9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Shih Tzu

By Top Dog Site Editorial Team · Published 2026-08-13

The Shih Tzu has a recognizable combination of a compact body, long coat, heavily furnished face and companion-dog temperament. Several other breeds can look similar at first glance, but their histories, activity levels, coat care and health needs can differ substantially.

Nine breeds to compare are the Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Tibetan Spaniel, Havanese, Maltese, Lӧwchen, Japanese Chin, Bolognese and Coton de Tulear.

At a glance

Breed	Why it resembles a Shih Tzu	Important difference
Lhasa Apso	Long Tibetan coat, similar size	More watchful/independent heritage
Pekingese	Long coat, short muzzle, companion history	Flatter face and different body proportions
Tibetan Spaniel	Tibetan companion origin and facial furnishings	Lighter coat, more spaniel-like outline
Havanese	Long flowing coat and companion size	Different coat texture and Cuban history
Maltese	Long silky coat, toy size	Usually pure white, more refined build
Lӧwchen	Long-coated small companion	More athletic outline; distinctive traditional trim
Japanese Chin	Toy companion, broad face and feathering	Silkier feathered coat and different head shape
Bolognese	Small, long-coated companion	White, fluffy/cottony presentation
Coton de Tulear	Small companion with profuse coat	Cotton-like coat and Madagascar history

1. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is probably the closest comparison. Both breeds trace important history to Tibet and both can carry long, dense coats with facial furnishings.

The Lhasa's traditional role included alerting inside Tibetan homes and monasteries, which contributes to a reputation for being more watchful and independent than the typically outgoing companion image of the Shih Tzu.

Choose a Lhasa if: you like a small long-coated dog with more watchdog character.
Choose a Shih Tzu if: you primarily want a companion-oriented toy breed.

2. Pekingese

Pekingese and Shih Tzu share imperial Chinese companion history, profuse coats and short muzzles. Pekingese tend to have a distinctly broad, low-slung outline and a more extreme facial structure.

Both require careful coat care, and both warrant attention to heat and airway health because of brachycephalic anatomy.

3. Tibetan Spaniel

Tibetan Spaniels are small dogs with an ancient Tibetan background. They usually have a shorter, less enveloping coat than a fully coated Shih Tzu, but facial expression, feathering and compact size can create a family resemblance.

They are often alert and enjoy elevated observation points—a reminder of their historical role around Tibetan monasteries.

4. Havanese

The Havanese has a soft, flowing coat and similar companion-dog scale. Its history, however, is Cuban rather than Asian.

Havanese can be lively, sociable and trainable. Coat maintenance remains substantial despite differences in texture.

5. Maltese

A fully coated Maltese can resemble a finer, all-white Shih Tzu at a quick glance. The Maltese is usually lighter in build and its classic coat is straight, silky and white.

Both require face and coat care, but they are distinct breeds with different proportions and histories.

6. Lӧwchen

The Lӧwchen is a rare small companion breed with a long coat. In full coat, the resemblance is more general; the traditional lion trim makes it immediately distinctive.

Lӧwchen tend to be lively and athletic for their size.

7. Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin share the small companion role, feathered coat and relatively broad facial appearance. Their coat tends to lie differently and the overall outline is lighter and more elegant.

Like other short-muzzled breeds, heat and airway considerations should be part of ownership planning.

8. Bolognese

The Bolognese is a small white companion breed from Italy. Its profuse coat can make it resemble a compact, fluffy Shih Tzu, although the head, texture and color are different.

It is closely associated with the Bichon family of companion dogs rather than Tibetan/Chinese lineages.

9. Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear comes from Madagascar and is named for its cotton-like coat. Its small size, coat abundance and companion character make it attractive to people who like the Shih Tzu aesthetic but want a different breed type.

Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: the common confusion

These two breeds are related historically but not interchangeable. The AKC's comparison of Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu emphasizes differences in purpose, temperament and conformation despite their superficial similarity.

A practical shorthand:

Shih Tzu: bred principally as a companion.
Lhasa Apso: companion with a stronger historical indoor sentinel role.

Individual dogs can, of course, differ.

Grooming reality

Almost every breed in this article requires meaningful coat care. A long show-style coat can require:

frequent brushing and combing;
face cleaning;
trimming around practical areas;
professional grooming;
careful detection of mats near ears, armpits and legs.

Keeping the coat shorter can reduce daily maintenance but does not eliminate grooming.

Health matters more than appearance

Do not choose solely because one dog resembles another. Short-muzzled breeds can have airway and heat-related concerns. Toy breeds may have dental, eye, patellar or other breed-specific risks. Research recommended health testing for the actual breed and breeder.

Bottom line

The Lhasa Apso and Pekingese are the most historically and visually obvious Shih Tzu comparisons. Havanese, Maltese and Coton de Tulear offer a similarly abundant coat in different breed families, while the Tibetan Spaniel provides a lighter-coated Tibetan alternative.

Choose by temperament, health and daily care requirements—not resemblance alone.

Sources & further reading

Black-and-white Shih Tzu standing on grass