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 Shiranian 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

Loyal
Friendly
Playful
Lazy
Attentive
Trainable
Intelligent

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

Shiranians are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Avoid Italian Tzus as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Shiranians aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

United States

United States

Italian Greyhound, Shih Tzu

Pomeranian, Shih Tzu

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Dog Registry of America Inc.
American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Breed Registry
Designer Dogs Kennel Club
International Designer Canine Registry

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

White
Pied

Black
Brown
Red
Sable
Brindle
White

Italian Tzus have medium-length coats.

Shiranians are known for their coat length.

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 Shiranian can have a litter of 12-16 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.

Italian Tzus are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Shiranians have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

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

Shiranians are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

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

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Allergies
Hypoglycemia
Hypothyroidism

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

Eye Examination
Allergy Tests
Blood Count

Italian Tzus have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Shiranians are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

Italian Tzus bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Shiranian dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

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 Shiranians usually need at least 45 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.

Shiranians require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Italian Tzu should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Shiranian should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

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

The average cost of a Shiranian is somewhere $1.00 - $1.40 per day.

Italian Tzus are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Shiranian is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

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

Shiranians have an average level of friendliness towards children.

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

Shiranians are not cat friendly.

Italian Tzus are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Shiranians are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Italian Tzus are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Shiranians are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

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

Shiranians are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

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

Shiranians may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.