Adorably sweet-natured, Shih Tzus have been popular for centuries due to their loyalty and love of cuddles. They’re intelligent, alert and love to warm their owner’s lap.
Personality and temperament
Great with kids, Shih Tzus need love and attention like fish need water, so if you’re looking for a constant shadow with a big personality, this breed is for you. Heading to the kitchen? They’ll join you. Stopping by the bathroom? They’ll sit outside. These cuties just want to be near you, all day, every day. But you won’t mind – their lively, friendly personalities and happy temperament are a joy to be around.
Size and appearance
Classified as a toy dog, full-grown Shih Tzus weigh up to 7.5kg and reach up to 28cm. They are often recognised by their luscious long fur, short squishy faces, wide-set floppy ears and big round eyes. Shih Tzus don’t shed much, but their silky coat grows fast and have been compared to chrysanthemums as their fur grows outwards on their muzzle like petals. Their coat comes in a variety of colours, including white, black, gold and brindle.
History
Dating back centuries, Shih Tzus were trained as Tibetan holy dogs and were the canines of choice for Chinese royalty, where they were bred as bed warmers and to announce the arrival of strangers at court. They were so valued that, at times, it was forbidden to own one outside of the palace. Shih Tzus were imported to Europe in the early 20th century, which was fortunate as they nearly died out entirely during the 1949 Communist Revolution in China due to their link with royalty and wealth. Today, everyone from Beyoncé to Bill Gates owns a Shih Tzu.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
The Shih Tzu’s flat face, big round eyes and short nose put it amongst a group of dog breeds known as brachycephalic – a term that comes from the Greek words brachy (flat) and cephalic (head). Unfortunately, these unique physical features mean that brachycephalic dog breeds are more prone to certain health conditions, including:
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (where the flattened shape of the nose and skull restricts airflow and causes breathing difficulties). Symptoms include noisy breathing, snoring, wheezing, gagging and choking, exercise intolerance and fainting. Some dogs have surgery to improve their breathing
- Heat-related illnesses (ranging from heat stress to heatstroke)
- Skin concerns (including infections, allergies and dermatitis)
- Eye issues (including corneal ulcers, chronic dry eye and difficulty fully closing their eyelids)
- Dental problems (including overcrowding and underbites)
- Gastrointestinal issues (vomiting and acid reflux caused by swallowing excess air).
Shih Tzus can also be prone to:
Food and exercise
Being such a small breed, it’s easy to overfeed your Shih Tzu, so only serve them up small quantities of protein-rich food twice a day. Omega-3 and Omega 6-rich foods like sweet potatoes, blueberries and bone broth can also support their joint health.
This toy breed doesn’t need a lot of exercise, two short 15-minute walks a day or playing chase with them is enough. As they are prone to breathing problems, they won’t like anything too intense, so if you’re headed out on a run, don’t expect them to keep up.
Grooming and maintenance
While they’re considered a low-shedding breed, Shih Tzu’s long fur needs regular brushing and grooming.
- Bathe: every 3-4 weeks
- Professional groom: every 4–6 weeks
How to groom a Shih Tzu
- Fur: brush daily to avoid matting (especially long coats)
- Nails: trim every 3–4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly, monitor for infections
- Eyes: clean daily to prevent tear staining
Training and space requirements
While Shih Tzus might not be as trainable as other breeds due to their stubborn streak, they are intelligent and generally eager to please. Short, snack-sized training sessions that are playful and fun work best.
Having been bred to warm the laps of royalty, Shih Tzus are adaptable and can live in small spaces as long as they are getting enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from destroying your favourite shoes.
Best suited for…
Shih Tzus have a lot of love to give and are best suited for owners who have time to share with them, such as families, seniors and first-time dog owners. If you’re after a loyal, people-loving dog, a Shih Tzu could be your perfect match. Just be prepared to be on a first-name basis with your local groomer, their beautiful coats need regular upkeep!
As a brachycephalic breed (flat-faced), Shih Tzus are also more prone to certain health issues. It’s important to consider the extra time and potential veterinary costs involved in keeping them healthy and comfortable.
