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Top 10 Companion Dogs for Shih Tzus: (Complete Guide)

Searching for the perfect companion for your Shih Tzu can be a challenging task, as each dog breed comes with its unique personality and behavior.

To help you make an informed decision, this article delves into the top 10 breeds that are most likely to be a harmonious match for your Shih Tzu and provides the reasons behind their compatibility.

Let’s dive in!

companion breeds for shih tzus

The Key to Choosing a Compatible Companion Breed

Understanding the basics of the Shih Tzu temperament is essential when it comes to selecting the perfect companion breed for your furry friend.

Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate, outgoing, and friendly nature, making them excellent family pets and companions.

Shih Tzu Temperament Traits

  • Affectionate: Shih Tzus are known to be loving and cuddly, always seeking attention and physical contact from their owners.
  • Social: They enjoy spending time with people and other pets, making them adaptable to various living situations and social environments.
  • Laid-back: Shih Tzus have a calm and relaxed demeanor, making them well-suited for a leisurely lifestyle.
  • Intelligent: These dogs are smart and can be trained with consistency and patience, although they can be a bit stubborn at times.
  • Alert: Shih Tzus are alert and attentive, which makes them excellent watchdogs.

Successfully Choosing a Companion Breed

When choosing a companion breed for your Shih Tzu, it’s essential to consider the following factors that relate to their temperament:

  1. Size: Select a breed of similar size to ensure that both dogs can comfortably play and interact without one overpowering the other.
  2. Energy level: Choose a breed with a similar energy level to your Shih Tzu, so they can enjoy playtime together without one becoming overwhelmed or exhausted.
  3. Temperament: Opt for a breed with a friendly, affectionate, and social nature, as these traits will complement the Shih Tzu’s personality and help both dogs bond.
  4. Adaptability: Look for a breed that is adaptable to different living situations and environments, as this will make it easier for both dogs to adjust to each other and their shared living space.
  5. Grooming needs: Consider the grooming requirements of the companion breed, as it can be helpful to select a breed with similar grooming needs to your Shih Tzu. This can make the overall grooming process more manageable.

By taking the time to understand the Shih Tzu temperament and how it relates to successfully choosing a companion breed, you can find a harmonious match for your beloved pet. This will ensure that both dogs can form a strong bond and enjoy each other’s company for years to come.

Top 10 Companions Dogs for Shih Tzus 🐶

Keeping in mind the essential tips above, here’s a list of the top 10 best companion breeds that always get along well with Shih Tzus.

1. Maltese

Maltese dogs are an excellent choice for Shih Tzu companions. Both breeds have similar sizes, energy levels, and grooming needs, which make them a great match.

  • They are known for their gentle, playful, and affectionate nature, which complements the Shih Tzu’s personality.
  • Maltese dogs usually get along well with other pets, making them a good addition to a multi-pet household.
  • These dogs don’t require a lot of exercise and are happy with daily walks and indoor playtime.

Keep in mind that Maltese dogs have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. It’s important to invest time in grooming both your Shih Tzu and Maltese to keep them looking their best.

2. Poodle

Poodles come in various sizes (Toy, Miniature, and Standard), but Toy and Miniature Poodles are ideal companions for Shih Tzus.

  • Poodles are highly intelligent and easy to train, which makes them a joy to have around.
  • They are also known for their hypoallergenic coat, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
  • Poodles are energetic and love to play, making them perfect playmates for your Shih Tzu.

Note: Although Poodles are generally friendly, it’s essential to socialize them early on to ensure they get along well with other dogs, including your Shih Tzu. Learn more about Poodles on the AKC website.

3. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are another small breed that can be a fantastic companion for your Shih Tzu.

  • They are affectionate, energetic, and love to play, making them a great match for Shih Tzus.
  • Yorkies are also adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, including apartments.
  • These dogs have a strong, confident personality, which can help balance out the Shih Tzu’s more laid-back demeanor.

However, Yorkies can be a bit stubborn and might require more patience when training. Proper socialization is crucial to ensure they get along well with your Shih Tzu and other pets.

4. Havanese

Havanese dogs are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them a great companion for Shih Tzus.

