Shih Tzu

Personality

The Shih Tzu was built for companionship, and it shows. Most are outgoing, affectionate and quietly clownish, happiest when they are on your lap or following you from room to room. They tend to greet strangers with curiosity rather than suspicion, which makes them poor guard dogs but excellent social butterflies.

They get along well with considerate children and usually with other pets, especially if introduced early. Because they were bred to be pampered, some develop a stubborn streak and will test how much they can get away with. They are not big barkers, though they will announce visitors.

Expect a dog that wants to be near you. Long stretches alone can lead to boredom or separation distress, so this breed suits homes where someone is around for much of the day.

History

The Shih Tzu is a Tibetan toy breed that dates back centuries and is linked to Buddhism and the Chinese imperial court, where small dogs were kept as alert companions. The name is usually translated as lion dog, and the AKC still calls the breed the Lion Dog. Chinese royals favored the dogs during the Ming dynasty, and Empress Dowager Cixi later ran a breeding program for them.

The breed reached the West in the early twentieth century. An Englishwoman living in China, Lady Brownrigg, brought two Shih Tzus to England in 1928, and dogs were imported to England and Norway during the 1920s and 1930s. The first European breed standard was written in England in 1935. Over time, breeders crossed the dogs with other small breeds, and the Shih Tzu became more of a companion than a watchdog.

The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1969 as part of the Toy Group. Today it remains a well-loved small breed, valued for being a house dog first and last.

Appearance, coat & colors

A Shih Tzu is small but solid, a little longer than tall, with a proud head carriage and a plumed tail carried in a curve over the back. The face is short and broad with large, dark, round eyes, a beard and mustache, and hair that grows upward from the nose bridge, giving the signature chrysanthemum look.

The AKC standard puts the ideal height at 9–10.5 in (23–27 cm) at the withers, though no less than 8 in or more than 11 in is allowed, and the ideal weight of a mature dog at 9–16 lb (4–7 kg). The coat is long, dense and double, and comes in many colors and combinations, including gold, white, black, liver and brindle, often with a white blaze on the forehead and white tail tip.

Many pet owners keep the coat clipped short in a puppy cut, which gives a teddy-bear look and cuts grooming time. Show dogs wear the full floor-length coat.

Training

Shih Tzus are intelligent and eager to please their favorite person, but they are not obsessive about it. Short, upbeat sessions with small treats work far better than repetition or harsh corrections, which tend to make them dig in their heels.

Housetraining is the common hurdle. Small bladders and a dislike of wet grass mean accidents are common, so use a consistent schedule, frequent trips outside and plenty of praise. A crate helps, and our crate training guide walks through the basics. Some owners add an indoor potty option for bad weather.

Start socialization early so shyness or snappiness does not develop. Teach basic manners, calm handling of the face and paws, and polite leash walking. Use a harness instead of a collar, since a harness avoids pressure on the neck, which matters for a short-faced breed.

Exercise

This is a low-to-moderate energy breed. Two short walks a day plus a few minutes of indoor play usually keep a healthy adult content. A total of 30 minutes or so is a reasonable starting point, adjusted for age and fitness; see our guide to how much exercise a dog needs for general principles.

The short muzzle limits cooling and breathing, so avoid exercise in heat or humidity. Walk early in the morning or in the evening, carry water and stop at the first sign of noisy breathing, heavy panting or tiring.

Mental exercise counts too. Puzzle feeders, sniff games and short training sessions burn energy without stressing the airway. Shih Tzus enjoy a good romp in a fenced yard, but they are not built for long runs or strenuous hiking, and many will happily call a lap their favorite exercise spot.

Grooming

Grooming is the biggest commitment. A full coat needs brushing down to the skin several times a week, ideally daily, to prevent mats, especially behind the ears, under the legs and around the collar. A bath every three to four weeks, followed by a thorough dry, keeps the coat clean.

Many owners choose a shorter clip every six to ten weeks at a professional groomer. Trimming hair around the eyes and rinsing the face daily helps prevent irritation and tear staining. Hair on the top of the head is often tied up in a topknot to keep it out of the eyes.

