Shih Tzu
Paw Prints 🐾
Find Shih Tzu Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Shih Tzu puppies available.
Find Shih Tzu BreedersGet to Know Shih Tzus
- Ancient Chinese Royalty: The Shih Tzu has a history that dates back over a thousand years and was originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty. They were highly prized in the imperial court and were often depicted in ancient Chinese art.
- Luxurious Coat: Shih Tzus are known for their long, flowing double coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Their coat can come in various colors and patterns, adding to their regal appearance.
- Friendly and Affectionate: Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They thrive on human companionship and are excellent lap dogs, often forming strong bonds with their owners.
- Compact and Adaptable: Shih Tzus are small dogs, typically weighing between 9 to 16 pounds, making them well-suited for apartment living. Despite their small size, they are sturdy and adaptable to various living situations.
- Distinctive Facial Features: Shih Tzus have a distinctive face with a short muzzle and large, dark eyes. Their facial structure gives them a sweet, expressive look that has endeared them to dog lovers worldwide.
Breed History
The Shih Tzu is an ancient toy dog breed that originated in China, where it was highly regarded in the palaces of Chinese emperors. The breed’s name, meaning “lion dog,” reflects its noble heritage, resembling the Chinese lion statues. It is believed to be a cross between small Tibetan dogs and the Pekingese, with a mix of Pugs and other toy breeds. The Shih Tzu’s purpose was to be a royal companion and a symbol of wealth and prestige. Today, Shih Tzus are adored as affectionate family pets and excel in both companionship and as lapdogs.
Personality and Behaviour
- Affectionate and Loyal: Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate and loyal nature. They thrive on human companionship and form strong bonds with their families. They are particularly attached to one person but are generally friendly with all family members and visitors.
- Playful and Spirited: Despite their small size, Shih Tzus are lively and playful dogs that enjoy interactive games and activities. They can be spirited and have a fun-loving personality, making them great companions for children and adults alike.
- Intelligent and Independent: Shih Tzus are clever dogs that can be quick learners, but they also possess an independent streak that can make training a bit of a challenge. They can be a bit stubborn and may need patience and consistent reinforcement during training sessions.
Care
- Exercise: Shih Tzus have a low to moderate energy level and do not require much exercise. A short daily walk (15-20 minutes) and some indoor play are usually sufficient to keep them healthy and prevent weight gain. They enjoy low-impact activities like chasing toys indoors, but it’s important to avoid strenuous exercise, especially in hot weather, due to their short snout and brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure.
- Grooming: The Shih Tzu’s long, luxurious coat requires regular grooming to maintain its health and appearance. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting and tangles, which can occur easily due to their long hair. Bathing should be done as needed, with attention to keeping the coat clean and dry. Shih Tzus are prone to dental issues, so regular teeth brushing and dental check-ups are important. Nail trimming and ear cleaning should be done regularly to maintain overall hygiene.
- Training and Socialization: Training a Shih Tzu requires patience and consistency due to their independent nature. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, work best. Early socialization is important to help Shih Tzus become well-adjusted and friendly with other dogs, people, and new environments. Because they can be wary of strangers, exposing them to new experiences at a young age helps prevent shyness or aggressive tendencies.
Shih Tzu Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingHow Much Does It Cost to Own a Shih Tzu Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Shih Tzu is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Shih Tzu
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Shih Tzu puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Shih Tzu, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Shih Tzu is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
