Small12.8 yr avg
Shih Tzu
AKC · Toy
View breedComparison
Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier
Side-by-side comparison from peer-reviewed sources. Lifespan and health figures draw on Royal Veterinary College VetCompass and AKC breed data.
At a glance
Side-by-side
The numbers that most change day-to-day care. A citrus border marks a meaningful advantage.
Small
Shih Tzu
Lifespan12.8 yrrange 12–13
SizeSmall
Weight9–16 lb4.1–7.3 kg
Height9–10.5 in22.9–26.7 cm
Senior at8 yrgeriatric at 12
AKC groupToy
Energy3/545 min/day
Trainability4/5
Shedding1/5
With kids5/5
With other dogs5/5
Toy
Yorkshire Terrier
Lifespan13.3 yrrange 13–14
SizeToy
Weight7–7 lb3.2–3.2 kg
Height7–8 in17.8–20.3 cm
Senior at9 yrgeriatric at 13
AKC groupToy
Energy4/560 min/day
Trainability4/5
Shedding1/5
With kids5/5
With other dogs3/5
Health
Common health issues
Top 3 prevalence-ranked conditions for each breed. See each breed's full health profile for screening schedules and source data.
Shih Tzu
- High prevalencetypical onset ~8 yr
Degenerative Myelopathy
Description and veterinary guidance for Degenerative Myelopathy land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~2 yr
Elbow Dysplasia
Description and veterinary guidance for Elbow Dysplasia land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~5 yr
Periodontal Disease
Description and veterinary guidance for Periodontal Disease land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
Yorkshire Terrier
- Moderatetypical onset ~2 yr
Patellar Luxation
Description and veterinary guidance for Patellar Luxation land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~7 yr
Cataracts
Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Low prevalencetypical onset ~1 yr
Congenital Cardiac Defect
Description and veterinary guidance for Congenital Cardiac Defect land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
Synthesis
Which is right for you?
Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier have similar median lifespans, around 13.1 years.
The Shih Tzu is small while the Yorkshire Terrier is toy — a modest difference in day-to-day care.
Energy levels are close, with a slight edge to the Yorkshire Terrier (60 min/day of directed exercise).
Shih Tzus carry a heavier breed-specific health burden (1 high-prevalence conditions vs 0 for the Yorkshire Terrier). Budget for screening accordingly.