Toy group

Shih Tzu

Affectionate, outgoing and regal — a palace lap dog through and through.

Shih Tzus are friendly, cheerful companions bred for centuries to live with royalty. They adapt well to small homes and families, but their coats need constant care and their flat faces bring health risks.

Height
9–10.5 in23–27 cm
Weight
9–16 lb4–7 kg
Life expectancy
10–18 years
Size
Small
Group
Toy
Origin
Tibet and China

Coat: Long, flowing double coat. Colours: Any colour, including gold, white, black, brindle and parti.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement1.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability2.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation2.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level5.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive1.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking2.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability5.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness4.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Shih Tzus are affectionate, playful and people-oriented. They usually get along with everyone, including children and other pets, and enjoy being close to their family.

They can be stubborn with house-training and may bark at visitors. They are sensitive to heat.

Living with a Shih Tzu

Exercise

About 30 minutes of short walks and indoor play daily. Avoid heat and strenuous activity because of their short muzzles.

Grooming

Long coats need daily brushing; many owners keep a shorter “puppy cut” with grooming every 6–8 weeks. Clean eyes and facial hair daily.

Training

Can be stubborn, especially with house-training. Keep sessions positive and consistent.

Kids & other pets

Excellent with children and other pets. Their size makes them vulnerable to being dropped, so supervise young children closely.

Time alone

Prefers company and can bark or fret when isolated. Tolerates moderate alone time with a comfortable den and a routine.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a Shih Tzu right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Shih Tzu matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Shih Tzu typically lives 10–18 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Brachycephalic airway syndrome

    Can cause breathing problems and heat intolerance.

  • Eye problems

    Prominent eyes are prone to ulcers, dry eye and proptosis.

  • Intervertebral disc disease

    Shih Tzus are chondrodystrophic and prone to disc problems.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps are common in small breeds; watch for skipping on a back leg.

  • Renal dysplasia

    An inherited kidney condition.

Ask a breeder for

  • Patella evaluation
  • Hip evaluation
  • Eye examination

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Shih Tzu; American Shih Tzu Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Flat-faced breeds often need airway surgery or specialist care; insurance premiums are higher.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Shih Tzus likely developed from Tibetan dogs given as gifts to Chinese emperors, where they were bred as palace companions. The name means “little lion”.

After the Chinese Revolution the breed nearly disappeared, and the modern Shih Tzu descends from just 14 dogs. The AKC recognised the breed in 1969.

Did you know?

  • Shih Tzu means “little lion”.
  • The breed nearly died out in the 20th century.
  • Shih Tzus were bred to resemble lions from Chinese art.

Library guides for Shih Tzu owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Shih Tzus shed little.
Are Shih Tzus good with kids?
Yes — they are friendly and patient.
How often do Shih Tzus need grooming?
Daily brushing for long coats, or professional grooming every 6–8 weeks for shorter cuts.