Which is easier for a first-time dog owner, a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu?

A Shih Tzu is generally considered more manageable for a first-time owner given their smaller size and lower exercise demands, though they still need proper training and regular grooming. A German Shepherd's size, energy and working-breed intelligence suit an owner with more time, space and dog-handling experience.

Do German Shepherds and Shih Tzus get on with children?

Both breeds can do well with children when properly socialised and when interactions are supervised, though a German Shepherd's size means even friendly, gentle play needs closer supervision with very young children than a small breed like the Shih Tzu typically requires.

Which breed sheds more?

German Shepherds shed considerably more in terms of volume, particularly during seasonal coat changes, thanks to their dense double coat. Shih Tzus shed less loose hair but need more frequent grooming overall, since their long coat mats without regular brushing or a shorter clip.

German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu

A German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu sit at almost opposite ends of the dog world — one a large, athletic working breed built for herding and protection work, the other a small companion breed bred purely to be a devoted lapdog. Comparing them fairly means looking honestly at size, exercise needs, grooming and temperament rather than simply picking whichever is more popular.

Size and exercise

German Shepherds are a large breed, typically reaching 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and a substantial adult weight, and they need genuinely demanding daily exercise along with mental stimulation to stay content — a bored, under-exercised German Shepherd is a well-documented recipe for destructive behaviour. Shih Tzus, by contrast, are a small breed standing around 9 to 10.5 inches, and while they still need regular walks, their exercise needs are modest enough to suit a much smaller living space and a less physically active owner.

This difference alone rules one breed in or out for a lot of households before temperament even comes into it — a flat with no outdoor space and a working owner suits a Shih Tzu far better than a German Shepherd, regardless of how much either owner might personally prefer the look of the larger breed.

Temperament and purpose

German Shepherds were bred for working roles — herding, and later police and service work — and tend to be loyal, intelligent and protective, often thriving with a job to do, whether that is formal training or simply a consistent daily routine. Shih Tzus were bred in the opposite direction entirely, purely as companion dogs, and tend to be affectionate, sociable and generally content being close to their owner rather than needing a task to fulfil.

Both breeds can be excellent family dogs in the right home, but the kind of engagement each one wants from an owner is genuinely different — a German Shepherd generally wants a job and a purpose, a Shih Tzu generally wants company and closeness.

Grooming and health

German Shepherds have a dense double coat that sheds heavily, particularly during seasonal coat blows, and benefit from regular brushing to manage loose hair, but do not typically need professional grooming in the way some breeds do. Shih Tzus have a long, flowing coat that mats easily and is commonly kept clipped short by pet owners specifically to reduce the grooming burden, needing more frequent professional attention despite their smaller size.

Both breeds have their own known health considerations worth researching with a vet or a reputable breeder before committing to either — a German Shepherd's larger frame carries a different set of joint-related risks than a Shih Tzu's flatter face and its own set of breathing and dental considerations.

Common questions

Which is easier for a first-time dog owner, a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu?: A Shih Tzu is generally considered more manageable for a first-time owner given their smaller size and lower exercise demands, though they still need proper training and regular grooming. A German Shepherd's size, energy and working-breed intelligence suit an owner with more time, space and dog-handling experience.
Do German Shepherds and Shih Tzus get on with children?: Both breeds can do well with children when properly socialised and when interactions are supervised, though a German Shepherd's size means even friendly, gentle play needs closer supervision with very young children than a small breed like the Shih Tzu typically requires.
Which breed sheds more?: German Shepherds shed considerably more in terms of volume, particularly during seasonal coat changes, thanks to their dense double coat. Shih Tzus shed less loose hair but need more frequent grooming overall, since their long coat mats without regular brushing or a shorter clip.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.