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Bred in 15th Century Tibet and a firm favorite of imperial royalty, the Shih Tzus we know today are famous for their lap dog status. With a friendly and cheerful nature, they are excellent companions who love nothing more than spending time with their humans around the home.
If you are considering adding a Shih Tzu to your family, you’ve come to the right place!
In this dog profile we are going to take a look at the Shih Tzu breed, the characteristics of the breed, their temperament and how they interact with humans and other dogs, health conditions to be aware of, as well as how to go about choosing the perfect pup for you.
Lifespan
11 - 14 years
Size
Small / Toy Breed
Weight
9 -16 lbs
Height
9 - 10.5 inches
Colors
Any color, however most common include white, black, brown, blue, liver and gold
Size of home
Any size; smaller dog breeds will fit comfortably into a flat or house environment
Exercise
Only require moderate exercise, a short daily walk (30 mins or less) and some stimulating playtime
Grooming
Daily brushing and weekly bathing - as well as trimming when needed - to ensure proper maintenance of their long coat
Often nicknamed ‘chrysanthemum dogs’, as their small features surrounded by sprouting fur tend to resemble the flower itself, Shih Tzus are a friendly and energetic dog breed, preferring snuggles to arduous outdoor adventure but still having a fun and playful nature.
Shih Tzus are known for their people skills, loving spending time with humans and will strive for your attention and affection as well as often being very good with children when properly trained and socialized.
Something to keep in mind is that Shih Tzus were originally bred as alert dogs, and so may have a tendency to bark or yap when meeting new people or when startled by certain sights or sounds. However if they are properly trained in a loving home, this shouldn’t be much of an issue.
Fun fact: did you know that Shih Tzus were originally associated with Buddhism, being bred by the spiritual leaders to specifically look like lions, hence their name being of Chinese origin and translating to ‘lion dog’.
Indeed, the lion was considered an auspicious symbol in Chinese culture, symbolizing strength, courage, and protection.
Hailing from Tibet in the 15th Century, it is believed that Shih Tzus were later gifted to Chinese emperors and subsequently bred with other dogs such as pekingese and pugs, giving you the sweet softies we know today as Shih Tzus!
In the 13th Century it was discovered that Shih Tzus were kept alongside trained hunting lions, under decree of the Mongolian Emperor Kublai, as a way of keeping the lions calm. These tiny dogs were also a favorite of the Chinese royal family throughout the Ming Dynasty.
Who’d have thought such a little dog could have such big adventures!
In terms of their introduction to the Western world, despite their historic popularity in Asia, this breed continued to be relatively unknown in the west until as late as the early 20th century. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1930s where they emerged in Europe and North America and gained popularity with dog lovers here.
In 1969, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Shih Tzu breed. Since this decade, Shih Tzus have grown in popularity to become one of the most widely recognized and favored breeds in the USA, as well as worldwide.
In the modern day, the Shih Tzu breed is predominantly kept as a family pet specifically because of their highly affectionate nature. And because they are so outgoing, they make fantastic canine companions for all age demographics. Plus, with their associations with Chinese royalty, it’s no surprise that they’re largely considered to be one of the most elegant and graceful of dog breeds.
Shih Tzu dogs can be characterized by their small but sturdy frame, small and flat facial features, often with bright eyes and a big smile due to their wider lower jaw, as well as their long and silky coats which can grow to glamorously long lengths.
These luscious coats also come in a plethora of colors, with the most common being white, black, brown, blue, liver and gold.
Shih Tzus are a notoriously friendly and affectionate breed; their happy place is being sat on their owner’s lap or receiving lots of fuss and cuddles. They will follow you from room to room around the house so be prepared to grow a second shadow!
These pups thrive in a loving environment and will be extremely loyal to those who show them care and attention.
They are known to be a great dog choice for young families, and while, like any dog, they will require proper training, Shih Tzus are naturally sweet and charming and so already have that going for them.
As Shih Tzus are generally very sociable pups, this means they typically get along well with other pets within the home. Just note that they’ll need to be properly socialized and introduced, in order to achieve a harmonious household.
Likewise, it’s important to recognize that individual temperament can vary. So to ensure that a Shih Tzu is well-adjusted and not reactive to other pets, it’s best to engage in early socialization and positive experiences with other animals can help ensure that they are accepting of other pets within the home.
Also, it’s interesting to note that as Shih Tzus were originally bred as companion dogs, this means they can tend to be more comfortable around pets of a similar or smaller stature - as opposed to much larger pets. This is primarily due to their small size causing them to feel potentially more vulnerable around larger or more assertive pets. So when matching your Shih Tzu up with other pets in the household, it would be beneficial to consider their size and also if their energy levels are complementary too.
However, that said, Shih Tzus can also demonstrate a prey drive. So if you currently have pets such as rodents or birds, this is something to consider. Again, early socialization and training can help to manage or even mitigate this drive, or constant supervision will be required if they share the same space within the home.
