1) Lhasa Apso
Let’s start with the breed that is the easiest to mistake for a Shih Tzu, as there are almost no differences - or better to say no differences in appearance, because when it comes to temperament, they couldn’t be more different! While the Shih Tzu is the ultimate companion dog, the Lhasa Apso is more like a big dog in a small body—courageous and surprisingly good as a watchdog. I’ve made a detailed video comparing the Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso, so be sure to check it out in the video description or the first pinned comment!

​2) Maltese
The Maltese may lack the Shih Tzu’s iconic face shape, but their silky white coats and playful personalities make them equally charming companions. I’m sure plenty of people would confuse these two breeds! This ancient toy breed is known for being affectionate and lively. And by the way, I’ve also made a detailed comparison video—Shih Tzu vs. Maltese—so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out! Link is in video description.

3) Löwchen
The Löwchen, commonly nicknamed as the Little Lion Dog is a rare dog breed, but you can not deny the similarities between them and Shih Tzus, especially thanks to their similar coat. And their cheerful and outgoing nature makes them great companions as well, just like Shih Tzu!

4) Bichon Frisé
After the Maltese, the Bichon Frisé is the second breed from the 'Bichon dog family' on this list. These dogs all share a striking resemblance to the Shih Tzu, and you’ll see more Bichons later in this video. The similarities with the Shih Tzu come down to their flowing coats and small size, which make them equally adorable companions

5) Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
The Russian Bolonka is another rare and unknown dog in this video with big similarities to Shih Tzu. The only true purpose and utilization of Russian Bolonka is companionship. They were bred for being great loving, playful and cheerful companions and that is exactly what they are.

6) Havanese
The national dog of Cuba, the Havanese, is another breed from the Bichon group. It’s also another breed I’ve compared in detail with the Shih Tzu in a separate video, so don’t forget to check that out! The Havanese is an exceptional companion dog, known for its loving, affectionate, and calm nature.

7) Havana Silk Dog
Often times confused with Havanese, the Havana Silk Dog is a re-created breed of a dog, that was popular in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries and that is generally believed to be developer in colonial Cuba. The breed was developed by dedicated Havanese breeders in an attempt to re-develop this old, extinct dog breed.

8) Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is not as similar to Shih Tzu as the previous breeds, especially due to different coloration, head shape and completely different temperament, which is more energetic and courageous. However, thanks to their luxurious coat and tiny size, many people still confuse these two breeds.

9) Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is basically a color variation of a Yorkie, but it is considered as a separate breed. And the colors of Biewer Terrier resembles the Shih Tzu more than the typical Yorkshire Terrier, so i believe they deserve a spot in this video as well.

10) Coton de Tulear
Another Bichon dog breed in this video, this time the Coton de Tulear. Its fluffy white coat and sweet nature resemble a Shih Tzu’s charm. Originating from Madagascar, they’re cheerful, loving, and incredibly people-oriented.

11) Kyi-Leo
The Kyi-Leo is a cross between the Lhasa Apso and the Maltese—two breeds I’ve already mentioned in this video—so it’s no surprise that this mix also makes it onto the list! They’re friendly, adaptable, and known for their silky fur.

12) Pekingese
The Pekingese and Shih Tzu don’t just share similar temperaments and appearances—they also share a royal history in Asia. However, the Pekingese is easy to distinguish from the Shih Tzu, thanks to its flatter face and distinct build.

13) Bolognese
Once again – a dog from the Bichon dog family, this time the Bolognese, which basically look like a Shih Tzus italian cousin, with its fluffy white coat and gentle temperament. They’re calm, devoted, and happiest when spending time with their families.

14) Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The second terrier in this list is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. They have longer bodies and face, but they still can be confused with the Shih Tzu quite easily. But of course, their temperament is completely different, as terriers tend to be more feisty, courageous and active.

15) Chinese Imperial Dog
The Chinese Imperial Dog, also known as Imperial Shih Tzu is a Shih Tzu variation. It is a Shih Tzu, that is deliberately bred to be smaller than the Shih Tzu's written standard of 9 pounds. So it is only logical to include them in this video as well. BUT, i have to say, that i would be very careful when buying the Chinese Imperial, because majority of these dogs are bred by bad breeders who only want to sell these dogs for good profit and they do not care about their health. Very often they suffer from various health issues and they are extremely fragile. I believe that the Shih Tzu is small enough and i believe that you will make a better choice of buying a purebred Shih Tzu rather than this Chinese Imperial Dog.

