Shih Tzu: Complete Guide to Temperament, Care, and Costs

The Shih Tzu — whose name means “lion dog” in Chinese — is a breed built purely for companionship. Unlike many breeds with working backgrounds, the Shih Tzu was created to be a cherished household companion, and it has been fulfilling that role with style and warmth for over a thousand years. With their flowing coat, friendly expression, and affectionate nature, Shih Tzus are the embodiment of the dedicated lap dog. This guide covers everything you need to know about this ancient and beloved breed.

Overview

The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, with origins traced to Tibet and China over 1,000 years ago. These dogs were prized by Chinese royalty, particularly during the Ming Dynasty, and were kept exclusively within the Chinese imperial palace. They were bred by crossing the Lhasa Apso with the Pekingese, creating a small, sturdy dog with a luxurious coat.

The breed nearly went extinct during the Chinese Communist Revolution but was saved by a handful of dogs that had been exported to England and other countries before the upheaval. All modern Shih Tzus trace their ancestry to just fourteen dogs — seven males and seven females.

Shih Tzus belong to the AKC Toy Group. They stand 9 to 10.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh 9 to 16 pounds. They come in virtually any color, with the most common being gold and white, black and white, and solid red. The AKC recognized the breed in 1969.

Temperament and Personality

Shih Tzus are outgoing, affectionate, and happy dogs whose primary purpose in life is to be your companion. They are remarkably friendly, extending warmth to family, friends, strangers, and other animals with equal enthusiasm. This universal friendliness makes them poor watchdogs but excellent companions.

Their energy level is low to moderate. Shih Tzus enjoy play and short walks but are equally content to spend hours on your lap or curled up on the couch. They are not demanding in terms of exercise and adapt easily to their owner’s activity level.

Shih Tzus are devoted to their owners without being neurotically clingy. They enjoy close physical contact and being near their people but can tolerate some alone time better than many toy breeds. That said, they were bred for nothing other than companionship, and extended periods of isolation go against their fundamental nature.

The breed has a stubborn streak that is sometimes described as regal self-importance. Having been pampered by Chinese emperors, Shih Tzus carry themselves with a certain dignified independence that can make training interesting. They are charming rather than demanding, preferring to win you over with personality rather than force.

Shih Tzus are relatively quiet compared to many small breeds. While they will bark to announce visitors, they are not typically excessive barkers, making them reasonable choices for apartment living.

Exercise Needs

Shih Tzus need only 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise. Short walks and indoor play sessions are usually sufficient. They are happy with a gentle stroll around the block followed by playtime at home.

The best activities include short leash walks, indoor games, gentle fetch, and interactive play with their owners. Some Shih Tzus enjoy agility courses designed for small dogs, and many enjoy the social aspect of supervised dog park visits.

Their brachycephalic features (shortened muzzle) mean they can have difficulty breathing during strenuous exercise or in hot, humid weather. Keep exercise gentle, avoid hot weather activity, and watch for signs of respiratory distress including excessive panting, gagging, or labored breathing.

Mental stimulation through puzzle toys, gentle training sessions, and interactive games provides enrichment that supplements their modest physical exercise needs.

Grooming Requirements

The Shih Tzu’s coat is one of its most stunning features — and one of its most demanding care requirements. The traditional full show coat is long, flowing, and silky, reaching to the ground and requiring daily brushing and regular bathing to maintain.

Most pet owners opt for a shorter trim — a “puppy cut” that keeps the coat at a manageable one to two inches. Even with a shorter trim, brushing two to three times per week is necessary to prevent matting. The coat grows continuously and does not shed in the traditional sense, making Shih Tzus a popular choice for allergy-conscious owners.

Professional grooming every four to six weeks is recommended regardless of coat length. This should include bathing, trimming, nail care, and ear cleaning. If maintaining a longer coat, daily brushing with a pin brush and metal comb is essential.

Facial care is a daily requirement. The hair around the face needs to be kept clean and either trimmed short or tied up in a topknot to prevent eye irritation. The facial area is prone to tear staining, and regular wiping with a damp cloth or specialized wipe helps manage this.

Ear care requires weekly attention. Shih Tzus grow hair in their ear canals that may need to be plucked or trimmed. Dental care is important — their small mouths are prone to dental crowding and disease. Daily tooth brushing is ideal.

Common Health Issues

Shih Tzus face several health concerns. Brachycephalic airway syndrome affects many individuals to varying degrees. Stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils), elongated soft palate, and a shortened trachea can all compromise breathing. Some Shih Tzus require surgical intervention to improve airway function.

Eye problems are common due to the breed’s prominent eyes. These include proptosis (eye displacement), corneal ulcers, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Their protruding eyes are vulnerable to injury, and owners should be cautious about rough play and hazards at eye level.

Patellar luxation is a common orthopedic condition. Hip dysplasia can occur but is less prevalent than in larger breeds. Intervertebral disc disease affects some individuals. Ear infections are frequent due to the hair growth in the ear canals.

