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Small in size but with a big personality, the Shih Tzu is a friendly, outgoing, joyful dog known for its loving and affectionate temperament.
Their name literally translates to ‘little lion’, but the only thing fierce about Shih Tzus is their love and loyalty. They’re true companion dogs who adore pretty much everyone – maybe even the postman! – and thrive on human interaction and attention.
Often found on a warm lap or snoozing on the sofa, Shih Tzus love nothing more than being around people. Their snores and snuffles might be adorable (or annoying), but it’s actually a result of them being a brachycephalic breed. Dogs of this nature have flat, squished faces which causes a lot of breathing problems. Short daily walks and gentle, indoor playtime is enough for the sweet little Shih Tzu.
This doesn’t mean they’re total couch potatoes though. Shih Tzus are cheerful, intelligent, playful pups who are always ready to entertain with their clownish antics and lively energy. They love to play interactive games and learn new tricks, and can keep up with the energy of little ones. They can have an independent streak though, and are just as happy to sit by the window watching the world go by or playing with a toy on their own.
Bred to keep Tibetan monks and Chinese royalty company, Shih Tzus love to be pampered and doted on. However, they were also valued for their alertness, often raising the alarm when visitors approached the monasteries. It’s something they still do to this day, and can make them a little wary of strangers, but it doesn’t take long for the Shih Tzu to make friends.
Their deep need for human companionship means they hate to be left alone for too long, making them prone to develop separation anxiety. This causes a dog distress, leading to destructive behaviours like chewing on furniture, whining, or toileting inside the house.
As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for a sweet and smiley pooch with lots of character, the Shih Tzu could be the breed for you.
The standard Shih Tzu is very small, weighing only 4kg-7kg and measuring just 20cm-28cm in height. However, Teacup Shih Tzus, or Imperial Shih Tzus, are even smaller. They’re not a separate breed, but the term is used to describe a Shih Tzu that’s smaller than the breed standard. They’re the result of two naturally small dogs mating, but some breeders have resorted to using unethical practices – such as breeding runts or malnourishment – in order to produce the Imperial Shih Tzu.
Affectionate and loving
Sweet and cheerful
Kind-natured and gentle
Thrives on human interaction
Deeply loyal to owners
Loves people and other pets
Playful and lively
Outgoing, happy and social
Confident and alert
Intelligent with an independent streak
Can be stubborn and wilful at times
Protective of their family
Can be a little wary of strangers
Highly adaptable
Relatively easy to train
Doesn’t need much exercise
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| People-oriented and good with children | Requires lots of grooming |
| Highly adaptable to different living environments and lifestyles | Suffers from separation anxiety |
| Low exercise needs | Brachycephalic breed prone to respiratory issues |
| Hypoallergenic | Known to be a little stubborn |
| Easy to train and a good first-time dog | Housetraining can take longer than other breeds |
Yes, the Shih Tzu is a firm family favourite, and for good reason. They get on well with pretty much everybody and can lighten up a room with their sweet little smile and cheerful spirit. However, they require a lot of grooming and are also prone to develop separation anxiety, so they need dedicated owners that want to spend lots of time at home with their pooch.
Yes, Shih Tzus are generally good with children of all ages. They’re sweet, gentle and love to play, making them an ideal buddy for toddlers and teens alike. However, it’s important they’re not treated like a toy or played with too roughly, given their small size. A child could accidentally hurt a Shih Tzu, or end up being hurt themselves if a Shih Tzu snaps back.
You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your pooch is.
Yes, the Shih Tzu is a super social breed that loves to make furry friends. They also have a low prey drive so can potentially live with cats too.
Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Shih Tzu is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour.
We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Shih Tzu properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.
When fully grown, these little guys and gals need around 30 minutes of physical exercise a day, ideally split into two walks with some off-lead time in between. It’s highly recommended to use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.
While the Shih Tzu doesn’t need lots of exercise, they’re a lively, intelligent dog that needs plenty of indoor playtime and mental stimulation. If they’re bored, they’re known to dig a lot too, so it’s important to keep these pooches engaged. Interactive puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, and learning new tricks will ensure their brains get a good workout too.
Staying active is also essential to help prevent the Shih Tzu from packing on the pounds. Carrying extra weight not only puts pressure on these pooches’ joints and internal organs, but it makes their breathing problems a lot worse.
As they hate to be left alone and have low exercise needs, they’re an ideal companion for people who spend a lot of time at home.
