Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small companion dog with a confident, people-focused personality and a coat that can be worn long or kept in an easy trim. They thrive on close contact with their family, enjoy short daily outings, and fit nicely into apartment life.
The tradeoff is grooming: comfort and good looks come from regular brushing, face care, and gentle, consistent training.
How the Shih Tzu ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus were developed to be companions, and it shows in the way they follow their people from room to room. Most are affectionate, alert, and surprisingly sturdy for their size.
They tend to greet familiar faces with enthusiasm and can be polite with visitors once they feel secure.
Living with a Shih Tzu usually means lots of lap time, a touch of comedy, and a little stubbornness. They do best with calm, positive routines and clear boundaries.
With daily attention, basic manners, and a grooming plan you can keep up with, this breed can suit many households.
History of the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu’s story is closely tied to China’s imperial past. Small, long-coated dogs were treasured as companions in palaces, and many historians believe the breed developed from dogs that came from Tibet and were refined in Chinese courts.
These early “lion dogs” were valued less for work and more for presence: calm on a lap, alert in the room, and charming in daily life. Over time, careful selection shaped the distinctive outline, confident attitude, and plush coat people recognize today.
In Buddhist art, lions symbolized protection and strength, and the Shih Tzu’s proud posture and abundant coat fit that imagery. Court caretakers maintained breeding programs that favored a compact body, a rounded head, and a sweet, expressive face.
Dogs were often kept within the palace walls, exchanged as prestigious gifts, and recorded in paintings and written accounts. Because they were closely guarded, the line remained relatively consistent compared with many village dogs that mixed more freely.
As dynasties changed and the imperial system faded, many palace dogs disappeared, and the Shih Tzu’s numbers dropped sharply. A small circle of enthusiasts kept the breed going by preserving a limited group of breeding dogs and sharing them carefully.
This period helped define the modern Shih Tzu: a companion first, with an adaptable temperament and a talent for making itself at home. It also explains why early records can feel patchy, with much knowledge passed along through fanciers rather than formal registries.
The breed began to travel beyond China when diplomats, travelers, and expatriate families brought a few dogs to Europe. With only a small foundation to work from, early breeders focused on producing healthy, consistent companions with the hallmark coat and face.
The name Shih Tzu is commonly translated as “lion,” a nod to the same symbolism that shaped its early identity. As interest grew, the dogs appeared in urban homes where their size and affectionate nature suited city living.
After global conflict and shifting borders, Shih Tzus spread more widely and became established as household pets in many countries. Selective breeding emphasized a friendly, outgoing demeanor that could handle visitors, families, and the routines of modern life.
Today’s Shih Tzu still reflects its origins: a small dog bred to be close to people, happiest with companionship and a predictable schedule. While styles and grooming choices vary, the breed’s core appeal remains the same: a warm presence with a big personality.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
Shih Tzus are small and solidly built, with a short muzzle, large eyes, and a tail that typically curls over the back. Because the face is compact, many do better with cooler walk times and a slower pace during warm or humid weather.
A well-fitted harness can be more comfortable than a neck collar, especially for dogs that pull or cough when excited. Their bright expression is part of the charm, but it also means gentle handling around the eyes is important.
The coat is famously abundant and can be worn long, clipped short, or kept somewhere in between. Even though shedding is usually low, loose hair tangles easily, so regular brushing and combing help prevent mats close to the skin.
Many owners also keep the hair around the eyes trimmed or tied up to reduce irritation and keep vision clear. Routine baths, careful drying, and simple maintenance like wiping the face and checking the ears can keep a Shih Tzu comfortable between grooms.
Exercise needs are modest, but daily movement still matters for weight management and good manners. Most Shih Tzus are happy with relaxed walks, indoor play, and short training games that work the brain as much as the body.
Like many companion breeds, they can become bored if every day looks the same, so rotate toys and practice small skills.
General care also includes regular nail trims and dental-friendly habits, and it is always wise to talk to your veterinarian about routine wellness needs.
Coat & Grooming: Frequent brushing with a pin brush and metal comb, plus regular baths and trims, keeps the coat comfortable and the face tidy.
Shedding: Low shedding overall, but the coat holds loose hair and can mat easily, so grooming matters more than vacuuming.
