Shih Tzu

Temperament & Personality

Shih Tzu are small dogs with big personalities. They are known for being friendly, affectionate, and playful. Often called "little lions," Shih Tzu love to be with their people and thrive on attention. These toy dogs are generally good with families, children, and other pets when socialized early. In fact, Shih Tzu are sturdy despite their size (typically 9–16 lbs) and enjoy indoor play or short walks. They are also quite alert; they were bred as "alert companions," so they may bark to announce visitors. Overall, the Shih Tzu breed information highlights a lively, outgoing dog. They tend to be loyal and adapt to their owner's lifestyle—happy to cuddle on the couch or follow you around the house. With consistent companionship, Shih Tzu become calm, trusting pets.

Care, Living Environment & Grooming

Shih Tzu adapt easily to apartment or house living because of their small size. They only need modest exercise — a brisk 20–30 minute walk each day plus indoor playtime is usually sufficient. Because they have flat faces, Shih Tzu can struggle in hot or humid weather and should never be over-exercised in heat. They thrive in a loving home where they aren't left alone too long (they prefer company and can develop separation anxiety if isolated).

Grooming is a major part of Shih Tzu care. These dogs have long, double coats that require daily brushing to avoid mats. Many owners clip their Shih Tzu into a short "puppy cut" for easy maintenance. A full dog (show) coat will also need weekly bathing and more frequent professional trims. The hair around their eyes must be kept short or tied up to prevent irritation. Shih Tzu are considered low-shedders (often labeled "hypoallergenic"), but this simply means loose hair gets trapped in their coat. In addition to coat care, regular teeth brushing is important (they are prone to dental crowding), and routine ear cleaning helps prevent infections. Overall, be prepared to spend time each day on coat and eye care to keep a Shih Tzu comfortable and healthy.

Training & Socialization

Shih Tzu are intelligent and tend to be eager to please, especially when motivated by food or praise. They learn best with positive, reward-based training. Consistency is key: short, fun training sessions with tasty treats will yield the best results. Shih Tzu can also inherit a stubborn streak, so it's important to start early. Socialization is crucial for this breed: expose your puppy to a variety of people, pets, and situations during its first few months. Early socialization helps Shih Tzu remain confident; without it, they may become overly timid or start barking excessively at strangers. Obedience training and puppy classes can be very beneficial, and they give your Shih Tzu a chance to learn manners (like potty training) in a positive environment. Remember that Shih Tzu love attention, so training can be a bonding experience for you and your dog.

Health Considerations

• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: The Shih Tzu's flat face makes them prone to breathing difficulties. They may have small nostrils, a long soft palate, or collapsing trachea that cause noisy breathing and overheating. Severe cases sometimes require surgery when the dog is a puppy.

• Obesity: Shih Tzu have a tendency to gain weight if overfed and under-exercised. Extra weight can lead to joint and heart problems, diabetes, and respiratory strain, so measure food carefully and give daily play.

• Luxating Patella: Common in small breeds, this is a "slipped" kneecap that causes limping or skipping. Mild cases can be managed with monitoring, but severe luxations might require surgery.

• Dental Disease: Because they have tiny mouths, Shih Tzu often suffer from overcrowded teeth. Tartar builds up easily, leading to gum disease. Daily tooth brushing and annual dental cleanings help prevent serious dental issues.

• Eye Problems: Their large, prominent eyes can develop conditions like cataracts, dry eye, or glaucoma. Watch for excessive tearing or redness. Regular grooming around the eyes and prompt vet care for any eye changes can protect your Shih Tzu's vision.

Cost of Ownership

• Purchase/Adoption: Shih Tzu prices range from about $200 up to $2,400, depending on breeder lines and breeder location. Show-quality puppies from champion lines cost more, while adopting an adult Shih Tzu from a rescue can be more affordable (often including spay/neuter).

• Food: Due to their small size, Shih Tzu need far less food than larger breeds. Expect to spend about $160–$360 per year on good-quality dog food (roughly one cup of kibble a day).

• Veterinary Care: Plan for around $400+ per year for routine care (annual exams, vaccines, dental check-ups). Shih Tzu can have hereditary issues (like those listed above) that may require special treatment. Pet insurance or a savings fund is wise for unexpected costs.

• Grooming & Supplies: Grooming can be a significant expense. Many Shih Tzu owners pay $600–$700 per year (or more) on grooming and maintenance. This includes professional trims every 4–6 weeks or so, plus grooming tools, shampoos, and tear-stain cleaning solutions. You'll also need basics (bed, leash, collar, toys) which can total a few hundred dollars initially.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Very affectionate and friendly; "people dogs."
• Good for apartment living due to small size.
• Adaptable and generally happy as long as they get attention.
• Low shedding; often considered hypoallergenic.
• Moderate energy; a short daily walk is usually enough.

Cons

• High grooming needs: long coat requires daily brushing.
• Prone to breathing and eye issues from their flat face.
• Sensitive to heat and cold (flat-faced dogs can overheat easily).
• Dental care is a must; they often need teeth cleaned professionally.
• Can be stubborn about house-training and may bark at unfamiliar sounds.

Fun Facts

• Shih Tzu are one of the world's oldest toy breeds, dating back centuries to Tibet and China.
• Their name means "Lion Dog," and they were prized by Chinese royalty as companions and temple guardians.
• These "little lions" are surprisingly long-lived for small dogs, often reaching 10–18 years.
• Shih Tzu coats can grow very long — sometimes dragging on the ground if left untrimmed.
• Because of their sweet nature and cute face, Shih Tzu have appeared in many advertisements and were historically given as royal gifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Shih Tzu good for apartment living?

Yes. Shih Tzu adapt very well to small spaces. They are low-energy indoors and only need brief walks each day. As long as they receive daily interaction and exercise (about 20–30 minutes), they'll be content in an apartment.

How much grooming does a Shih Tzu need?

Shih Tzu require significant grooming. Their long coat needs brushing every day to prevent mats. Weekly baths and professional trims every few weeks are common. Many owners choose a short haircut (puppy cut) to reduce maintenance. Also, keep the face clean and trim hair around the eyes daily.

Are Shih Tzu good with children?

Generally, yes. Shih Tzu are affectionate and usually get along well with respectful children. They are sturdy but still small, so supervision is advised. Early socialization and teaching children gentle handling will help the Shih Tzu remain friendly and tolerant.

What is the lifespan of a Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzu are among the longer-lived dog breeds. On average, they live around 10 to 18 years. Their longevity is due to their small size and generally robust health, provided they are well cared for and screened for breed-related conditions.

References

1. PetMD – Shih Tzu Breed Information
2. Insurify – How Much Does a Shih Tzu Cost?