Brachycephalic breeds are more predisposed to overheating, so extreme care must be taken in hot temperatures. Avoid exercising your Shih Tzu in warm weather and keep them indoors during the hottest time of the day.
The Shih Tzu is an intelligent breed, but they can sometimes be quite stubborn and strong-willed. Also, like most toy dogs with tiny digestive systems, it can take Shih Tzus a while to become fully housetrained. However, with consistency, patience, and lots of paw-sitivity, training your Shih Tzu can be a highly rewarding experience.
Unleash your Shih Tzu’s potential with some fun training tips.
1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats such as these Dental Probiotic Meaty Treats – ideal to help prevent dental issues. Just be mindful of how many you dish out during training sessions to help your Shih Tzu stay trim.
2. Prevent Small Dog Syndrome. Don’t let them get away with unwanted behaviour because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable pooches, and can lead to behavioural issues, including aggression. The Shih Tzu might try to test the limits of what they can get away with, so set boundaries and consistently enforce them, no matter how much they try to sway you.
3. Prioritise potty training. Shih Tzus need consistency when it comes to housetraining, so be sure to establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them.
4. Establish who’s boss. The smart and confident Shih Tzu sometimes thinks training is beneath them, and their intelligence can lead them to think they know better. Ensure to set clear rules and consistently enforce them. This will help your Shih Tzu understand what's expected of them and reduce any unwanted behaviour.
5. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still crucial, even for the super social Shih Tzu. Expose them to new people, dogs, smells and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.
6. Keep training sessions short. Shih Tzus can easily lose their motivation for training, so do short 10 minute bursts a few times a day to ensure they stay focused.
7. Incorporate fun activities into training. Fetch, hide-and-seek and scent work can make training seem less of a chore. They also love to dig, so harness this in a positive way by hiding treats inside snuffle mats or underneath blankets.
8. Do trick training. This breed loves the attention, so teach them how to do ‘high five’, ‘roll over’ or ‘spin’ and get ready to be entertained!
9. Keep the barking at bay. Shih Tzus won’t hesitate to raise the alarm, but this could escalate into barking at anything that moves. It’s important to desensitise them to triggers by gradually exposing them to stuff that makes them bark. You should also teach them the ‘quiet’ command, remembering to only reward them when they’re silent.
10. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.
A lot! Known as little lion dogs, Shih Tzus have a beautiful, silky, high-maintenance long coat with very low shedding. This makes them hypoallergenic and a paw-fect choice for some allergy sufferers. They’re often seen with an adorable topknot due to the fact their hair grows upwards from the bridge of the nose.
The Shih Tzu coat comes in many colours, including black, black and white, grey and white, or red and white. But these luxurious, low-shedding locks come at a cost…quite a bit of grooming!
However, many owners choose to give their Shih Tzu a ‘puppy cut’, resulting in a short-haired Shih Tzu that doesn’t need as much grooming.
Either way, here are some Shih Tzu grooming tips to keep your pup looking pristine.
Brush daily or several times a week to prevent their fur from matting and tangling. Use a pin brush, ensuring to brush all the way to the skin to remove dead hairs in the undercoat.
Wash their face daily with a soft, damp cloth to remove food and other debris that can get caught in the hair.
Bathe weekly using a dog-friendly shampoo.
Focus on problem areas such as the rear end where doggo dingleberries and other dirty bits could be hiding.
Shih Tzus are prone to a lot of eye issues, and their eyes can become easily inflamed leading to tear staining. Keep the hair around their eyes trimmed using rounded scissors, and wipe their eyes regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
You can also consider Shih Tzu haircuts like the ‘puppy cut’ or tying their hair into a topknot. This not only looks cute but it helps to prevent irritation.
Topknots should be taken out daily and brushed through, as leaving in an elastic tie can damage the hair. Make sure it’s not tied too tightly, as this can put pressure on their heads.
Check and clean their ears weekly to help prevent infection. Use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas, but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.
Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.
Keep your Shih Tzu looking paw-fect by scheduling them in for regular professional grooms every 6 to 8 weeks. This will include a bath, haircut, nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.
Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Shih Tzus have a distinct underbite and are prone to dental issues, so use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste daily to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky dog breath.
Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!
No dog is completely hypoallergenic, and the amount of allergens a dog produces varies between each individual dog. The Shih Tzu coat is considered hypoallergenic as the shed hairs stay trapped in the undercoat instead of falling to the floor, meaning fewer allergens are spread around the house.
Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Shih Tzu lifespan is between 10 and 16 years. However, they’re a brachycephalic breed and are prone to a number of health problems.
Healthy Shih Tzus should be seen by a vet at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your pooch regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. The Shih Tzu is prone to respiratory issues due to their flat face, squished nose, and narrow airway. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome causes severe breathing problems for Shih Tzus. If you notice heavy or distressed breathing in your dog, seek immediate veterinary attention. Your vet may recommend surgery to widen the nostrils or correct an elongated soft palate to improve breathing. It’s a routine procedure and can be done at the same time as spaying/neutering.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This is a devastating, degenerative condition where compression on the spinal cord causes pain, weakness and paralysis in dogs.
Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from furniture.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease.
Distichiasis. This is a condition where the eyelashes grow inwardly, leading to inflammation of the eye, excessive discharge and a lot of pain for your pooch. If left untreated, it can cause corneal ulceration. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis). This occurs when a dog can’t produce enough moisture in their eyes, and their eyeballs rub against the inside of the eyelids. This friction causes inflammation and a thick mucus can develop instead of normal tears. There are medications to help keep the eyes moist, but it’s often a lifelong condition.
Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.
Portosystemic Shunt. Shih Tzus can be prone to this liver disorder that deprives the liver of blood, preventing it from growing and functioning properly. Signs usually appear before 2 years old, and include neurological abnormalities, decreased appetite, hypoglycaemia, and gastrointestinal issues.
Umbilical Hernia. This is where abdominal contents protrude through the ‘belly button’, appearing as a soft bulge. Most are harmless and may close naturally, but larger hernias may require surgical intervention to prevent complications.
Ear Infections. The Shih Tzu’s floppy ears don’t allow much air flow into the ear canals, creating a moist environment that’s perfect for infection. Regular cleaning can reduce the risk of infection.
Obesity. Shih Tzus are prone to packing on the pounds, dramatically reducing their quality of life. Owners can prevent obesity by ensuring their dog gets daily exercise, and that they’re not fed too many high calorie treats.
Dental Issues. Their miniature mouths can lead to overcrowded teeth or teeth growing in at odd angles, leading to abscesses and infections. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.
Feeding your Shih Tzu a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their joints stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant!
The amount you feed your Shih Tzu will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.
It’s generally recommended they’re fed 3 small meals throughout the day, but as Shih Tzus are prone to obesity, it’s essential they’re not overindulged. Carrying extra weight puts enormous pressure on their hearts, and makes breathing even more difficult.
The best food for a Shih Tzu is one that’s been developed with their medical needs in mind. Dog food made especially for small breeds is also recommended as the size of the kibble is smaller – perfect for the Shih Tzu’s tiny teeth and distinct underbite!
You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!
Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Shih Tzu’s nutritional needs. Dry food can help prevent dental disease, as the kibble is abrasive and removes plaque build up. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.
Protect their joints
To help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t over exercise your Shih Tzu or allow them to jump up and down from furniture. Also, consider adding Joint Tablet supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure.
Stay out of the sun
Shih Tzus can overheat very quickly due to their brachycephalic head structure, so great care should be taken when it’s hot. Don’t allow them to sunbathe outside and avoid walks in warm weather.
Keep exercise light
Breathing is already an effort for the sweet Shih Tzu, so make sure exercise is light, fun, and not too strenuous. Simple walks on the lead, some back garden zoomies and indoor playtime is an ideal workout routine.
Look after their eyes
The Shih Tzu is prone to a number of different eye issues, so you need to look after their eyesight. Stick to plush toys that can’t scratch their eyes, avoid rough play, and consider a diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) to help support eye health.
Use a harness
Walking your Shih Tzu using just a collar can lead to tracheal collapse, so always use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.
Monitor weight
A healthy Shih Tzu should weigh between 4 and 7kg. It’s handy to use kitchen scales to measure their food portions to prevent overfeeding. Some of their daily calories should be allocated to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy, such as these Dental Probiotic Meaty Treats.
Say no to table scraps
Their sweet scrunchy faces can be hard to resist, but it’s important you don’t overfeed your Shih Tzu. Extra weight on these pooches can impact their quality of life, make it difficult for them to move and exacerbate their respiratory issues. For podgy pooches, consider this Slim & Slender Dry Food.
Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world, but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.
Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.