On the whole, Shih Tzus do have the capacity to coexist harmoniously with other pets. You’ll just need to ensure proper introductions are made, to start off on the best note, as well as offering constant supervision and ongoing training to maintain a successfully happy multi-pet household.
When it comes to training your Shih Tzu, they are natural born people pleasers and so will likely follow instruction pretty well, with positive reinforcement in the form of fuss and treats seeming to be the way to their heart.
They are smart little cookies, and while this can be beneficial when it comes to training, it can also mean that they may try and charm their way out of doing things they don’t want to do.
It has also been shown that they may require a little more repetition when it comes to things like indoor potty training, but with love and patience they’ll get the hang of things in no time.
As mentioned, because of Shih Tzus tendency to be both intelligent, but also independent and stubborn at times, this means that training will require patience, consistency, and the use of positive reinforcement techniques.
Some tips for successfully training a Shih Tzu include starting early, beginning socialization when they are a puppy to establish a solid foundation for obedience and behavior. Likewise, using praise and rewards for positive reinforcement will help to encourage desired behaviors, as well as making training sessions more enjoyable and building your bond with a Shih Tzu.
One thing we’d highly recommend for this breed is also keeping training sessions short and sweet, as Shih Tzus tend to have a short attention span. If you aim to keep training sessions around 10-15 minutes long at a time, this will ensure they remain engaging and motivating for your dog.
Clear commands are a must, as well as patience and consistency in what hand signals or verbal cues you use, as this breed can take a little longer to grasp and understand commands in comparison to others. But they’re definitely worth your devotion in the end!
Likewise, we would also recommend regularly trimming your Shih Tzu's nails. This will help to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort or difficulty walking. You’ll also want to brush your Shih Tzu’s teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Finally, many Shih Tzu owners take their dog to a professional groomer for a trim every 4-6 weeks. This can be useful, if for example you’re not as comfortable with grooming tasks such as coat trimming or nail clipping. The benefits of engaging a professional groomer mean you can help keep your Shih Tzu's coat in top condition and ensure they look their best, whilst also more quickly identifying if your dog is developing any issues such as poor dental health or ear infections.
The Shih Tzu breed are known for their luscious and often quite long fur coats, which if not properly maintained can lead to matting and unpleasant tangles. They may also be more prone to skin irritation, and so keeping a close eye on this during daily grooming will help catch any issues quickly.
We recommended giving your Shih Tzu a thorough brush daily to comb out any knots, and then bathing them once a week - more often if needed - to ensure there isn’t a build up of dirt or bacteria in their long coats.
Shih Tzus also have a lot of facial hair, meaning that eye and ear irritation is a common issue amongst the breed. Tear staining and fur discoloration can occur around the eyes, and ear infections can be quite prominent; regularly cleaning your dog’s eyes and ears and keeping their fur trimmed to a manageable level will help avoid these problems.
When it comes to feeding your Shih Tzu, the right diet can depend on several factors like their age, activity level, and any health conditions they may have. The best way to ensure your pup is getting all the nutrients they need is to consult with a veterinary nutritionist. A professional can help you determine the right amount of calories and the ideal balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for your little friend.
You have a couple of options when it comes to what to feed your Shih Tzu. Some owners prefer a natural diet, which involves preparing meals at home. While this can be a great choice, it does require some effort and knowledge to ensure you're giving them the right amount of nutrients and calories. For those who are new to pet nutrition, it might feel a bit tricky at first, but with some patience, it’s possible to master!
For owners looking for a simpler solution, commercial pet food (whether dry or wet) can be a convenient option. These products come with clear labeling, making it easy to know exactly what and how much to feed your dog. Dry food, in particular, is practical—it's easy to store, lasts a long time, and can even double as treats during training sessions or be taken on walks for a little snack along the way.
When choosing a diet, it’s important to remember that dogs, including Shih Tzus, are natural carnivores, meaning they thrive on a protein-rich diet. Meat, fish, and eggs should be the main focus of their meals, while carbohydrates should be given sparingly, as dogs don't digest them as easily as we do. They also need only a small amount of fat.
Keeping a regular feeding routine is key to keeping your Shih Tzu healthy. Most adult dogs do great on a schedule of two meals a day, while puppies often need to eat more frequently, sometimes 3 to 5 times a day. It's best to avoid too many snacks between meals to prevent overeating and unwanted weight gain.
Lastly, there are a few human foods you should always steer clear of when feeding your Shih Tzu, including avocado, chocolate, grapes, and raisins, as these can be harmful to dogs. With the right balance and a bit of attention, your Shih Tzu can enjoy healthy and delicious food every day!