Clean the ears regularly, since drop ears and hair in the ear canals trap moisture and can lead to infections. Trim nails, and start brushing your dog's teeth early, because crowded teeth in a small mouth collect tartar. Shedding is light, but loose hair gets trapped in the coat, so brushing still matters.

Feeding

Shih Tzus do well on a complete and balanced diet formulated for small breeds, with kibble sized for small mouths. Follow the amount on the label as a starting point and adjust to keep a visible waist; the dog food calculator gives a rough estimate to discuss with your vet.

This is a breed that can gain weight easily because of its size and love of treats. Because small dogs have such little bodies, a few extra bites make a real difference, so count treats as part of the daily total, and keep treats to about 10% of daily calories. Extra weight can contribute to breathing difficulty and arthritis. Our guide on spotting an overweight dog is a good check.

Puppies need a puppy formula and several small meals daily, moving to two meals as adults. Because puppies can have low blood sugar, avoid long gaps between meals, and call your vet if a puppy seems weak or wobbly. Ask your vet about dental-friendly diets and chews. Always provide fresh water.

Health

Shih Tzus can live a long time for their size, but they share the health risks of short-faced small dogs. Brachycephalic airway syndrome can cause noisy breathing and heat intolerance. Prominent eyes are prone to corneal ulcers, dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts and tear staining. Crowded teeth lead to early tartar and gum problems.

Other concerns listed for the breed include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, ear infections, liver shunts and an inherited kidney disease called glomerulonephritis, which can cause kidney problems at an early age. Low blood sugar can affect puppies.

The American Shih Tzu Club, the AKC parent club, currently lists no recommended breeding tests on the AKC site, so ask breeders what screening they do and talk with your vet about what to monitor. Annual vet exams, dental care, a healthy weight and prompt attention to eye redness, squinting or labored breathing make the biggest difference. Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away if your dog has trouble breathing, collapses or has a painful, cloudy eye.

Health conditions to know about

• Brachycephalic airway syndrome — A short face can narrow the airway, causing noisy breathing and poor tolerance of heat and exertion.
• Eye problems — Corneal ulcers, dry eye, glaucoma and cataracts are listed for this breed with prominent eyes.
• Patellar luxation — Kneecaps that slip out of position can cause skipping or limping.
• Dental disease — Crowded teeth in a small mouth lead to tartar, gum disease and early tooth loss.
• Kidney and liver disease — An inherited kidney disease (glomerulonephritis) and liver shunts are listed for the breed.
• Ear infections — Floppy ears and hair in the ear canals trap moisture and can cause redness, pain and itching.

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is one of the easiest breeds for apartments and small homes. It does not need a yard, is usually quiet and happily settles on the sofa. It does need air conditioning or a cool room in summer, and a sweater in cold weather since the coat does not protect against extremes.

They do best with people at home. A dog left alone for long hours may bark, chew or soil indoors. If you work away, plan for a midday walker, a trusted sitter or doggy daycare.

Supervise play with toddlers and large dogs, because the small body is easily hurt. Keep the home safe from stairs and furniture falls with ramps or steps. Brushing and bath time are part of the routine, so a grooming station near good light helps. With the right setup, they fit well into city life.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

Puppy prices for Shih Tzus vary widely depending on location, lineage and breeder, and the cheapest listing is rarely the best deal. Look for a breeder who is open about the health of the parents, lets you meet the mother, keeps puppies until at least eight weeks, and asks you plenty of questions in return. Avoid pet stores and online sellers who ship puppies sight unseen.

The American Shih Tzu Club, the AKC parent club, is a good starting point for finding breeders who follow a code of ethics. Ask what health checks the parents have had and ask for a written health guarantee. Have your vet examine the puppy soon after you bring it home.

Adoption is another good route. Shih Tzu rescues and shelters often have adults whose temperament is already known. Whatever you choose, plan for professional grooming costs, dental care and pet insurance considerations. Our puppy weight calculator can help you track growth.