Shih Tzu
A cheerful lap dog with a lot of hair and a short nose
- Group
- Toy
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 9 to 16 lb
- Height
- 9 to 10.5 in
- Lifespan
- 10 to 18 years
- Coat
- Long
- Origin
- China
- Puppy price
- $1,000 to $3,000
- Monthly cost
- $110 to $220 a month
Prices are rough US ranges and vary a lot by region.
Good for
Watch out
The ten scores
higher is easier to live with higher means more work, noise or cost. All scores 1 to 5.
What living with a Shih Tzu is like
Shih Tzu were bred for one job: to be good company in the palaces of China. They still take it seriously. Most want to be wherever you are, on your lap if possible. Expect a small dog that naps at your feet while you work and greets you like a celebrity when you come home. They are usually friendly with guests, other dogs and cats, and they do not need much space. AKC rates them well with kids, as long as play stays gentle.
Two things make them harder than they look. First, the flat face. Short-nosed dogs like this one can struggle to breathe, and they overheat fast. A walk in humid heat can turn into trouble. Look for a puppy with open nostrils and quiet breathing at rest, and ask the breeder about it. Second, the coat. It grows long and tangles quickly. You either brush most days or book a groomer every month or so, and grooming prices vary a lot by region.
If those fit your life, the Shih Tzu is an easy pet in many ways. It needs modest exercise, sheds little and barks less than many small breeds. House-training can take patience, so plan for a slow, steady routine. AKC gives a lifespan of 10 to 18 years, which is long for any dog. Older owners often like that it is happy with short walks and long naps.
Care basics
Exercise
A couple of short walks and some indoor play cover most days. Shih Tzu enjoy a sniff around the block more than a long hike. Skip walks in the heat of the day. If your dog pants hard, breathes noisily or tires fast, cut the walk short and tell your vet.
Grooming
A full coat needs brushing down to the skin most days, plus a bath every week or two. Many owners choose a short puppy cut every four to six weeks instead. Tie up or trim the hair above the eyes. Wipe the face and check the eyes daily for redness.
Training
Shih Tzu respond to praise and treats but can dig in their heels. Short, happy lessons work best. House-training is the slow part. Take the dog out often, reward right away and keep a set routine. Indoor pee pads can help in high-rise flats.
Feeding
Small, flat-faced dogs can find large kibble awkward to pick up. Choose a size your dog can grab easily, and use a shallow bowl. Keep treats tiny. A lap life burns few calories, and extra weight makes breathing harder.
Health checks
Watch the eyes closely. They are large and exposed, so they scratch easily, and dry eye is a known breed problem. Squinting or a cloudy spot needs a vet visit the same day. Ask about breathing and teeth at each checkup.
Home setup
Shih Tzu fit apartments well. Keep the home cool in summer with air conditioning or fans, and never leave the dog in a car. A harness puts less pressure on the throat than a collar. Steps help them reach the couch safely.
Health conditions common in the breed
| Condition | What to know |
|---|---|
| Brachycephalic airway syndrome | The short skull squeezes the soft tissues of the nose and throat. It causes noisy breathing, poor exercise tolerance and a high risk of heatstroke. |
| Dry eye (KCS) | The eyes do not make enough tears, which leads to sore, sticky eyes and ulcers. UFAW lists it among the breed's known problems. |
| Patellar luxation | The kneecap slips out of place, causing a skip or a limp. Your vet can tell you what to screen for at puppy checks. |
Not every Shih Tzu will have these. Your vet can tell you what to screen for and when.
Common behaviour questions
Why does my Shih Tzu keep having accidents indoors?
A small bladder and a stubborn streak make house-training slow. Go back to basics: frequent trips out, praise right away and close watch indoors. Clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner so the smell does not draw it back.
Why does my Shih Tzu hate being brushed?
Tangles pull, and brushing hurts once the coat mats. Brush in short sessions with treats, starting with easy areas. A shorter cut can reset things if matting is bad. A detangling spray and a pin brush make long coats easier.
Why does my Shih Tzu follow me everywhere?
It was bred as a constant companion, so staying close is normal. Build some alone time with a chew in a pen while you are home. That helps it cope when you go out. Keep hellos and goodbyes low key.
FAQ
Is a Shih Tzu good for allergies?
No dog is allergy-proof. Shih Tzu shed little, which some people with allergies find easier. Spend time with the breed before you commit.
How long do Shih Tzu live?
AKC lists 10 to 18 years, a wide range. Good dental care, a lean body and cool summers all help.
Can Shih Tzu swim?
AKC notes they are not good swimmers because of the heavy coat and short face. Use a life jacket near water and stay close.
Not veterinary advice. Breed traits are averages and every dog is an individual. Talk to your vet about your own dog's health.
Sources
- akc.org /dog-breeds/shih-tzu/
- scienceforanimalwelfare.org /species/dogs/shih-tzu/brachycephalic-airway-obstruction-syndrome-baos/
Similar breeds to compare
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Small · 7 to 13 lb · 14 to 16 yrs
Boston Terrier
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Small · 13 to 18 lb · 12 to 15 yrs
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