Shih Tzu
Also known as: Chrysanthemum Dog, Lion Dog
Bred for palace laps and entirely aware of it.
- Affectionate
- Outgoing
- Sturdy
- Stubborn
- Companionable
The Shih Tzu was developed in Tibetan monasteries and refined in the Chinese imperial court, and has never held a job more demanding than companionship. They are affectionate, sturdy little dogs, sociable with almost everyone, and content with modest exercise. The flowing coat and flat face are the two things that define daily ownership — one takes work, the other takes vigilance.
At a glance
- Origin
- Tibet / China
- Breed group
- Toy
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 9–16 lb (4–7.2 kg)
- Height
- 7.9–11 in (20–28 cm)
- Lifespan
- 10–16 years
- Coat
- Long, dense, flowing double coat
- Colours
- Gold & White, Black, Black & White, Brindle, Liver, Blue
- Average cost
- $105–$190 / month
Breed ratings
Rated 1–5 on the same scale as every other entry, so scores are comparable between breeds. Amber stars mark things that cost you effort rather than things that benefit you.
Temperament
Shih Tzus were bred purely as companions and behave like it — friendly with strangers, tolerant of other pets, and happiest in company. The flip side is that they do not cope well with being left alone all day.
Care & upkeep
Exercise
Two short walks of 20 minutes is plenty. Avoid heat entirely — flat-faced dogs overheat quickly and Shih Tzus are poor swimmers because of their build.
Grooming
A full coat needs daily brushing to the skin and regular bathing; most owners keep a short "puppy cut" trimmed every 6–8 weeks. Faces need daily wiping regardless of clip.
Training
Willing but genuinely stubborn, and house-training is often slow. Short, food-rewarded sessions and a firm schedule work. They shut down completely under harsh correction.
Feeding & diet
- Typical diet
- Measured small-breed diet
- Daily amount
- 110–190 g of dry food
- Meals per day
- 2 meals a day
Shih Tzus gain weight easily and extra weight worsens the breathing difficulties that come with a flat face. Use a shallow, wide bowl — a short muzzle makes deep bowls awkward.
Foods to avoid
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Xylitol
- Onion and garlic
- Rich table scraps
Who this breed suits
A good match for
- Apartments
- Families with older children
- Less active owners
- Multi-pet households
Probably not for
- Hot climates
- Owners away all day
- People unwilling to groom or pay a groomer
- Households wanting a jogging companion
Common health problems
This section describes conditions the breed is known to be predisposed to, so you know what to ask about. It is not veterinary advice and is not a diagnosis — always speak to a vet about your own animal.
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)The flat face restricts airflow. Noisy breathing at rest is not normal and warrants a vet assessment.
- Eye problemsProminent eyes are vulnerable to ulcers, dry eye and, in severe trauma, proptosis. Any squinting or pawing needs same-day attention.
- Intervertebral disc diseaseThe long-backed build carries some spinal risk.
- Patellar luxationSlipping kneecaps are common in the breed.
- Ear infectionsHeavy drop ears with hair in the canal trap moisture.
Choose breeders who prioritise a visible muzzle and open nostrils over extreme flatness. Conformation is the single biggest determinant of how comfortable a Shih Tzu's life will be.
Interesting facts
- The name means "lion dog" in Mandarin.
- Kept in the Chinese imperial palace for centuries and not seen in the West until the 1930s.
- Every modern Shih Tzu descends from a founding population of just fourteen dogs.
Diet & Feeding
Shih Tzus need only 110–190 g of quality small-breed food a day, split into two meals. They gain weight easily, and in a flat-faced breed extra weight translates directly into worse breathing — this is not a cosmetic concern. Use a shallow, wide bowl: a short muzzle makes deep bowls awkward and encourages gulping. Some Shih Tzus are fussy; warming wet food slightly usually solves it without escalating to constant menu changes.
Exercise Needs
Two walks of around 20 minutes meets their needs comfortably. Shih Tzus enjoy pottering rather than exertion. Take heat seriously — flat-faced dogs cool themselves poorly and this breed overheats fast, so walk early or late in summer. They are also poor swimmers: the heavy head and short legs work against them, so supervise around water and use a buoyancy aid on boats.
Grooming
This is where the ownership commitment sits. A full-length coat needs daily brushing right down to the skin — surface brushing leaves mats forming underneath — plus bathing every 2–3 weeks. Most owners sensibly opt for a short "puppy cut" trimmed every 6–8 weeks, which needs a brush every couple of days. Regardless of clip: wipe the face daily (tear staining and food in the beard), keep hair out of the eyes, and clean the ears weekly.
Health & Vet Care
The breed-defining issues are BOAS (breathing difficulty from the shortened skull) and eye problems — prominent eyes are vulnerable to ulcers, dry eye and injury, and any squinting or pawing needs same-day veterinary attention. Also watch for IVDD, patellar luxation and ear infections. When choosing a puppy, favour breeders producing dogs with a visible muzzle and open nostrils; conformation determines how comfortable the dog's whole life will be.
Training Tips
Shih Tzus are affectionate and willing but carry a genuine stubborn streak, and house-training is frequently slow. What works: a strict routine, small high-value food rewards, and short sessions. What does not: repetition, and any kind of harsh correction — they simply disengage. Teach tolerance of grooming from puppyhood by handling paws, ears and face daily, because a Shih Tzu that resists brushing makes the next fifteen years much harder.
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