Shih Tzu
Overview
What Is a Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu (pronounced "sheed-zoo" or "sheet-soo") is one of the oldest dog breeds, developed in China as a companion for royalty. The name means "lion dog" in Mandarin, a reference to Buddhist imagery rather than temperament — Shih Tzus are warm and friendly, not fierce. For centuries, they lived exclusively in imperial palaces before being introduced to the West in the 1930s.
Today they're consistently one of the most popular small breeds worldwide, and for good reason: they're gentle, adaptable, and remarkably tolerant for a toy breed. They adjust to apartments and houses, energetic families and quiet singles, city and country. Their primary ask in return is company, basic exercise, and genuine attention to their coat and facial structure.
Physical
What Shih Tzus Look Like
The Shih Tzu is compact and sturdy, 9–16 lbs with a round, broad head, flat face (brachycephalic), large dark eyes, and a soft, flowing double coat that can grow floor-length if left untrimmed. The coat comes in virtually every color and combination — gold, white, black, brindle, liver, combinations of all of these.
Most owners who aren't showing their Shih Tzu keep them in a "puppy cut" (short all over) rather than the full show coat — this dramatically reduces grooming time while keeping the dog looking characteristically Shih Tzu. The topknot of hair above the eyes is traditionally tied up with a bow to keep it out of their face; this isn't just decorative, it's practical for a dog with large, prominent eyes. The tail curls over the back.
Personality
Temperament
Shih Tzus are bred to be companions, and they excel at it. They're warm toward strangers, patient with children, and generally easy-going with other pets. Unlike some toy breeds that have a sharp or nervous edge, Shih Tzus tend to be stable and confident. They're not prone to excessive barking or territorial behavior.
They do have an independent streak — they're not as eager-to-please as some working breeds, and they can be stubborn about training if they don't see the point. But they're not difficult. Positive reinforcement with treats and genuine consistency gets results.
Their one genuine emotional need is company. Shih Tzus were bred to be with people, and they're most content in households where someone is home regularly. They can develop separation anxiety if left alone for many hours daily. This isn't a working breed that tolerates solitude — it's a companion breed that genuinely wants companionship.
A Realistic Take
What I'd Tell a Friend Thinking About a Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is one of the most genuinely pleasant small dogs to live with — calmer and friendlier than most toy breeds, with exercise needs so modest they work for almost any lifestyle. If you want a small companion dog and you're willing to handle the grooming, they're hard to beat.
The grooming is the real commitment, and people consistently underestimate it before getting one. Even with a puppy cut, a Shih Tzu's coat needs brushing every 2–3 days to prevent mats and a professional groom every 6–8 weeks. If you let the coat go, it mats quickly and painfully against the skin — a dog that isn't brushed isn't just scruffy, it's uncomfortable and can develop skin problems. Budget $50–$90 per professional groom, four to six times a year minimum.
The brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure also requires awareness: Shih Tzus can struggle in heat and humidity, snore loudly, and may need more eye and respiratory attention than a non-brachycephalic breed. They're not extreme cases like some flat-faced breeds, but it's something to understand before committing.
Daily Life
Care Requirements
Exercise
20–30 minutes daily is sufficient — a short morning and evening walk plus indoor play. They're not high-energy dogs and shouldn't be exercised heavily in hot or humid weather. Their flat faces make heat management harder than it is for non-brachycephalic breeds.
Grooming
- Brushing: Every 2–3 days minimum — daily if in full coat; mats form fast, especially in armpits and behind ears
- Professional grooming: Every 6–8 weeks for a puppy cut; show coat requires far more
- Eyes: Daily wipe with a damp cloth to prevent tear staining and clear discharge from prominent eyes
- Face folds: Wipe the skin folds under the eyes and around the muzzle every few days
- Ears: Check and clean every 1–2 weeks
Training
Positive reinforcement with food rewards works well. Shih Tzus can be stubborn but they're not difficult. The main challenge is housetraining — toy breeds often take longer than large breeds to reliably hold their bladder, and consistency with a schedule and crate training is the most effective approach. Plan for 4–6 months to fully housetrain.
I put together a full Shih Tzu grooming guide with the specific tools and routine that work best for this coat type.
