French Bulldog vs Shih Tzu
Everything we know about the French 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 | French Bulldog | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 28–33 cm (11–13 in) | 23–28 cm (9–11 in) |
| Weight | 7–13 kg (16–28 lb) | 4–7 kg (9–16 lb) |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 10–16 years |
| Coat | Short, smooth single coat | Long, double, silky |
| Shedding | Light but constant, year-round | Low — hair sheds into the coat, not onto the floor |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing; wipe the face folds and ears often | Daily brushing; professional groom every 6–8 weeks |
| Exercise | 20–30 min/day, in short walks | 20–40 min/day |
| Good with | Children, other dogs; a people-focused companion breed | Children, other dogs, cats with proper introduction |
Which one suits you
French Bulldog
Right for you if…
- You want a small, affectionate companion that suits a flat
- Someone is usually home — Frenchies are people-focused and prone to separation anxiety
- Short, easy walks suit you better than long hikes
- You have budgeted for the vet bills this breed can bring
Wrong for you if…
- You live somewhere hot or humid — short airways make heat genuinely dangerous
- You want a running or hiking companion; moderate exercise already strains their breathing
- A surprise vet bill would be a crisis — breathing, spine and skin problems are common in the breed
- Nobody is home most of the day
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