  • They are small, sturdy dogs that can keep up with your Shih Tzu’s energy levels.
  • Havanese are adaptable and do well in various living situations, including apartments and houses with yards.
  • These dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train.

Keep in mind that Havanese have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming, just like the Shih Tzu. Consistent grooming is essential to maintain their beautiful coat and prevent matting.

5. Pekingese

Pekingese dogs share a similar origin with Shih Tzus, both being toy breeds from China. This makes them an excellent companion choice for your Shih Tzu.

  • They are affectionate and loyal, forming strong bonds with their family members.
  • Pekingese have a low energy level, which complements the Shih Tzu’s laid-back nature.
  • These dogs are independent and can entertain themselves when their playmate needs a break.

However, Pekingese can be stubborn, so patience and consistency are essential when training them. Proper socialization is also crucial to ensure they get along with your Shih Tzu and other pets.

6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a popular choice as a companion for Shih Tzus due to their affectionate and gentle nature.

  • These dogs are known for being friendly, good-natured, and easy to train.
  • Cavaliers have a similar size to Shih Tzus, making them well-matched for playtime.
  • They are adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, including apartments.

Note: Regular grooming is necessary for Cavaliers, as they have a medium-length coat that can become tangled. Learn more about this breed on the AKC website.

7. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise dogs are another excellent companion choice for Shih Tzus due to their similar size, energy level, and playful nature.

  • Bichons are known for their cheerful, affectionate, and social personalities.
  • They are highly adaptable and do well in various living situations, from apartments to houses with yards.
  • Bichon Frise dogs are intelligent and easy to train, making them a joy to have around.

Keep in mind that Bichons have a curly, non-shedding coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance and prevent matting. Visit PetMD to learn more about this breed.

8. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apsos are an excellent companion choice for Shih Tzus, as they share similar origins, both being ancient Tibetan breeds.

  • They are known for their alert, confident, and loyal nature, which complements the Shih Tzu’s personality.
  • Lhasa Apsos have a similar size and energy level to Shih Tzus, making them great playmates.
  • These dogs are intelligent and can be trained with consistency and patience.

However, Lhasa Apsos have a long, dense coat that requires regular grooming, just like the Shih Tzu. Consistent grooming is essential to maintain their beautiful coat and prevent matting.

9. Papillon

Papillons are small, energetic dogs that can be a great companion for your Shih Tzu.

  • They are known for their friendly, intelligent, and easy-to-train nature.
  • Papillons have a similar size to Shih Tzus and can keep up with their energy levels.
  • These dogs are highly adaptable and do well in various living situations, including apartments.

Note: Although Papillons are generally friendly, it’s essential to socialize them early on to ensure they get along well with other dogs, including your Shih Tzu. Visit the Papillon page on the AKC website to learn more about this breed.

10. Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulear dogs are a fantastic companion choice for Shih Tzus due to their similar size, temperament, and grooming needs.

  • They are known for their friendly, affectionate, and sociable nature, which complements the Shih Tzu’s personality.
  • Coton de Tulear dogs are adaptable and do well in various living situations, including apartments and houses with yards.
  • These dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train.

Keep in mind that Coton de Tulear dogs have a long, cotton-like coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance and prevent matting.

Last thoughts

In conclusion, there are many breeds that can make great companions for your Shih Tzu.

It’s essential to consider factors such as size, energy level, temperament, and grooming needs when selecting the perfect playmate for your furry friend.

Don’t forget to socialize your dogs early on to ensure they get along well with each other and other pets.

With the right companion, your Shih Tzu will have a lifelong friend to play with and enjoy their days.

For more information on choosing the perfect companion for your Shih Tzu, consult reputable sources like the American Kennel Club (AKC), PetMD, and VCA Hospitals.

Also, consider reaching out to pet experts or local breed clubs for advice on which breeds are the best match for your Shih Tzu. Happy searching, and may you find the perfect playmate for your beloved Shih Tzu!



Disclaimer

Before making any decisions that could affect the health and/or safety of your dog, you should always consult a trained veterinarian in your local area. Even though this content may have been written/reviewed by a trained veterinarian, our advice to you is to always consult your own local veterinarian in person. Please read our full dislcaimer if you have any questions.