Exercise Needs: Short daily walks paired with indoor play and a few minutes of training games usually meet their needs.
General Health: They may be prone to eye irritation, dental crowding, and heat sensitivity, and some also deal with skin or joint concerns.
Expected Lifespan: Typically long-lived for a small breed, especially when kept at a healthy weight with consistent care and regular veterinary support.
First-Time Owner Tips
If this is your first dog, the Shih Tzu can be a friendly choice as long as you plan for coat care and patient training. Start grooming habits early with brief, rewarding sessions so brushing feels normal rather than a wrestling match.
For manners, keep lessons short and upbeat, and lean on consistency instead of repetition. House training can take time in small breeds, so a predictable schedule and frequent chances to go out make a real difference.
Because many Shih Tzus are very people-oriented, teaching gentle independence helps prevent clinginess. Practice calm alone time in small steps, and give safe chews or puzzle toys to make downtime pleasant.
Choose a harness for walks, handle the face and paws kindly, and socialize thoughtfully so new sounds and visitors feel routine. In warm weather, aim for cooler parts of the day and watch for heavy panting or reluctance to move, then adjust activity as needed.
- Build a daily brushing routine, even if you keep the coat trimmed short.
- Use positive reinforcement and tiny training sessions to keep motivation high.
- Stick to a potty schedule and reward immediately when your dog gets it right.
- Pick a harness and keep walks relaxed, especially if your dog tends to pull.
- Plan extra face and eye care, and keep hair out of the eyes whenever possible.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required costs: plan a steady monthly budget for food, treats, and simple consumables like waste bags, shampoo, and replacement toys. Many owners also budget monthly for routine preventatives and basic wellness items recommended by their veterinarian.
Because Shih Tzus need consistent coat and face maintenance, it helps to include brushes, combs, detangling spray, and occasional clipper blades or scissors if you groom at home.
Even with a small dog, setting aside a little extra for routine checkups can prevent surprises.
Optional/Variable costs: professional grooming can be a small add-on or a major line item, depending on whether you choose salon visits, a longer coat style, and how often you book.
Training classes, enrichment subscriptions, daycare, boarding, and travel sitters also vary widely by location. Some owners prefer pet insurance, while others build a monthly savings cushion for unexpected care.
Food costs can swing as well based on brand, special diets, and how generous you are with treats.
Food & Treats: Required: about $25 to $60 per month, depending on food quality, treat habits, and toppers.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: about $15 to $120 per month, from at-home supplies to regular professional grooming.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: about $20 to $50 per month for routine preventatives and basic care items, based on region and your veterinarian’s plan.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: about $0 to $70 per month for insurance, or roughly $20 to $100 monthly as a savings cushion, depending on your approach.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: about $10 to $80 per month for classes, occasional private help, and enrichment toys or puzzles.
Shih Tzu FAQs
Are Shih Tzus good apartment dogs?
Often yes. They are small, people-oriented, and usually satisfied with short daily walks and indoor play, as long as they get attention and consistent potty routines.
Do Shih Tzus shed a lot?
Shedding is typically low, but the coat holds loose hair and tangles easily. Expect more time with a brush and comb than with a vacuum, and remember no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
How often does a Shih Tzu need grooming?
Plan for regular brushing and combing, with baths and trims as needed to keep the coat comfortable. A shorter “puppy cut” style is easier to maintain, while a longer coat demands more daily upkeep.
Are Shih Tzus easy to train?
They are smart and can learn quickly, but they may be independent. Gentle, reward-based training, short sessions, and clear routines usually work better than repeating the same cue over and over.
Are Shih Tzus good with children and other pets?
Many are friendly with respectful kids and can do well with other pets when introduced thoughtfully. Supervise play with very young children and teach everyone to handle the face and coat gently.
How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need each day?
Moderate activity is usually enough. A couple of relaxed walks, a bit of indoor play, and short training games can keep them content, and cooler walk times are a good idea in hot weather.
What health concerns are common for Shih Tzus?
Common themes include eye irritation, dental crowding, and sensitivity to heat due to the short muzzle, with some dogs also experiencing skin or joint issues. Keep up with routine checkups and talk to your veterinarian if anything seems off.
