Shih Tzu
AKC & CKC Toy Group
Is This the Right Breed for You?
✔ Excellent Match For
- People seeking a gentle, affectionate lap dog and companion
- Seniors or those with limited mobility (low exercise needs)
- Apartment dwellers needing a quiet, adaptable pet
- Families who enjoy grooming and maintaining a beautiful coat
• Excellent companion dogs: Affectionate, gentle, and love being with their people.
• Low exercise needs: Content with short walks and indoor playtime.
• Good for apartments: Quiet and adapt well to small living spaces.
✖ Consider Carefully If
- You dislike extensive daily grooming (requires daily brushing)
- You have very young children (fragile and easily injured)
- You want an athletic, high-energy dog for sports or hiking
- You're frequently away from home (prone to separation anxiety)
• High grooming needs: Daily brushing required to prevent matting.
• Health concerns: Prone to breathing issues, eye problems, and dental disease.
• Housebreaking challenges: Can be difficult to housebreak due to small size.
Owner Suitability
Shih Tzus are true companion dogs bred for centuries to be loving, affectionate lap warmers. They thrive on human companionship and want to be involved in every aspect of family life. Their luxurious coat is their defining feature but requires serious commitment—expect to spend 15-20 minutes daily on brushing to prevent painful matting. They're not dogs for active owners; they prefer short walks and plenty of couch time. Be prepared for potential health issues related to their flat faces (Brachycephalic) , particularly breathing difficulties in hot weather. With proper grooming, care, and lots of affection, they're utterly charming companions who will shower you with unconditional love.Stats:
- Height: 9-10.5 inches
- Weight: 9-16 pounds
- Coat: Long, flowing double coat
- Colors: Various combinations including gold, white, black, and brindle
- Lifespan: 10-18 years
Origin & History
The Shih Tzu's imperial lineage traces back over 1,000 years to the sacred temples and royal palaces of ancient China. Bred exclusively for Chinese nobility during the Ming and Qing dynasties, these "lion dogs" were revered for their resemblance to the mythical foo dogs that guarded Buddhist temples. So precious were they that for centuries, the Chinese refused to sell or trade them, considering the dogs as sacred gifts only to be presented to foreign dignitaries as the highest honor.
Today, while no longer exclusive to royalty, Shih Tzus maintain their regal bearing and continue their legacy as devoted companions - equally at home providing emotional support as therapy dogs, delighting audiences in the show ring with their flowing coats, or simply warming the laps of their adoring families in homes around the world.
| Traits: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy: Low to moderate; short walks and play sessions suffice. | ✓ | ||||
| Ease Of Training: Can be a bit stubborn; responds best to positive reinforcement. | ✓ | ||||
| Grooming: High maintenance; daily brushing and regular professional grooming needed. | ✓ | ||||
| Family Dog: Excellent with children and other pets when socialized. | ✓ | ||||
| Watchdog: Will alert bark but too friendly to guard. | ✓ | ||||
| Beginner Friendly: Excellent choice for first-time owners who can handle grooming needs. | ✓ | ||||
| Prey Drive: Minimal; unlikely to chase. | ✓ | ||||
| Barking: Occasional but not excessive. | ✓ | ||||
| Good with other dogs: Excellent | ✓ |
Health Considerations
- Brachycephalic Syndrome: Breathing difficulties due to flat face
- Eye Problems: Including corneal ulcers, dry eye, and progressive retinal atrophy
- Dental Issues: Crowded teeth requiring frequent cleaning
- Hip Dysplasia: Occurs despite small size
- Patellar Luxation: Slipping kneecaps
- Ear Infections: Due to long, floppy ears and hair growth
- Intervertebral Disc Disease: Spinal issues due to long back
Please check the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and parent breed clubs for health information.
Glossary of general canine health conditions.