Shih Tzu: Your Complete Guide
Shih Tzus are some of the most delightful dogs you’ll ever meet in your life. They’re small and love to sit in your lap and give you all their affection. They’re the perfect dog for any family, especially if you already have other animals in your home.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything about the Shih Tzu – its origins and history, its temperament, how easy it is to train it, what it looks like, how you can care for it, and more. If you’re looking to learn every single thing you need to know about this breed before bringing one home, you’re in the right place.
Quick Look at the Shih Tzu
Below is a quick glance at the Shih Tzu in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 9-10 inches, 9-16 pounds |
| Coat Type | Long double coat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Loving, friendly, gets along with everyone. |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10-18 years |
What Is the History of Shih Tzus?
Shih Tzus date all the way back to ancient China and Tibet, with origins linked closely to the Tibetan monks, who are believed to have developed the Shih Tzu by crossing small Tibetan breeds like the Lhasa Apso with Chinese breeds like the Pekingese.
While other dog breeds were usually bred for a specific task, these dogs were highly prized by Chinese royalty, particularly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, because of their resemblance to traditional Chinese guardian lions. Usually referred to as “lion dogs,” Shih Tzus were kept as pets by Chinese emperors and their families and were even given as gifts to visiting dignitaries.
Shih Tzus were always meant to be pet dogs. They are loved for their affection and friendliness. Their name, ‘Shih Tzu,’ means ‘little lion’ in Chinese, given to them because of their lion-like appearance and regal demeanor.
Despite their small size, these canines are known for their confident and, sometimes, stubborn personality. The breed was relatively unknown outside China until the early 20th century when they were brought to Europe and later to the United States, and the rest is, well, history.
What Do Shih Tzus Look Like?
Shih Tzus are small dogs. They have a sturdy build and a unique, flat face (similar to pugs) with large, dark eyes, a short muzzle, and a noticeable underbite. What people love most about them, though, is their long, flowing double coat, which can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, gray, red, and combinations of these.
You’ll also see common coat patterns on Shih Tzus that include solid, particolor (two or more), and tricolor.
What Size Is a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus, as small dogs, typically stand between 9 to 10.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 9 to 16 pounds. There may be very minimal variation within these ranges, but most dogs from this breed fall within these parameters.
What Is a Shih Tzu’s Coat Type and Length?
These dogs have a long, silky double coat that flows straight and can reach the ground if not trimmed. They need regular grooming to maintain their texture and prevent tangling.
What Is a Shih Tzu’s Temperament?
Friendly, affectionate, and outgoing – these three words perfectly capture this dog’s personality. Shih Tzus are very loyal and love being close to their owners. If you’ve ever met one, you’ve probably seen it following its owners all around the house. Their friendly nature also makes them really good with children and other pets, making them the perfect dog for a family.
Don’t let their small size fool you; Shih Tzus have a confident and alert demeanor, even during their playful antics. For quality time with family, they love participating in interactive games and activities. As a generally calm and adaptable breed, they’re as well-suited for apartment living as they are for larger homes.
Are Shih Tzus Good With Kids?
These family canines are absolutely great with kids of all ages. They’re the type that loves to join in on all family activities, especially when it involves playing with children.
Unlike some other dogs, like the Australian or German shepherd, these small dogs are more at risk of being inadvertently injured by children than the other way around. Shih Tzus need to be handled gently, and kids need to be taught how to interact with them without hurting them while playing.
The breed is known for its patience and tolerance, but it’s important to respect them and handle them carefully.
Are Shih Tzus Good With Other Animals?
Shih Tzus get along with other animals, including cats and other dogs, just as well as they do with kids. Being a friendly dog also means being sociable by nature. They not only tolerate but actively enjoy the company of other pets, which makes them perfect for multi-pet homes.
This small, gentle breed is also patient with smaller prey animals like guinea pigs and hamsters, but their curiosity may still lead them to accidentally hurt the smaller pets. As for wild animals, Shih Tzus are not particularly prone to chasing them; they’d much rather stay close to home and their family rather than chase a squirrel up a tree.
Are Shih Tzus Aggressive?
As mentioned above, these are some of the most friendly and gentle dogs you’ll find anywhere. They’re typically good-natured and sociable, too, so it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever see them snap or growl.
However, like any dog, Shih Tzus can still display territorial behavior, food aggression, or defensiveness if the conditions are hostile or if the pup has never been properly trained or socialized. This is a rare case and reflects on the conditions the dog has been kept in more than the dog itself.
Do Shih Tzus Bark?
Moderately, yes. They can be vocal but aren’t usually excessive barkers. Shih Tzus will bark to alert you to visitors or unusual noises, but constant barking, like with some other small breeds, isn’t typically a concern.
If you’re in an apartment or neighborhood with noise restrictions, they’ll be absolutely perfect for you.
Are Shih Tzus Affectionate?
They thrive on affection. They love to cuddle and be pet, and they’ll always come looking to get attention from you. Shih Tzus are also one of the best lap dogs since not only are they small enough for you to keep in your lap, but they’ll also actively jump into it every chance they get. They’ll often extend this friendliness to any strangers they meet, though they may be a bit reserved around some. Socialization and training are once again key for this.
Are Shih Tzus Intelligent?
They may not always show it like a lot of other breeds, but Shih Tzus are one of the smartest dog breeds out there. They’re not really known to excel in obedience or problem-solving tasks like some working breeds, but they are certainly clever and capable of learning.
Their intelligence shines best in their ability to comprehend human emotions and even respond to their cues. Like most intelligent dogs, this breed is also quite curious and alert, always interested in its surroundings and eager to explore it.
They may not be as high-energy as some other breeds, but they are certainly observant and aware of what’s going on around them.
Are Shih Tzus Energetic?
They’re not slouches by any means, but they’re also not as energetic as other breeds and larger breeds. With medium levels of energy, they still enjoy regular playtime and short walks to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
A couple of short walks per day and some playtime indoors will be all they need from you. This can vary a bit, though, so don’t be alarmed if your Shih Tzu somehow always has the energy of a husky waiting to be let out.
Are Shih Tzus Easy to Train?
These dogs aren’t the easiest to train mainly because they’re independent and, well, stubborn. They’re intelligent dogs, but they don’t have the trait of being eager to please their owner.
This means any training sessions you have with it will need a bit more patience and consistency from your side. This isn’t to say that they’re untrainable, they can certainly learn basic obedience commands and even some more complex tricks, but they’ll need more repetition and reinforcement than other breeds do.
When it comes to activities like agility training, these dogs are probably not the best candidates. They’re small and don’t have the intense energy levels this kind of training needs. They might still enjoy agility courses at a beginner level, but this would be more recreational in nature and should not be treated as a competitive activity.
Are Shih Tzus Good Watchdogs?
Shih Tzus are not typically known to be effective watchdogs in the traditional sense. While they are alert and may bark to alert their owners of approaching strangers or unusual sounds, they are not inherently protective or brave in the way that some larger breeds are.
These dogs are more likely to bark out of curiosity or as a form of communication rather than as a deterrent to intruders. Plus, their small size means they are not physically intimidating, which may limit their effectiveness as guard dogs.
Are Shih Tzus Good Service Dogs?
Shih Tzus aren’t seen too commonly as service dogs, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still excel in jobs such as emotional support and therapy dog work. With how affectionate and empathetic they are, they can help distressed people out in exactly the right way.
A close, loyal bond with the handler is important for these roles, and Shih Tzus do that better than arguably any other breed. As small lap dogs, they fit right in almost anywhere — whether it’s homes, hospitals, or nursing homes.
In terms of being actual service dogs, Shih Tzus may not be the best fit, especially for things like physical assistance, due to their small stature.
However, they can still be trained to alert in case of panic attacks or provide tactile stimulation to help calm their handlers during times of distress. They’re not the most physical dogs, but their intelligence makes them perfect for emotional support and psychiatric assistance.
How to Care for a Shih Tzu?
Regular grooming is the name of the game when it comes to caring for a Shih Tzu. It’s absolutely essential to maintain their long coat and prevent matting.
Daily brushing alongside occasional baths will help keep their fur healthy and clean. Exercise needs are only moderate, complemented by a balanced diet tailored to their size and activity level, regular veterinary check-ups, and plenty of socialization to thrive as loving family dogs.
Do You Need to Groom a Shih Tzu?
Yes, almost every day. Grooming keeps their long coat healthy and tangle-free, typically needing to be brushed at least every other day. Alongside this, for long-term maintenance, you should also consider taking them to a professional groomer every four to six weeks for a trim, especially if you prefer a shorter hairstyle or have difficulty managing the dog’s coat at home.
Do Shih Tzus Shed?
Shih Tzus are pretty low-shedding dogs, so they’re a good option if you suffer from allergies. While they do shed minimally, their long, flowing coat will need regular brushing not just to be maintained, but to reduce loose hair around the home as well.
Still, their shedding is typically not as intense or frequent as some other dogs’, which makes them a lot more manageable for those with allergies.
What Health Problems Do Shih Tzus Have?
Shih Tzus are a specialized breed, and an unfortunate consequence of that is that they’re prone to several health issues, including brachycephalic syndrome, which can lead to breathing difficulties due to their flat faces.
To prevent this, you need to make sure they stay in a cool environment, prevent strenuous exercise in hot weather, and provide proper grooming to prevent matting around the face and nostrils, which can exacerbate breathing problems.
Another common problem is dental issues, including periodontal disease, due to their small mouths and crowded teeth. Prevention for this comes from regular dental care, including daily tooth brushing and routine dental exams by a veterinarian.
Shih Tzus are also prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts, which can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Early detection and management will be your best bet with both of these issues. As a precaution, make sure to keep hair out of their eyes during grooming to prevent eye irritation and infections.
Patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position, is also a common occurrence in Shih Tzus. This can be prevented fairly reliably by keeping the dog at a healthy weight and avoiding excessive jumping. To make sure the problem hasn’t already started manifesting, get routine checkups for it from your vet, too.
Lastly, Shih Tzus are prone to allergies. These typically manifest as skin problems such as itching, redness, and hot spots. Keeping a keen eye out for these problems and avoiding allergens, such as certain foods or environmental triggers, will help reduce the irritation your dog feels. In case of skin allergies, regular grooming and bathing with hypoallergenic shampoos can help provide a soothing effect.
How Long Do Shih Tzus Live?
Most healthy Shih Tzus tend to live for 10-18 years. Proper care, routine veterinary visits, and any health issues or genetic problems your dog develops over their lifespan can affect their lifespan.
What Should a Shih Tzu Eat?
Shih Tzus need a diet that is specifically formulated for small breeds that gives the essential nutrients they need for their best health. Typically, adult Shih Tzus need roughly 1/2 to 3/4 cups of dry dog food per day, preferably divided into two meals.
Depending on your specific Shih Tzu, you might also need to go for a diet that is formulated for sensitive stomachs, as some dogs may be more prone to digestive issues. Apart from that, there isn’t any specific diet that these dogs need to be on.
Is a Shih Tzu the Right Dog for Me?
A Shih Tzu is the perfect dog for any family that needs a low-energy, loving, and loyal lap dog that’ll shower them with all the affection they can ask for. It’s a practical choice for people who live in apartments, since these buildings often have noise limits, and families who already have other pets in the household.
However, make sure you’re able to make the time for grooming your little lion, or you’ll be dealing with a lot of visits to the groomers to fix matted and tangled fur, not to mention all the loose hair everywhere.