1) Australian Terrier
Let’s start with one of the biggest Yorkie lookalikes—the Australian Terrier. It’s no coincidence that these two breeds resemble each other, as the Australian Terrier was developed in the 1820s in Australia, with ancestors including Cairn Terriers, Skye Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, and yes, the Yorkshire Terrier itself.
The Australian Terrier shares the Yorkie's spunky personality and lively energy. With its rough coat and playful attitude, this breed makes a perfect alternative for those who love the Yorkie look!

​2) Australian Silky Terrier
Almost identical to the Australian Terrier, the Australian Silky Terrier is also extremely similar to Yorkies. Bred in 1900s Australia from a mix of Australian Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers, their resemblance is no surprise. Up until the 1930s, all three breeds—Silky, Australian, and Yorkshire Terriers—could even be born in the same litter, with their differences only becoming apparent as they grew. Since then, crossbreeding has been discouraged, and all three breeds have been recognized as distinct. The Silky Terrier is known for its affectionate and playful nature, making it a delightful companion for anyone who loves the Yorkie look.

3) Norwich Terrier
Another breed with a similar body type, coat type, and head shape is the Norwich Terrier. While the ancestry is uncertain, it’s quite possible that one of the ancestors of the Norwich Terrier was the Yorkshire Terrier, alongside Irish Terriers and East Anglian Red Terriers.
With its feisty personality and small size, the Norwich Terrier closely resembles the Yorkie. Their wiry coat and playful nature make them lively companions, perfect for active households.

4) Norfolk Terrier
A close relative to the Norwich Terrier, the Norfolk Terrier is another undeniable Yorkie lookalike. In the past, they were considered a variety of the Norwich Terrier, distinguished by their folded ears, but since 1964, they have been recognized as a separate breed.
Similar to the Norwich Terrier, the Norfolk Terrier has a lovable and cheerful demeanor. Its small stature and shaggy coat are reminiscent of the Yorkshire Terrier, making it a fantastic alternative for Yorkie lovers.

5) Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is a direct relative of the Yorkshire Terrier, so the similarity between them is no surprise. This breed was developed from Yorkshire Terriers through the breeding of a recessive piebald gene, which means the primary difference between them and Yorkies lies in their coat color.
With their playful and affectionate nature, Biewer Terriers are lively companions, making them perfect for families or individuals seeking a small dog that brings joy and energy into their lives.

6) Mi-Ki
Originating in the 1980s in Wisconsin, the Mi-Ki is still a relatively young dog breed. It was developed as a mixture of several established breeds, including the Maltese, Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, Papillon, and, of course, the Yorkshire Terrier.
Unlike the typical mischievous traits often associated with terriers, Mi-Kis tend to be calmer and more relaxed. They are also known for their loyalty and adaptability, making them excellent companions for those who appreciate a more easygoing alternative to the Yorkie

7) Löwchen
From the dogs featured in this video, I personally think the Löwchen resembles the Yorkshire Terrier the least. However, they still share similarities, particularly with long-haired Yorkies. With its distinctive long, flowing coat and cheerful expression, the Löwchen has a charming appearance that is adored by many dog lovers

8) Cairn Terrier
We'll finish the video with three well-known terrier breeds, all quite similar to Yorkies. The first is the Cairn Terrier, a breed that combines charm and ruggedness, closely resembling the Yorkshire Terrier in both size and appearance. Known for their shaggy, weather-resistant coat, Cairn Terriers share a playful spirit and feisty personality with Yorkies, making them delightful companions for active families

9) Skye Terrier
The second one is Skye Terrier, which just like Lowchen, resembles the long haired variety of Yorkshire Terrier, even though they have much longer body. Especially with its long, flowing coat and distinctively shaped head, the Skye Terrier captures the essence of the Yorkie's elegance.
Originating from the Isle of Skye in Scotland, this breed is known for its loyalty and strong character. Skye Terriers have a playful and spirited nature, similar to Yorkies.

10) West Highland White Terrier
And last, but certainly not least, we have the West Highland White Terrier. While they may appear quite different at first glance due to their white distinctive color, they share many similarities with Yorkies, including size and playful demeanor.
Originally bred in Scotland for hunting small game, Westies are known for their cheerful and confident personalities. Their lively nature and affectionate disposition make them fantastic companions, especially for those who admire the Yorkie's charm.

