Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound - Breed ComparisonAfghan Hound is originated from Afghanistan but Shih Tzu is originated from China. Afghan Hound may grow 46 cm / 19 inches higher than Shih Tzu. Afghan Hound may weigh 27 kg / 60 pounds more than Shih Tzu. Afghan Hound may live 4 years less than Shih Tzu. Both Afghan Hound and Shih Tzu has almost same litter size. Both Afghan Hound and Shih Tzu requires High Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Toy dog
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Afghanistan
China
Height Male:
68 - 74 cm
26 - 30 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
60 - 69 cm
23 - 28 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
26 - 34 kg
57 - 75 pounds
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 34 kg
57 - 75 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 7
1 - 8
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
Tazi, Tazhi Spay, Da Kochyano Spay, Sage Balochi, Ogar Afgan, Barakzai Hound, Eastern Greyhound, and Persian Greyhound
Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog,, Lion Dog
Colors Available:
Black, Red and Cream
all often multiple colored
Coat:
Long, Thick and Silky
fine, straight, and silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Detached, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Playful
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
High Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

afghan houndThe first known information about Afghan Hound was in the 19th century. That dog looked like a Saluki. The breed that we know today is a mix of an Afghan hound accentor which came to Britain in 1920s and other breeds that were popular in that period. Afghan Hound became popular because they were used to hunt big prays in Afghanistan. One of those breeds was Tasy breed. They were very popular among royalty because of its posture and elegance. Their popularity grew very quickly through the whole Europe.

They were also very popular because they were used to hunt antelopes, gazelles, and snow panthers. In India, English soldiers used them as a mail carrier.

shih tzuThe 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.

Description

afghan hound puppy - descriptionThe average weight of an adult male is 26-34kg, while females are smaller with an average weight approximately 23 kg.

While average height of the Afghan Hound is 68-74cm. Females are slightly smaller with an average height of 63cm.

The lifespan of an Afghan Hound is 12-14 years, but that always depends on the dog to dog. If you have a healthy dog and you take proper care, they tend to live much longer than average lifespan.

Litter Size again variates from dog to dog, but an average litter size is 6-7 puppies.

Afghan hound has many other names, so you might know this breed as Tazi, Tazhi Spay, Da Kochyano Spay, Sage Balochi, Ogar Afgan, Barakzai Hound, Eastern Greyhound, and Persian Greyhound.

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.

Characteristics

afghan hound dog - characteristicsAfghan hounds love spending time with one owner or one family. They are not very sociable with other guests. They won’t bark or attack. They simply just don’t enjoy big crowd company. They do not enjoy spending time with children, but if trained properly they will learn to adjust. They simply don’t like quick and sudden movements, but they are not aggressive towards children. They are very independent and intelligent dogs. It is important to be gentle, patient and kind because they love positive training and awards. They are amazing breed with proper owner. Rough handling and punishments will make Afghan hound withdrawn or even depressed. Afghan hound do not tend to please its owner.

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.

Health Problems

afghan hound puppies - health problemsAfghan hounds are generally very healthy breed. But, as every breed, they have tendencies to some health problems. If you want to prevent those diseases it is important to select a right and healthy puppy.

Elbow and hip dysplasia are basically common health problem to any big breed. Juvenile cataracts, Cancer and Hypothyroidism are some of the health problems that have been found in this breed, but overall, with proper care and regular vet checks, you will have a happy and healthy Afghan.

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.

Caring The Pet

afghan hound dogs - caringAfghan hound loves eating and 2-2.5 cups of high-quality dry food. It is better if the dog is feeding twice a day. Always depends on the activity of the dog, metabolism, age, size and built. So it is important to observe your dog and to realize what is the best quantity of food.

Feeding the Afghan puppy

Feeding the Afghan puppy should be feed at least 3-5 times per day. It is important to feed your puppy with smaller portions, but more times per day.

Grooming the Afghan puppy

Grooming this breed is not very hard, but it requires grooming and taking care of the long coat. Besides a couple of baths, every year and regular everyday grooming will make your dog hair look amazing! Afghan hound is not dog with a lot of requirements.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  29. Afghan Hound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Afghan Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Afghan Hound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Afghan Hound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Afghan Hound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Afghan Hound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Afghan Hound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Afghan Hound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Afghan Hound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Afghan Hound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Afghan Hound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Afghan Hound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Afghan Hound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Afghan Hound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Aidi vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Airedale Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  45. Akbash Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  46. Akita vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  47. Africanis vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  48. Askal vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  49. Atlas Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  50. Aussie Poo vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison