Recognized by AKC, FCI, KC
Shih Tzu — The Shih Tzu is a small toy breed with a long, flowing coat and a friendly, affectionate nature. Bred as a companion for Chinese royalty, it lives to be with people and makes a gentle, cheerful lap dog. Its beautiful coat needs a lot of grooming, and its flat face means care in the heat. Ideal for flats and calm households.
The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed developed in China, most likely from small Tibetan dogs such as the Lhasa Apso that were given to Chinese emperors. Bred within the walls of the imperial palace purely as a companion, the little dogs were treasured by royalty and rarely seen outside the court. Their name means 'lion dog' in Chinese. The breed nearly vanished during upheavals in China but was saved by a small number of dogs taken to England in the 1930s. From there it spread worldwide and remains a hugely popular companion today.
Shih Tzus are affectionate, outgoing, and friendly little dogs bred for one job: to be a loving companion. They are happiest sitting on a lap or following their people around the house, and they tend to greet everyone, including strangers and children, with a wagging tail. They are playful and cheerful but generally calm and not overly demanding of exercise. Because they were pampered court dogs, they can be a little stubborn, especially about house-training. They dislike being left alone for long and thrive on attention, cuddles, and gentle company.
Grooming is the biggest commitment with a Shih Tzu. The long, flowing double coat grows continuously, sheds very little, and tangles easily, so a full-length coat needs daily brushing plus regular baths to stay mat-free. Many owners keep their dog in a short 'puppy cut', trimmed by a groomer every few weeks, which is far easier to manage. Keep the hair out of the eyes, either tied up or trimmed, and clean the facial folds. Clean the ears, trim nails, and brush the teeth often, as toy breeds are very prone to dental disease.
Shih Tzus have low to moderate exercise needs and are content with a short daily walk and some indoor play. About 20 to 30 minutes of activity usually keeps them happy and healthy, and they enjoy gentle games and cuddles as much as walks. Because they have flat faces, take great care not to over-exercise them in hot or humid weather, as they can overheat and struggle to breathe. Keep walks calm and avoid strenuous exertion. Their small size makes them easy to exercise indoors, which suits flat living and less active owners well.
Feed a good-quality food made for small or toy breeds, matched to the Shih Tzu's age and modest activity, split into two small meals a day. These dogs gain weight easily, and extra weight is hard on their small frame and can worsen breathing, so measure portions and limit treats. Their flat face and crowded teeth can make some kibble shapes easier to eat than others. Provide fresh water at all times, support dental health with suitable chews, and ask your vet about the best diet and portions for your dog.
Shih Tzus are ideal flat and city dogs thanks to their small size, calm nature, and low exercise needs. They are indoor companions and must not live outside. Their flat face makes them sensitive to heat, so they need a cool, comfortable indoor environment and should never be left in hot conditions; they also feel the cold, so they prefer moderate temperatures. They love company and do best in homes where they are not left alone for long. A gentle, affectionate household suits this easy-going little lap dog perfectly.
Shih Tzus are friendly, sociable dogs that generally get on well with children, other dogs, and cats, making them a good choice for families and multi-pet homes. Because they are small and somewhat delicate, play with young children should be supervised and gentle handling taught. They are not guard dogs by nature and tend to treat strangers as friends. Their easy-going, affectionate temperament means they fit happily into many households, from single owners to busy families, as long as they get plenty of love and attention.
Shih Tzus are reasonably intelligent but can be stubborn, a legacy of their pampered past, and house-training in particular often takes extra patience. They respond best to gentle, positive, reward-based methods with treats and praise, and dislike harsh corrections. Keep sessions short, fun, and consistent, and start early with house-training and basic manners. Socialise them well so they stay confident and friendly. While they are not competitive obedience stars, they can learn plenty of manners and tricks, and many make lovely, calm therapy dogs thanks to their loving nature.
A Shih Tzu is cheap to feed but grooming is a real ongoing cost. Expect around 60 to 140 US dollars a month for food, routine vet care, parasite prevention, and either professional grooming every few weeks or the time and tools for home coat care. A purebred puppy can cost well over a thousand dollars. The breed's eye, breathing, and dental problems mean owners should budget for possible vet bills and consider pet insurance. Keeping up with grooming and dental care helps avoid larger costs and keeps the dog comfortable.