Shih Tzu
About the Shih Tzu
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Small (10-25 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 9-11" |
| Weight | 9-16 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Low (under 30 min/day)
20 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
High - Daily
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Low mental stimulation needs
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,200/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Shih Tzus may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Allergy Sufferers
May Not Be Ideal For
- Long Work Hours Away
- Low-Maintenance Seekers
Guides for your Shih Tzu
The story behind the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu's ancestors were the small lion dogs of Tibet and China, bred over centuries in monasteries and palaces; the breed as we know it was refined in the Chinese imperial court, particularly during the Qing dynasty, where such dogs were pampered fixtures of palace life. Its name means lion in Mandarin, honoring the Buddhist lion symbolism attached to these dogs. The breed nearly disappeared amid China's twentieth-century upheavals, and the modern population descends from a small number of dogs brought to England and Scandinavia in the 1930s. English breeders reestablished it, soldiers carried dogs to America after the Second World War, and the American Kennel Club recognized the Shih Tzu in 1969.
Originally bred for: Companion, Palace lapdog, Watchdog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Shih Tzu
A flat-faced toy with an undershot bite: small or specially shaped kibble and a shallow, wide bowl make eating easier and tidier. Keep portions honest, since these dogs gain readily, and clean the face and folds after meals.
Watch for: Delicate digestion comes up often in this breed, with rich foods and table scraps causing upset, while crowded teeth make dental-friendly textures useful. Nothing is established as universal, so involve a veterinarian in dietary decisions.
Start with the Shih Tzu feeding guide, then compare our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Shih Tzu
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.