Shih Tzu
At a Glance
Weight (M)
9–16 lbs
Weight (F)
9–16 lbs
Height (M)
9–10.5 in
Height (F)
9–10.5 in
Best for
- ✓Apartment and condo dwellers wanting a low-energy companion
- ✓Families with gentle children
- ✓Seniors wanting an affectionate, manageable dog
- ✓People who enjoy grooming or willing to maintain regular professional grooms
- ✓Multi-pet households — Shih Tzus are generally sociable with other animals
Not ideal for
- ✕People who don't want grooming responsibility
- ✕Active people wanting an exercise partner
- ✕Hot climates without air conditioning
- ✕Anyone expecting a guard dog or watchdog
- ✕Owners who want a highly trainable, eager-to-please dog
- Name means 'lion dog' — bred as palace companions in imperial China
- Brachycephalic with moderate flat-face features — less extreme than Pugs or Frenchies
- Long, flowing coat requires daily grooming or a short 'puppy clip'
- Low-shedding double coat — hair falls out within the coat, creating mats instead of shedding
- Friendly, outgoing temperament — one of the most sociable toy breeds
History & Origins
The Shih Tzu ("lion dog") has roots in Tibetan monasteries, where small dogs were bred as companions and possibly as living hot water bottles. These dogs were gifted to Chinese emperors, who refined them in the imperial palace. DNA analysis confirms the Shih Tzu as one of the most ancient dog breeds, closely related to wolves despite appearances.
The breed nearly went extinct during the Chinese Communist Revolution. All modern Shih Tzus descend from just 14 dogs — seven pairs — that were used to rebuild the breed in the mid-20th century. This genetic bottleneck shapes the breed's health profile today. The AKC recognized the Shih Tzu in 1969.
Palace Dog to People's Dog
Despite their imperial origins, Shih Tzus have always been companion dogs — not hunters, not herders, not guardians. They were bred for one purpose: being pleasant to be around. This 2,000-year focus on companionship produced a breed that genuinely excels at it.
Temperament & Personality
Shih Tzus are among the most friendly, outgoing toy breeds. Where Chihuahuas can be one-person dogs and Yorkies can be feisty, Shih Tzus are genuinely sociable with almost everyone. They approach strangers with curiosity rather than suspicion and generally get along well with other dogs.
What Makes Them Great
Shih Tzus are adaptable, affectionate, and low-drama. They don't require enormous exercise, they're not destructive, and they're not neurotic. They're content to sit with you, follow you from room to room, and be included in whatever you're doing. Their calm, pleasant nature makes them excellent therapy dogs.
What Surprises New Owners
The grooming commitment. People fall in love with the flowing coat and don't realize it requires daily maintenance. Without regular brushing, the coat mats to the skin within days, causing pain and skin damage. Many new owners switch to a short puppy clip within the first few months.
They can also be surprisingly stubborn about house training. Shih Tzus are not eager to please in the way retrievers are, and convincing them that going outside in the rain is preferable to the warm carpet can be a project.
Natural Instincts & Drive
Companion Drive
The Shih Tzu's primary instinct. They want to be with their people and are happiest when included in daily activities. They're not as clingy as some breeds but definitely prefer company to solitude.
Alert Barking
Moderate. Shih Tzus will alert to the doorbell and unusual sounds but are generally less vocal than Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, or Yorkies. They're not typically nuisance barkers.
Prey Drive
Very low. Shih Tzus show minimal interest in chasing. They coexist peacefully with cats, small pets, and other dogs. This makes them excellent for multi-pet households.
Play Style
Gentle and social. Shih Tzus enjoy moderate play — tug, fetch with small toys, and wrestling with appropriately sized dogs. They tire relatively quickly and alternate play with rest periods.
Life Stages
Puppy (0–6 months)
Shih Tzu puppies are playful, mouthy, and need gentle handling around their prominent eyes. Begin grooming routines immediately — daily brushing, handling feet and face — so they accept it as normal. Socialization during this window produces the confident, friendly adult the breed is known for.
Adolescent (6–14 months)
The coat transitions from puppy to adult texture, and matting becomes a bigger challenge. Stubbornness may increase. Consistent training and grooming routines through adolescence prevent lifelong issues.
Adult (1.5–9 years)
A long, stable phase. Shih Tzus are consistent, easygoing adults. Grooming and eye care are the primary ongoing needs. Weight management matters — overweight Shih Tzus have more breathing difficulty and joint problems.
Senior (10+ years)
Eye conditions often progress — cataracts and dry eye become more common. Kidney function should be monitored. Many Shih Tzus remain comfortable and engaged well into their mid-teens with appropriate senior care.