Like any dog breed, Shih Tzus can be more prone to certain health issues. Here are some of the main ones to keep an eye out for:
Brachycephalic Syndrome: Unfortunately, dog breeds with flatter faces are more prone to a condition called brachycephalic syndrome, in which the abnormal anatomy of the dog’s airway makes it harder for them to breathe properly. Not only can the condition make your dog breathe noisily and start to snore, it can also make it harder for them to exercise and can even cause excessive nasal discharge.
Mouth problems: Smaller dog breeds can sometimes be prone to dental problems, more so than larger breeds. This can be due to the fact that their mouths are smaller, and therefore overcrowded teeth and displacement are more common. This means food and tartar can build up quicker and contribute to certain dental diseases and decay.
Hip dysplasia: Caused by an underdeveloped hip joint, this painful condition causes an unsteady gait and some muscle loss in dogs.
Patella Luxation: Occurring when the kneecap shifts sideways and out of position, the condition is often characterized by symptoms such as intermittent limping, lower back hunching and hind leg bowleggedness. Treatment includes restricted exercise, anti-inflammatory medicines and surgery if required.
If you live in a small apartment, a Shih Tzu could be your perfect little companion. While they do enjoy their walks, they don’t need intense exercise, making them a great choice for less active individuals or older owners who want a furry friend without the demands of high energy levels.
These affectionate pups love nothing more than showering you with attention and receiving it in return. If you’re ever feeling lonely, a Shih Tzu will gladly stick by your side and brighten your day with their cheerful and loving nature.
Being a toy breed, Shih Tzus aren’t cut out for hunting or guarding duties. They’re generally friendly toward strangers, with no signs of mistrust or aggression. Their curious and trusting personality makes them approachable and easy going around new people.
Shih Tzus also love to play, so they’re a fantastic match for families with school-aged children. But if you have very young kids, you might want to reconsider. These dogs, with their royal heritage, may not appreciate rough or overly boisterous play from little ones.
Always do your research before choosing your Shih Tzu puppy; whether you are rescuing or buying a puppy, you’ll want to have a good background on their health, whether they have any inherited conditions or diseases, and if you are buying you will need to ensure it is from a reputable breeder.
The best way to gauge this is to go and visit your puppy in person, which will allow you to see the puppy’s state with your own eyes, as well as see if you have a bond with them. You’ll get to know their personality, whether they are drawn to you and if they are the right fit for your family.
Of course prices may vary from breeder to breeder, however on average a Shih Tzu puppy can cost anywhere between $500 and $2000. This can even stretch up to the $5000 if they are from a high end breeder and have a future of dog competition championships ahead of them.
And this is before the expense of pet products and vet bills! It is vital to make sure you are ready for the commitment of a new puppy; they will require a lot of work and aren’t cheap, they are long term commitment and will require care, attention and a whole lot of love.
Remember, you’ll have to invest in additional experiences such as obedience training, collar/leads/harnesses, food and water bowls, grooming equipment, bedding and a dog crate should you choose to crate your Shih Tzu puppy. And depending on what sort of diet you wish to feed your puppy, some may be more expensive than others; especially if you decide to add additional supplements to their wellbeing regime.
In short, investing in a Shih Tzu puppy is a serious commitment that shouldn’t be made lightly. So if you’re currently thinking about inviting a Shih Tzu into your life, we would highly suggest ensuring you have the finances to care for your puppy both now and in the future.
Shih Tzus are absolutely stunning dogs and can make wonderful canine companions. So whether you choose to purchase or search for rescue a Shih Tzu, our top suggestion would be to meet your dog in person before making a commitment one way or another. This way you can assess the Shih Tzu to verify their state of health and if there are any other concerns you’d need to address when inviting them into your home.
Remember, Shih Tzu’s require a high degree of grooming and care to ensure they remain in good condition. But being incredibly friendly and cheerful means they make fantastic companions. That’s why we love them so much at Potty Buddy.
The key takeaways about this breed are as follows:
Shih Tzus are very friendly and love spending time with humans
As they were originally bred as alert dogs, they do have a tendency to yap. But this can easily be trained out
Shih Tzus will need regular trimming to keep on top of fur growth
As natural born people pleasers this breed is highly receptive to training
This breed can be prone to certain health issues, such as: brachycephalic syndrome, dental problems, hip dysplasia, and patella luxation
The average cost of a Shih Tzu puppy can change and depends on where you choose to purchase your puppy from. You’ll also need to factor in costs such as their diet, grooming regime, any additional training and ongoing care
And that’s what you need to know about the Shih Tzu as a breed. If you’re considering inviting a Shih Tzu into your family, has this swung your opinion one way or the other?
If you’re still thinking it over, definitely take a look at our other dog breed profiles. You may stumble across a dog breed that you feel completely aligns with your lifestyle and values there.
Don’t forget that we’re also always here to help you with the initial potty training stage, when you do decide to invite a new puppy into your home. Or perhaps you decide to adopt a more senior dog. Either way, Potty Buddy is here to help keep your home clean and fresh.
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