• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Roseneath Terrier or Bolognese Toy Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog" Compare Shih Tzu and West Highland White Terrier. Which is better: Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier or Bolognese dog?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu West Highland White Terrier Bolognese dog
OriginsChina flagChina Scotland flagScotland Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2042288
Reviews1911
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog breeds.
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Roseneath Terrier
Westie
Westy
White Roseneath Terrier
Poltalloch Terrier
Bolognese Toy Dog
Bichon Bolognese
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog? Compare adult weight ranges.
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) Male: 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg), Female: 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg) 4.5-9 pounds (2.5-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg) 6.75 pounds (3.25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier or Bolognese dog? Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog height comparison:
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) Males: 10.5-12 inches (27-30 cm), Female: 10-11 inches (25-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) Males: 11.25 inches (28.5 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $900-$1200 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier or Bolognese dog?
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The West Highland White Terrier is quite easy to get.
Average: The Bolognese dog is a commonly available dog breed.

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which breed ranks highest?
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Smart: The Bolognese dog dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which is easiest to train?
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Bolognese dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which breed is most alert?
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Bolognese dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which breed is most protective?
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Bolognese dog dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Loyal
Devoted
Calm
Faithful
Easygoing
Earnest
Willing
Serene
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Bolognese dog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog?
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: West Highland White Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Bolognese dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Bolognese dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Bolognese dog dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Bolognese dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: West Highland White Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average to High: The Bolognese dog is a vocal breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which breed is most playful?
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
The West Highland White Terrier is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: Bolognese dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep West Highland White Terrier indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Bolognese dog breed.

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which breed is most flexible?
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
West Highland White Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Bolognese dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier or Bolognese dog?
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
West Highland White Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Bolognese dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bolognese dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which uses mouth most during play?
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bolognese dog dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

West Highland White Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bolognese dog bite force: Weak.

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which breed lives longest?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of West Highland White Terrier: 14 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Bolognese dog: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The West Highland White Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which has fewer health issues?
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
The Bolognese dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The West Highland White Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Bolognese dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Atopic Dermatitis
Hyperplastic Dermatosis
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Chronic Eye Irritation

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which breed is most active?
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Bolognese dog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier or Bolognese dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
West Highland White Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Bolognese dog dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier or Bolognese dog?
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Bolognese dog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the West Highland White Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Bolognese dog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
White Pure white
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The Bolognese dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which drools least?
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The West Highland White Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Bolognese dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Bolognese dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Dense Curly
Silky
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier or Bolognese dog? Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bolognese dog dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which is best with kids?
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Bolognese dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Bolognese dog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier or Bolognese dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Bolognese dog dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier or Bolognese dog?
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Bolognese dog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier or Bolognese dog?
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Bolognese dog dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog?
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
West Highland White Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Bolognese dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
West Highland White Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Bolognese dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Bolognese dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

West Highland White Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Bolognese dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 2-5 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, and Bolognese dog. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Foundation Stock Service

Rate This Comparsion - Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bolognese dog

Reviews