1) Olde English Bulldogge
Let’s start with a breed that inspired many recreations of the English Bulldog: the Olde English Bulldogge. Bred specifically to recreate the healthier and more athletic type of Bulldog from the 18th and 19th centuries, the breeding efforts began in the latter half of the 20th century. Today, it’s a well-established bulldog type.
With a more elongated body and less extreme features than the traditional English Bulldog, the Olde English Bulldogge typically experiences fewer health issues, making it a healthier choice. These dogs are known for their loyal and friendly nature, making them great companions for families and active individuals alike.

2) Leavitt BulldogT
The creator of the Olde English Bulldogge, David Leavitt, wanted to distinguish his line from others as more breeders began producing them. In 2004, he established a new line called the Leavitt Bulldog.
Leavitt Bulldogs are even more focused on preserving the health and original characteristics of the old Bulldogs from the past. They tend to be more athletic than English Bulldog while still maintaining the loving and charming temperament typical of Bulldogs.

3) Continental Bulldog
Just like the previous two Bulldogs, the Continental Bulldog was developed as a response to the poor health seen in English Bulldogs. It was developed in Switzerland in early 2000s and today it is recognized by the FCI.
With a more athletic build and fewer extreme features, especially a longer muzzle, Continental Bulldogs are much healthier. They’re known for their playful, sociable nature, making them great companions for families and active individuals alike.

4) Renascence Bulldog
The Renascence Bulldogge was developed in the 1990s with the goal of re-creating the legendary working British Bulldogs from the 1800s. Still quite rare, this breed is mostly found in North America, though its popularity is slowly increasing. At first glance, the Renascence Bulldog stands out for its strength and muscular build. With a large, wrinkled head, powerful jaws, a muscular neck, a short, broad muzzle, and prominent tusks, this breed is designed for both work and companionship.

5) Victorian Bulldog
The Victorian Bulldog was developed in 1985 by breeder Ken Mollett, who aimed to recreate a healthier version of Bulldogs, similar to those of the Victorian era. To achieve this, he selected the best English Bulldogs he could find and crossed them with various bull breeds found in Great Britain, including Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Bullmastiffs.
While the Victorian Bulldog is not an exact copy of the Bulldogs from that time, it has certainly become a healthier alternative to the traditional English Bulldog. With a more athletic and fit build, these dogs retain their classic Bulldog charm—loyal, gentle, and great companions for families.

6) Campeiro Bulldog
Unlike the previous breeds, the Campeiro Bulldog is not European and was not developed as a healthier alternative to the English Bulldog. This breed traces its origins back to the 16th and 17th centuries in Brazils Rio Grande do Sul region. European settlers, brought many dog breeds to Brazil and one of them was the Old English Bulldog, and the Campeiro Bulldog basically became "Brazilian" version of this breed, specifically adapted to the harsh environments of rural Brazil.The Campeiro Bulldog was primarily used as a catch dog for cattle, meaning it would catch and hold the cattle when needed. Despite its working background, the Campeiro Bulldog is also a loyal and loving companion.
7) Serrano Bulldog
The second Brazilian Bulldog on this list is the Serrano Bulldog. Like the Campeiro, this breed is known for its strength and adaptability, making it an excellent working dog, particularly for guarding. With a courageous and loyal nature, the Serrano Bulldog is not only a capable guardian but also a loving companion. While still relatively rare, it’s gaining popularity for its great health and balanced temperament.

8) Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is larger than the previous breeds but still retains the Bulldog traits—and is certainly a healthier option than the English Bulldog. Originating in the Southern United States, this breed is known for its athleticism and strong protective instincts. Alapahas thrive in active environments and make excellent working or family dogs. Developed in the late 18th century, their ancestors likely include the now-extinct Old English Bulldog and local herding breeds.

9) American Bulldog
​Last but certainly not least, we have the American Bulldog, a powerful and athletic breed with a surprisingly gentle disposition. Known for their intelligence and versatility, American Bulldogs can excel in a variety of roles, from loyal family companions to hardworking dogs on farms. With proper training and socialization, they form strong, affectionate bonds with their families, making them both protective and loving pets.