While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Italian Tzus are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Shetinese is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Active
Playful
Happy
Agile
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Companionable
Athletic
Mischievous

Playful
Stubborn
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive
Good-natured
Opinionated

Italian Tzus shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Shetineses are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

United States

United States

Italian Greyhound, Shih Tzu

Shetland Sheepdog and Pekingese

Unknown

2000's

Brown

Blue
Brown

Black

Black

White
Pied

Black
Gray
Brown
White
Blue
Sable
Red

Italian Tzus have medium-length coats.

Shetineses have longer coats compared to most dogs.

An Italian Tzu can have a litter of 2-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Shetinese can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

While the Italian Tzu breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Shetineses typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Patellar Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Leg Fractures
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Reverse Sneezing

Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Dermatomyositis
Von Willebrand's Disease
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Ulcerative Dermatosis

Hip X-Rays
Eye Examination
Full Physical Examination regarding joint movement around the hip and kneecap

Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Blood And Urine Analysis
Ear Tests and Myringotomy Tests
Blood Sugar and Thyroid Tests
Yearly Physical Examination
Full Chemistry Panel Tests and Blood Count
Various Blood Testing Modalities
Eye Examinations (both internal as well as external)
X-rays of various parts of the skeletal system
Echocardiography (ultrasound)

Italian Tzus are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Shetineses are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Italian Tzu, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shetinese, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Italian Tzus usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Shetineses usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Italian Tzu requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Shetineses have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

For an average 10-16 pound (5 - 7 kg) Italian Tzu feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 11-24 pound (5 - 11 kg) Shetinese feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of an Italian Tzu is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

The average cost of a Shetinese is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average per month expenses of an Italian Tzu is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Shetinese is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Italian Tzus are not the best choice for families with kids.

Shetineses have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Italian Tzus are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Shetineses are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Italian Tzus have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Shetineses are not known for being a highly playful breed.

Italian Tzus are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Shetineses are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.