Wellness
Health & Common Conditions
Shih Tzus are generally long-lived (10–18 years is realistic) but their flat-faced structure creates predictable health considerations. Some individual dogs sail through life with minimal issues; others need more management. Knowing what to watch for helps.
| Condition | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) | Caused by narrow nostrils, elongated soft palate, and compressed airways. Ranges from mild snoring to significant breathing difficulty. Severe cases can be surgically corrected. Avoid heat and humidity; watch for labored breathing. |
| Eye Problems | Prominent eyes are vulnerable to corneal ulcers, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), and proptosis (eye displacement from trauma). Keep the face hair trimmed away from eyes; watch for redness, discharge, or squinting. |
| Hip Dysplasia | More common than expected in toy breeds. Reputable breeders screen with OFA hip evaluations. |
| Patellar Luxation | Kneecap slipping out of position — very common in toy breeds. Watch for occasional three-legged hopping. Mild cases are managed; severe cases may need surgery. |
| Renal Dysplasia | Kidney development abnormality specific to Shih Tzus. Can cause early kidney failure. Responsible breeders screen for it; ask about family health history. |
Ask breeders for: OFA hip and patella evaluations, CAER eye exam, renal history in bloodlines.
Budget
Cost of Ownership
$1,000–$2,500 from a reputable breeder; $200–$500 from rescue. Ongoing costs are moderate for a small dog, with professional grooming being the primary recurring expense to account for.
| Expense | First Year | Annual (ongoing) |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy / Adoption | $1,000–$2,500 / $200–$500 | — |
| Food | $200–$400 | $200–$400 |
| Vet (routine) | $400–$700 | $300–$600 |
| Professional grooming | $300–$540 | $300–$540 |
| Pet insurance | $350–$600 | $350–$600 |
| Estimated Total | $2,500–$5,000+ | $1,200–$2,200 |
See the full Shih Tzu first-year cost breakdown with real numbers before you commit.
Fit Assessment
Is a Shih Tzu Right for You?
| Great fit if you... | Not the best fit if you... |
|---|---|
| Want a calm, affectionate small companion for apartment or house | You can't budget for unexpected vet bills — flat-faced breeds like the Shih Tzu commonly need $3,000-15,000 in surgical care over their lifetime for breathing (BOAS), eye, or spinal issues, and most pet insurance excludes pre-existing brachycephalic conditions |
| Home often — this breed thrives with company | You can't commit 15-30 minutes daily to brushing or budget $80-150/month for professional grooming — Shih Tzu coats matt fast without consistent care |
| Can commit to regular grooming (brushing several times a week and professional cuts) | Don't want to invest time or money in regular grooming |
| Want a dog that's friendly with guests, kids, and other pets | Gone from home most of the day regularly |
| Prefer a low-exercise dog with a long potential lifespan | Live in a very hot or humid climate without climate control |
Next Steps
Finding Your Shih Tzu
Buying from a Breeder
$1,000–$2,500 from a reputable breeder. Look for OFA hip and patella clearances on both parents, CAER eye exam, and a breeder who asks you questions and wants to know about your home and lifestyle. The American Shih Tzu Club maintains a breeder referral directory with health testing expectations. Avoid pet stores and breeders who have puppies always available.
Rescue
Shih Tzu rescue is active nationwide. Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. and regional breed-specific rescues regularly have adults available at $200–$500. Adult Shih Tzus are often surrendered for lifestyle reasons rather than behavior problems, meaning many wonderful adult dogs are available with solid temperaments and house manners.
Before you put down a deposit, go through the Shih Tzu puppy checklist — it covers what to have ready before they arrive.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Shih Tzus are often better tolerated by allergy sufferers. Their double coat grows hair rather than shedding fur the way double-coated breeds do, which means less dander distributed around the home. Many people with mild dog allergies do fine with a Shih Tzu. If allergies are a serious concern, spend time with the breed before committing.
How often do Shih Tzus need grooming?
In a puppy cut: brush every 2–3 days, professional groom every 6–8 weeks. In a show coat: daily brushing minimum, more frequent grooming visits. The puppy cut is the practical choice for most owners who want to avoid mats and the maintenance overhead. Even with regular brushing, expect professional grooming 6–8 times per year as a baseline.
Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?
They're not known as excessive barkers compared to some other toy breeds. They'll alert to the doorbell and get vocal when excited, but they don't typically bark compulsively or at nothing. Individual variation exists — some lines are quieter than others, and proper training early can reduce any excessive alarm barking.
How long do Shih Tzus live?
10–18 years, with many healthy Shih Tzus reaching 14–16 years. They're among the longer-lived toy breeds when well cared for and sourced from health-tested lines. The brachycephalic structure is the primary factor that can shorten lifespan if breathing issues are severe — which is why choosing a breeder who doesn't breed for extreme flat faces matters.
Explore More
Similar Breeds
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — Similar gentle temperament, slightly more active
- Maltese — Similar coat care, slightly smaller and more energetic
- Bichon Frise — Similar size, lower shedding, more trainable
