Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information & Characteristics (2025)

The Shih Tzu is a lap dog breed of Tibetan origin, developed in China later. Shih Tzus were originally bred to be companions to Chinese emperors, but were refined over the centuries to ultimately be loving, friendly pets with an air of elegance. The breed is derived from Tibetan mountain dogs and the Pekingese, helping to bring about its distinct look and gloriously thick coat.

Once a pet of royalty, the Shih Tzu is now the pet of choice in many homes, possessing a sweet and adaptable temperament. Whether it's a tiny apartment or big enough for a whole house, these dogs will grow well with human company and are good indoor pets. Their long, flowing coats and pushed-in faces lend them a royal quality.

"Shih Tzus are true companion dogs. Their affectionate temperament and adaptability make them ideal for many households," says Dr. Marlena Lopez

Standing out among the toy dog breeds for their silly temperament, unique looks, and background as lap dogs for royalty, Shih Tzus can’t be missed. Many small breeds are high-strung but Shih Tzus are known for their calm, friendly nature.

Characteristics That Are Unique To Shih Tzus:

✅ Affectionate and Loving – They love the company of humans and love to always be around them.
✅ Unique Flat Face (Brachycephalic) – Their small muzzle will make them look cute, however it might lead to some breathing complications.
✅ Long Luxury Coat — Needs a lot of grooming but adds to their glamorous beauty.
✅ Moderate Energy level – Fun, but not too hyper for a small breed
✅ Great for Apartment Living – Small and adaptable animals make good city pets.

Shih Tzus have a short compact solid frame with an even build.

• Males: 10–16 lbs (4.5–7 kg), 9–10.5 inches (23–27 cm) height
• Females: 9–14 lbs (4–6.5 kg), 9–10 inches (23–25 cm) tall

It is important to maintain them at a healthy weight in order to prevent joint and respiratory problems that are often associated with this breed.

Shih Tzu Growth Chart

Proper weight and nutrition prevent many obesity-related health issues in Shih Tzus.

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Yes, they like playing but not as hyper as some of the small breeds. They tend to favor short strolls, indoor play and stimulating toys over strenuous exercise.

Activity Needs of a Shih Tzu:

1️⃣ Walks throughout the day (20-30 minutes in total) – Slow, short walks are great.
2️⃣ Just for Fun Play Sessions (1-2 times a day) – Tug of war, fetch, interactive toys.
3️⃣Social interaction  - Their best environment is around people and pets.
4️⃣ Mental Stimulation - Keep them engaged with puzzle toys & training exercises.
5️⃣ No going overboard — They have flat faces, so they readily overheat and have trouble breathing.

Shih Tzus will get stubborn or bored without enough activity, but they don’t need rigorous activity.

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Absolutely, temperament of Shih Tzu make great family pets. Shih Tzus are affectionate, social, and adapt very well, making them ideal family pets. They are not only closely bonded with their owners, but they enjoy being part of family-life.

They are sweet-natured and great companions, making them ideal for children, seniors and apartment-dwellers. The are not aggressive and generally do well with other pets, particularly if they are socialized as young puppies.

They are small and fragile so young children should not handle them roughly so they don't get hurt.

A well-balanced and nutritious diet is required to keep the Shih Tzu healthy and active and to support a robust immune system. Due to their small element and it being a brachycephalic pet, they require easy to chew food to digest, that is likely to meet their high nutritional needs.

Daily Nutritional Requirements for a Shih Tzu:

✔ Quality Protein (22-28%) – Promotes the health of muscles. The best sources: Chicken, turkey, fish and lamb.
✔ Healthy Fats(10-15%) – for skin hydration and shiny coats Fish oil and flaxseed (alpha-linoleic acid) are good sources of omega-3 and omega-6.
✔ Complex Carbohydrates – Gives you continuous energy. Better options: Brown rice, sweet potatoes, veggies.
✔ Vital Vitamins & Minerals — Bone and immunity support. Seek out foods rich in calcium, vitamin E and probiotics.

Shih Tzus are prone to obesity, so portion control is key. Instead of free-feeding, it’s best to give them two to three small meals per day. Limit artificial preservatives, table scraps or very fatty foods and treats.

“A proper diet, designed specifically for a Shih Tzu’s unique needs, can help to prevent obesity and improve overall well-being,” explains Dr Gerardo Poli

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No, grooming a Shih Tzu requires dedication due to their long, dense coat. Their fur tangles easily, and their flat faces need special attention, especially around the eyes and nose.

Shih Tzu Grooming Routine:

• Grooming – Daily for long-haired breeds, 2 to 3 times weekly for shorter styles.
• Bathing – Once every 3-4 weeks for a clean coat and healthy skin.
• Eye Cleaning – Daily, to keep tear staining at bay.
• Nail Trimming – Monthly, so nails won’t grow too long and cause discomfort.
• Ear Flushing – A Weekly regimen for avoiding the possibility of infections.
• Showering – 2-3 — most every other day to day to keep stinky down.

Most owners prefer “puppy cuts,” a manageable, short style that looks great and keeps the dog comfortable in their own skin, but also makes grooming a more manageable endeavor. Regular grooming will not only make a Shih Tzu look good, but also avoid skin infections, eye irritation and coat tangling.

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Like many toy breeds, Shih Tzus are prone to certain breed-specific health issues.

Common Health Concerns in Shih Tzus:

1. Are Shih Tzus easy to train?
Yes, but they can be stubborn. Short, reward-based training works best.

2. Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?
They are not excessive barkers but may bark to alert their owners.

3. Are Shih Tzus good with children?
Yes, but they should be handled gently due to their small size.

4. Can Shih Tzus live in apartments?
Yes, they adapt well to small spaces and do not need much exercise.

5. Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic?
No, but they shed minimally and can be suitable for some allergy sufferers.
 

Shih Tzus are friendly, adorable, and flexible companion dogs, well-suited to all kinds of dwelling situations. They are great family dogs because they love to be around people, but require regular grooming and health reviews.

Best of all, if you want a loving cuddler who is friendly and relatively low-energy, the Shih Tzu is a perfect choice that has so much warmth and joy to give in any household.

👉 Shih Tzus are affectionate companions, but they require regular care. All the tool you need for their grooming and health is at the Dosty App!