Bulldog vs Shih Tzu
Everything we know about the Bulldog and the Shih Tzu, in the same order for both. Every figure comes from our own breed guides — follow the links under each column to read the detail.
| Trait | Bulldog | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 30–38 cm (12–15 in) | 23–28 cm (9–11 in) |
| Weight | 18–25 kg (40–55 lb) | 4–7 kg (9–16 lb) |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years | 10–16 years |
| Coat | Short, smooth coat with deep facial wrinkles | Long, double, silky |
| Shedding | Moderate — short hairs, year-round | Low — hair sheds into the coat, not onto the floor |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing; clean and dry the face folds daily | Daily brushing; professional groom every 6–8 weeks |
| Exercise | 20–30 min/day, gentle and never in the heat | 20–40 min/day |
| Good with | Children — calm and patient; other pets with introduction | Children, other dogs, cats with proper introduction |
Which one suits you
Bulldog
Right for you if…
- You want a calm, affectionate dog that is happiest on the sofa beside you
- There are children at home — Bulldogs are famously patient with them
- Short, gentle walks suit your life better than long ones
- You will clean and dry the face folds every day, and mean it
Wrong for you if…
- You live somewhere hot — heat sensitivity in this breed is serious, not fussiness
- You want a swimming, running or hiking companion; Bulldogs cannot safely do any of the three
- A surprise vet bill would be a crisis — breathing, skin and joint problems are common
- You want a biddable dog; Bulldogs are affectionate and genuinely stubborn
Shih Tzu
Right for you if…
- You are home most of the day, or can arrange company
- You will brush daily, not weekly — this is the whole deal
- You want a companion dog rather than a hiking partner
- You live in a flat or a house without a garden
Wrong for you if…
- You are out at work ten hours a day
- You want a low-maintenance coat
- You want an off-lead running or hiking companion
- You cannot budget for grooming every 6–8 weeks