Shih Tzu

At a glance

Weight

9–16 lb

Height

9–11 in

Lifespan

10–16 years

Exercise / day

30–45 min

Energy

moderate

Shedding

low

Temperament

affectionate, outgoing, playful, adaptable

With kids

yes

Common health predispositions

• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Stenotic nares and elongated soft palate are common. Snoring is normal; noisy breathing at rest, exercise intolerance, or blue gums are not, they warrant an airway workup and, in moderate-to-severe cases, corrective surgery is the humane call.
• Corneal ulcers and dry eye. Prominent eyes are ulcer-prone. Never rub the face vigorously; a sudden squinting, tearing, or pawing eye is a same-day vet visit, corneal ulcers progress within hours.
• Periodontal disease. Undershot bite plus small mouth means crowded teeth. Daily brushing plus professional cleanings every 12-18 months.
• Patellar luxation. Toy-breed pattern. OFA patella evaluation on parents.
• Intervertebral disc disease. Reported in the breed. Avoid jumping from furniture; use ramps or steps for beds and sofas.
• Hip dysplasia. Present in the breed despite the small size. OFA hip evaluation on breeding stock, not just patellas.

Gear and diet implications

• Best harness for a Shih Tzu. Soft Y-front harness; never neck pressure on a brachycephalic dog. Step-in styles are easier over the long face and beard.
• Best grooming for a Shih Tzu. Daily line-brushing for a full coat; most pet-home Shih Tzus live in a short 'puppy cut' clipped every 4-6 weeks. Face-and-butt trims between full grooms keep the eyes clear and prevent fecal matting.
• Best bed for a Shih Tzu. Cool, well-ventilated bed; the breed overheats faster than long-nosed peers. Skip enclosed cave beds in summer.
• Best bowl for a Shih Tzu. Shallow, flat-front bowl; deep bowls press on a short face and are uncomfortable to eat from.

What the breed was built for

The Shih Tzu was developed in the Chinese imperial court from Tibetan temple dogs, likely the Lhasa Apso and small Pekingese-type ancestors. It was bred purely as a companion for royalty, which is why the temperament is people-oriented and the working-dog restlessness of terriers or herders is absent.

The breed nearly disappeared after the Chinese revolution and was rebuilt in the UK from a handful of dogs exported in the 1930s. The modern global population traces back to roughly 14 dogs, which is one reason breeder health-testing discipline matters, the gene pool is narrow enough that any recessive condition spreads quickly.

Coat and grooming reality

The Shih Tzu is a double-coated breed with a long, straight outer coat that reaches the floor on a show dog. Almost no pet home carries the full coat, the standard compromise is a short 'puppy cut' every 4-6 weeks that keeps the low-shed benefit without daily brushing marathons. Face-and-butt trims between full grooms are essential.

Because the coat is continuously growing hair rather than shedding fur, Shih Tzus deposit relatively little dander into a home, but they still produce the primary dog allergen (Can f 1) in saliva, they are not medically hypoallergenic. Ear hair grows deep in the canal and needs monthly plucking or clipping to prevent yeast and moisture buildup, and tear staining under the eyes is chronic in most dogs and responds partially to daily wiping and diet changes.

Training and behavior

Shih Tzus are trainable but not eager to please in the way a Golden is, they are willing companions with an independent streak. Short, reward-based sessions work; harsh corrections shut them down. House-training is often the slowest part; expect 6-9 months of consistency.

Separation intolerance is a common failure mode because the breed bonds so tightly to household routine, gradually build alone-time in short chunks from puppyhood rather than only when the owner needs to leave. Crate training pays off both for house-training and for anxiety management.

What to look for in a breeder or rescue

• OFA hip and patella evaluations.
• CAER ophthalmologist exam on both parents.
• BAER hearing test.
• Nostril and palate assessment (breeders should breed away from stenotic nares, not toward the 'flat face' aesthetic).
• Meet the mother in a home setting; assess socialization environment.
• Rescue alternative: breed-specific rescues (Shih Tzu Rescue, USA) place adult surrenders regularly, often already groomed and house-trained.