mi-Ki vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Presa Canario vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Labrador Husky vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Mackenzie River Husky vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Pyredoodle vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Lurcher vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Maremma Sheepdog vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Sarplaninac vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Himalayan Mastiff vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Mountain View Cur vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Native American Indian Dog vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Greenland Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  38. Greenland Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  39. Greenland Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  40. Greenland Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  41. Greenland Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  42. Greenland Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  43. Greenland Dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  44. Greenland Dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  45. Greenland Dog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  46. Greenland Dog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  47. Greenland Dog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  48. Greenland Dog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  49. Greenland Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  50. Greenland Dog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds