Gordon Setter vs Shih Tzu
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is a large, athletic dog breed known for its striking black and tan coat and its origins as a skilled bird-hunting companion in Scotland. Renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, Gordon Setters make excellent family pets and thrive in active households.
Large
High
10-12 yrs
N/A
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small and affectionate dog breed known for its luxurious, flowing coat and friendly, outgoing personality. Originally bred as a companion for Chinese royalty, the Shih Tzu is cherished today as a loving and devoted family pet.
Small
Low
10-16 years yrs
N/A
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Energy Level | High | Low |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | challenging | challenging |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | Medium | Low |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Light |
| Housing | Yard | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Experienced | Experienced |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Gordon Setter. | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Shih Tzu. |
Gordon Setter Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Shih Tzu Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 20-30 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Gordon Setter Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Shih Tzu Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Training
Gordon Setter
- ** Positive reinforcement is the only viable path. Gordons are sensitive; harsh corrections will cause them to shut down or become defensive [cite: 4].
Shih Tzu
- **: Positive reinforcement only. This breed shuts down or becomes defensive with harsh correction.
Gordon Setter Considerations
This is the primary behavioral failure mode for the breed. Gordon Setters are intensely bonded "velcro" dogs. They do not tolerate isolation well. Left alone for standard workdays (8+ hours) without intervention, they frequently develop severe distress behaviors, including destructive chewing, howling, and self-mutilation.
Unlike the eager-to-please Labrador, the Gordon was bred to work independently of the hunter on the moors. This translates to a dog that will often consider a command, evaluate its merit, and potentially decline. They require a handler who understands how to motivate a thinking dog, not just a compliant one.
Owners often joke that Gordons remain puppies until they are three years old. This "Peter Pan" syndrome means you are signing up for a prolonged adolescence characterized by high energy, testing boundaries, and potential destructiveness long after other breeds have settled down.
While affectionate with their inner circle, Gordons are naturally aloof with strangers. Without extensive early socialization, this reserve can turn into fear-based reactivity or excessive territorial barking. They are watchdogs by nature, not the "everyone is my best friend" type.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - may chase | Generally safe with proper introduction |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Caution advised |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Biddability | Low | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | 18 months |
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 4-10 |
| House Training | Challenging | Moderate |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Gordon Setter: Gordon Setter puppies require consistent training and patience.
Shih Tzu: Shih Tzu puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A | N/A |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Small |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 10–16 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-8 |
Gordon Setter Coat
Shih Tzu Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Developed in Scotland in the 17th century, specifically at Gordon Castle by the Fourth Duke of Gordo | The Shih Tzu ("Lion Dog") was developed in the palaces of the Chinese Emperor, likely by crossing th |
| Origin | N/A | Tibet) with the Pekingese |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Gordon Setter Health Issues
Shih Tzu Health Issues
Gordon Setter Suggested Tests
- PRA-rcd4 (Genetic Test)
- Cerebellar Degeneration (CCA) (Genetic Test)
- OFA Hip/Elbow evaluations
- Gastropexy (surgical prevention for Bloat)
Shih Tzu Suggested Tests
- Renal Dysplasia (wedge biopsy or ultrasound)
- CERF/CAER eye clearances
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Gordon Setter Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Shih Tzu Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Gordon Setter
high maintenanceShih Tzu
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Gordon Setter Daily Life
Shih Tzu Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Low | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $140–$220 | $70–$120 |
| Yearly Range | $1,680–$2,640 | $840–$1,440 |
| Food / Month | $80-120 | $30-50 |
| Insurance / Month | $60-100 | $40-70 |
| Grooming / Session | $80-120 | $60-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-500 | $500-800 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Gordon Setter Lifetime Cost
N/A
Shih Tzu Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Gordon Setter | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | Low | Low |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Moderate |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Occasional |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
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