Take a look at the Shih Tzu’s dream home.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of owner? | Individuals, couples, and families who spend a lot of time at home, as this breed can’t be left alone for too long. They should also love to play and have time for training and regular grooming. |
| Outdoor space? | A small to medium back garden is desired, but not essential, as long as they get daily outdoor walks. Housetraining can be a problem, so they’ll need access to a safe place to do their business outside. |
| Adaptability? | They’re highly adaptable to different living environments and can comfortably live in flats, as long as their exercise needs are met. |
| Multi-pet home? | They can live nicely with other animals if they’ve been socialised from a young age and trained well. |
The unconditional love of a Shih Tzu is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.
The price of a Shih Tzu can cost anywhere between £800 and £1,800. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Shih Tzu is around £50.
Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.
Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. On average in the UK, its costs between £20 to £40 per month to feed a Shih Tzu. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.
Insurance costs
As this breed is prone to a number of health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Shih Tzu should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)
Get to know the Shih Tzu even more with these tidbits and tales about everyone’s favourite lovable lap dog!
Shih Tzu is Mandarin for ‘little lion’. Another nickname for the Shih Tzu is the ‘chrysanthemum-faced dog’, because the hair on their face grows in every direction.
It’s thought they originate from Tibet where they lived in monasteries as companion dogs, but would also alert the monks of approaching visitors.
Shih Tzus almost became extinct due to the 1949 Communist Revolution in China, when they were killed off due to their association with wealth.
They’re not just pretty faces and glamorous coats…Shih Tzus can be star athletes too! They fare well at agility, and a Shih Tzu in 2014 became the first of its breed to win a champion title and an agility title.
The Shih Tzu coat tends to change in texture around 10 to 12 months old, going from fluffy to silky.
Shih Tzus are style icons, often sporting a fancy hairdo with their hair tied in a topknot. This might look cool, but it’s also to keep the hair away from their eyes to prevent irritation and inflammation.
The Shih Tzu was a living hot water bottle, often being placed at the feet of royalty in bed or carried inside the robes of noble women to keep them warm.
You can get Shih Tzu cross breeds. The Poodle Shih Tzu cross is called a Shih-Poo, the Chihuahua Shiz Tzu mix is called a Shi-Chi, and the Jack Russell Shih Tzu mix is called a Jack Tzu!
The Shih Tzu, often called the ‘Lion Dog’, is an ancient breed with a history that spans centuries. Originating in ancient China, these loyal little dogs were the beloved companions of Chinese royalty. Bred to resemble lions – a sacred symbol in Buddhism – Shih Tzus lived luxurious lives inside the Imperial palace.
Their ancestry can be traced back over 2,000 years ago in Tibet, where small lion-faced dogs (thought to contain the souls of monks who had fallen from grace) were given as gifts to Chinese emperors. These Tibetan Lion Dogs, known today as the Lhasa Apso, were potentially crossed with the early Pekingese to create the Shih Tzu we all know and love today.
Paintings and writings from the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) feature small dogs that resemble the Shih Tzu, and in the 13th century, Marco Polo reported that the Mongolian Emperor Kubla Khan kept dogs, believed to be the Shih Tzu, as companion dogs for his actual lions!
Throughout the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Shih Tzus – also called ‘chrysanthemum-faced dogs’ – were so prized by Chinese royalty, they were rarely seen outside the imperial courts, serving as loyal, devoted friends to emperors and empresses. It’s also speculated these pampered pooches had their own servants within the palace.
During Empress T’zu Hsi’s reign, she cultivated an extensive breeding program of Shih Tzus, Pekingeses and Pugs, and ordered anyone caught mistreating the palace dogs to be put to death. When she died in 1908 though, this breeding program fell apart and the quality of the dogs declined, impacting the future of the breed.
However, it was the 1949 Communist Revolution that almost caused the breed’s extinction. Due to their association with wealth, all Shih Tzus were sadly killed. Fortunately, an Englishwoman named Lady Brownrigg who was living in China, managed to rescue a few Shih Tzus and bring them over to the UK. A few more were also saved and brought to Europe. This alone secured the future of the breed, and all modern Shih Tzus can trace their heritage back to these rescued dogs.
Ever since, these sweet-natured, spritely dogs have continued to steal the hearts of many across the globe, and have proven themselves to be a wonderful canine companion.
Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Shih Tzu.
1. Research the breed. Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed and are prone to a number of health problems, so you need to make sure you can look after them properly.
2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.
3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.
4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Shih Tzu puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old.
5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Shih Tzus and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.
6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.
When adopting a Shih Tzu, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Shih Tzus in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.
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