Renal dysplasia (improper kidney development) is a breed-specific concern. Liver shunts can also occur. Recommended health tests include a patella evaluation, an ophthalmologist exam, and hip evaluation.

Lifespan

The typical lifespan of a Shih Tzu is 10 to 18 years, with many living 13 to 16 years. This is one of the longer-lived breeds, and Shih Tzus often remain active and healthy well into their senior years. Regular veterinary care, dental maintenance, and weight management all contribute to longevity.

Cost to Buy and Maintain

Shih Tzu puppies from reputable breeders typically cost ~$1,200 to ~$2,500. Show-quality puppies from championship lines cost more. Rescue adoption typically costs ~$200 to ~$500.

Annual costs include:

• Food: ~$200 to ~$500 per year
• Veterinary care: ~$400 to ~$1,000 for routine care
• Grooming: ~$500 to ~$1,200 per year for professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks
• Pet insurance: ~$300 to ~$700 per year
• Toys, treats, and supplies: ~$150 to ~$300 per year

Total annual cost of ownership typically ranges from ~$1,550 to ~$3,700. Professional grooming is the most significant recurring expense.

Best For

Shih Tzus are ideal for people who want a devoted, affectionate companion that does not demand intense physical activity. They are excellent for apartment and condo living, seniors, singles, couples, and families with gentle children.

People who enjoy grooming and coat care will appreciate the Shih Tzu as a living canvas. Those who work from home or have flexible schedules can provide the companionship these dogs thrive on.

The breed adapts well to various lifestyles and living situations, making it one of the most versatile toy breeds available. First-time dog owners who are prepared for grooming commitments will find Shih Tzus to be manageable and rewarding.

Not Ideal For

Those who want a hiking, running, or outdoor adventure partner should look elsewhere. Shih Tzus are not built for strenuous activity, and their brachycephalic features limit their exercise capacity.

People unwilling to commit to regular professional grooming should not choose a Shih Tzu. Coat neglect causes painful matting that affects the dog’s quality of life.

Anyone looking for a guard dog or watchdog will be disappointed. Shih Tzus are friendly to virtually everyone and lack protective instincts.

People in hot, humid climates should be aware that Shih Tzus struggle in heat due to their shortened airways. Reliable air conditioning is a necessity.

Those who want a dog that is instantly obedient and precision-trained will find the Shih Tzu’s regal independence somewhat frustrating.

Training

Shih Tzus are moderately challenging to train. Their intelligence is adequate, but their independent nature means they decide on their own terms whether to comply. They are not disobedient so much as selectively obedient.

Positive reinforcement with treats and praise works best. Shih Tzus respond to gentle, patient training and shut down under harsh corrections. Short, fun training sessions produce better results than lengthy drills.

Housetraining is often the biggest challenge. Shih Tzus can be slow to housetrain, and many owners report that it takes several months of consistent effort. Crate training, a strict schedule, and generous praise for outdoor elimination are essential. Indoor options like pee pads may be useful as supplements.

Early socialization helps build confidence and prevents shyness. While Shih Tzus are naturally friendly, exposing them to varied experiences during puppyhood solidifies their social skills.

Common challenges include stubbornness during training, reluctance to go outside in bad weather, and developing entitled behaviors if overindulged. Treat them with love but maintain consistent expectations.

Compatibility

With children: Shih Tzus do well with gentle, respectful children. Their small size makes them vulnerable to injury from rough handling, so homes with very young or boisterous children may not be ideal. Older children who understand gentle interaction will find Shih Tzus to be sweet, playful companions.

With cats: Shih Tzus generally coexist peacefully with cats. Their low prey drive and non-confrontational nature make them among the most cat-friendly dog breeds.

With other dogs: Shih Tzus typically get along well with other dogs of similar size. They are social and enjoy canine companionship. Care should be taken around much larger dogs to prevent accidental injury during play.

Key Takeaways

• Shih Tzus are gentle, affectionate companion dogs bred purely for the purpose of providing companionship and comfort.
• Professional grooming every four to six weeks is essential, making coat care the most significant ongoing expense and commitment.
• They have modest exercise needs (20 to 30 minutes daily) and adapt well to apartment living.
• Brachycephalic features require caution with heat and strenuous exercise.
• They are long-lived dogs (10 to 18 years) that offer many years of devoted companionship.
• Their friendly, non-aggressive nature makes them poor guard dogs but excellent therapy dogs and social companions.

Next Steps

If the Shih Tzu’s gentle companionship appeals to you, find a breeder who tests for breed-specific health conditions and can demonstrate healthy, well-tempered breeding dogs. Read our guide on how to choose the right dog breed for additional help. Compare the Shih Tzu with the Havanese for a similar but slightly more active companion breed, or the Maltese for another popular toy breed with comparable care needs. Our dog grooming guide will help you understand the grooming commitment involved.