Shih Tzu
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Shih Tzus are ancient Chinese palace dogs bred solely to be charming companions and lap warmers. These small, sturdy dogs with flowing coats are generally friendly and adaptable, happy in apartments or houses, though their flat faces cause breathing issues and their long coats require daily brushing or regular professional grooming.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Toy
Life Expectancy
10-18 years
Height
9-10.5 in
Weight
9-16 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 3 hours
Exercise
25 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #20
Toy context: Toy breeds were developed mainly for companionship in small bodies. They are often people-focused and adaptable indoors.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Shih Tzu
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Shih Tzus are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Shih Tzus in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Shih Tzus, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 25 minutes of daily activity across two short walks. Companion breed with low exercise needs.
Moderate
Moderate
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Shih Tzus generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
Moderate
~4h alone capacity
Moderate
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Very High
Very High
High
Moderate
Training & Behavior
High
High
Moderate
Moderate
Maintenance & Care
High
Very Low
Moderate
Very Low
Environment & Adaptability
Very Low
High
Moderate
Low
High
Grooming & Coat
High
Very Low
Moderate
Very Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Shih Tzu originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Shih Tzu lines were developed for companion. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Toy. Toy breeds were developed mainly for companionship in small bodies. They are often people-focused and adaptable indoors.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Shih Tzus were bred in Tibet as 'lion dogs' to resemble the Tibetan snow lion from Buddhist mythology, and Tibetan monks kept them in temples as spiritual companions.
The breed's name literally means 'lion' in Mandarin, but ironically, they're about as threatening as a sentient pompom—they were status symbols, not working dogs.
Shih Tzus' eyes are set so far forward that they have almost 270-degree panoramic vision, making them weirdly good at detecting motion despite their tiny brains.
The breed nearly vanished after the Chinese Revolution when imperial breeding lines were destroyed; modern Shih Tzus descend from just a handful of survivors smuggled out by diplomats.
Shih Tzus' coats grow continuously and never stop (unlike most breeds that have growth cycles), which is why they require professional grooming every 4–6 weeks or they become matted dreadlocks.
Famous Shih Tzu Dogs
Companion superstars
This group is heavily represented in celebrity households and pop-culture media.
Social-media favorites
Many famous Toy dogs are modern internet personalities rather than historical working dogs.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Shih Tzus
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
Recommended Products
Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is Shih Tzu right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Shih Tzu compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
Try the Breed MatcherData Transparency
Quick facts for Shih Tzu are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shih-tzu/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shih-tzu/