Health Profile
The Shih Tzu's health profile is moderate compared to other brachycephalic breeds. Their flat faces are less extreme than Pugs or French Bulldogs, resulting in generally less severe airway compromise. Eye conditions are the breed's most consistent health challenge, followed by joint issues and kidney concerns.
The breed's narrow genetic base (all modern Shih Tzus descend from 14 dogs) means some conditions are more prevalent than they might otherwise be. Responsible breeders track their lines carefully and test for known hereditary conditions.
Overall, Shih Tzus are a relatively healthy breed for their type. They live long lives (10-18 years) and most enjoy good quality of life with appropriate care. For breeding requirements, see our Health Testing Before Breeding guide.
| Condition | Risk | Test Available |
|---|---|---|
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome Shih Tzus have moderate brachycephalic features — less extreme than Pugs but still affecting breathing, especially in heat. Stenotic nares (narrow nostrils) are common and sometimes require surgical correction. | Moderate | No |
Eye Conditions Prominent eyes are vulnerable to corneal ulcers, dry eye (KCS), cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Eye injuries from hair contact are common if the topknot isn't maintained. | High | CAER Eye Exam (annual) |
Patellar Luxation Kneecap displacement common in small breeds. OFA evaluation before breeding helps track the condition in lines. | Moderate | OFA Patella Evaluation |
Hip Dysplasia More common in Shih Tzus than in many toy breeds. OFA evaluation is recommended for breeding stock. | Moderate | OFA Hip Evaluation |
Renal Dysplasia A hereditary kidney condition where kidneys don't develop properly. Can cause kidney failure at a young age. Screening of breeding stock is important. | High | Ultrasound / Urine screening |
Dental Disease Small, sometimes undershot jaws create crowding. Regular dental care including professional cleanings is needed. | Moderate | No |
Ear Infections Heavy, floppy ears with hair growth in the ear canal create a warm, moist environment ideal for infections. Regular ear cleaning is essential. | Low | No |
Recommended Health Tests
| Test | Organization | Min Age | Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAER Eye Examination | ACVO Ophthalmologist | Annual | Required |
| Patella Evaluation | OFA | 12 months | Required |
| Hip Evaluation | OFA | 24 months | Required |
| Thyroid Evaluation | OFA | — | Recommended |
| Renal Screening | Veterinarian | — | Recommended |
Care Guide
Exercise
20-30 minutes daily. Short walks and gentle play. Shih Tzus are not athletic dogs and don't need vigorous exercise. Avoid heat — their brachycephalic features make them heat-sensitive. Many Shih Tzu owners find that a few short walks plus some indoor play satisfies their dog completely.
Grooming
The breed's most demanding care category. Full coat: daily brushing, weekly baths, regular topknot maintenance. Most pet owners choose a puppy clip — trimmed short every 4-6 weeks with weekly brushing between grooms. Either way, expect significant grooming time or expense. Keep facial hair trimmed or tied up to prevent eye irritation. Clean ears regularly — hair grows in the ear canal and traps moisture.
Eye Care
Daily eye checks and cleaning. Wipe tear stains, check for redness or discharge, and keep hair away from the eyes. Corneal ulcers are common and can progress rapidly — any squinting or eye cloudiness warrants an immediate vet visit.
Training
Positive reinforcement with short sessions. Shih Tzus respond to food rewards and gentle praise. They can be stubborn — patience is more effective than repetition. House training may take longer than average; consistency and a regular schedule help.
Living With a Shih Tzu
Families with Children
Good match for families with gentle children. Shih Tzus are sturdier and more patient than many toy breeds. Teach children to be careful around the eyes and to handle the dog gently.
Other Pets
Excellent. Shih Tzus are among the most sociable toy breeds with other animals. Low prey drive means they coexist well with cats and other small pets.
Apartments vs. Houses
Ideal apartment dogs. Low energy, moderate barking, compact size. They adapt well to any living situation as long as they have companionship and climate control.
Not Right for You If...
- You don't want significant grooming responsibility
- You want an active, athletic companion
- You live in a hot climate without AC
- You want a highly trainable, eager-to-please dog
- Eye care maintenance sounds like too much work
Breeding
Breeding Shih Tzus requires eye, patella, and hip evaluations alongside understanding the breed's narrow genetic base and brachycephalic delivery considerations.
Health Clearances Before Breeding
The American Shih Tzu Club recommends CAER eye exams, OFA patella evaluation, and OFA hip evaluation. Thyroid screening and renal screening are also recommended given the breed's predisposition.
Pregnancy & Whelping
Shih Tzu pregnancies average 63 days from ovulation. Litters typically range from 2-5 puppies. C-section rates are moderate — brachycephalic puppy heads and small dam size can complicate delivery. Newborn Shih Tzu puppies typically weigh 120-200 grams (4-7 oz).
The Animal Weight Tracker monitors individual puppy growth, and the Whelping Date Calculator helps plan delivery timing.
The Real Talk
The Grooming Is Not Optional
A Shih Tzu with a neglected coat is in pain. Mats pull at the skin, trap moisture, and cause infections. If you can't commit to regular grooming — whether at home or professionally — this is not your breed. A short clip reduces work but doesn't eliminate it.
Eye Problems Are When, Not If
Most Shih Tzus will have some eye issue during their lifetime. Tear staining is cosmetic. Corneal ulcers, dry eye, and cataracts are medical. Budget for eye-related vet visits and catch problems early — a small ulcer treated promptly costs far less than an advanced one.
They're Lovely Dogs for the Right Owner
Shih Tzus don't get the social media hype of Frenchies or the working-dog cachet of shepherds. They're just consistently pleasant, friendly, low-drama dogs that make excellent companions. For the person who wants a calm, affectionate small dog and is willing to manage grooming and eye care, few breeds are better.
Common Reasons Shih Tzus End Up in Rescue
- Grooming became overwhelming or too expensive
- Eye care costs exceeded expectations
- Owner health or lifestyle change
- House training struggles
Stats & Trends
Popularity
The Shih Tzu consistently ranks in the AKC's top 20 breeds. Popularity has been stable for decades, supported by their adaptability and pleasant temperament.
Price Ranges
From a responsible breeder with health clearances: $1,200-$2,500. Show-quality: $2,500-$4,000+. Shih Tzus from breeders who test for eye, joint, and kidney conditions are worth the investment.
Rescue Rates
Shih Tzu rescues report moderate intake. Most surrendered dogs need grooming rehabilitation (severely matted coats). Once groomed and assessed, they typically adopt quickly due to their friendly temperament.
Lifespan Trends
Average lifespan of 10-18 years, with most falling in the 12-16 range. One of the longer-lived breeds. Quality of life is generally good with appropriate eye care, grooming, and weight management.
Shih Tzu FAQs
1Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic?
Shih Tzus are often marketed as hypoallergenic because they shed minimally — their hair falls out within the coat rather than onto your furniture. However, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. They still produce dander and saliva proteins that cause allergic reactions. They are better tolerated by many allergy sufferers than heavy-shedding breeds.
2How much grooming do Shih Tzus need?
A lot. A full-length show coat requires daily brushing — sometimes 30+ minutes. Most pet owners keep a 'puppy clip' (short all over) which still needs professional grooming every 4-6 weeks plus weekly brushing. The coat mats easily, especially behind ears, under legs, and around the collar area. Skipping grooming leads to painful mats that may require shaving.
3Are Shih Tzus good with kids?
Yes, better than most toy breeds. Shih Tzus are sturdier and more tolerant than Chihuahuas or Yorkies. They generally enjoy gentle play with children. Supervision is still important — they're small enough to be injured by rough handling. Teach children to be gentle around the eyes.
4Are Shih Tzus easy to train?
Moderate. Shih Tzus are intelligent but not particularly motivated to please. They can be stubborn and may decide your training session is less interesting than a nap. Positive reinforcement with food rewards works best. House training can be challenging — patience and consistency are key.
5How long do Shih Tzus live?
10-18 years, with most falling in the 12-16 range. They're a relatively long-lived breed. Kidney disease, eye problems, and respiratory issues are the most common life-limiting conditions.
6Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?
Moderate. Less vocal than Pomeranians or Chihuahuas, but they will alert bark at doorbells and strangers. Some individuals are quieter than others. They're generally not excessive barkers compared to other toy breeds.
7Can Shih Tzus handle heat?
Poorly. Their brachycephalic features and dense coat make them heat-sensitive. Air conditioning is essential in warm climates. Many owners keep a shorter clip in summer and avoid outdoor exercise during the heat of the day.
Important notes
This breed profile is for educational purposes only. BreedTools does not provide veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary — breed profiles describe tendencies, not guarantees. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for health decisions and a reputable breeder or breed club for breed-specific guidance.
Health statistics and prevalence data are sourced from OFA, breed club health surveys, and published veterinary research. Where exact numbers are unavailable, ranges and qualitative assessments are used.