Shih Tzu
Bred for palaces, still expects one.
- Weight
- 9–16 lbs
- Height
- 9–10 in
- Lifespan
- 10–18 yrs
In short
The Shih Tzu is a Toy breed developed in China's imperial court from Tibetan dogs, bred purely as a companion, weighing 9–16 lbs and living 10–18 years. Owners should know its flat face and long coat drive most care: it overheats easily, its eyes need daily checks, and the coat needs regular grooming.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a cheerful, affectionate lap dog
- live in an apartment
- prefer short walks to long hikes
Think twice if you…
- live somewhere hot without air conditioning
- can't commit to daily coat and eye care
- want a running or hiking partner
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 30–60 min a day
- Training
- 1–2 × 5 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 35–50 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityWilling learner6.0/10
EnergyEasygoing3.0/10
Calm at homeCalm indoors10.0/10
SheddingLight shedder3.0/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Short, flat face
The brachycephalic muzzle limits cooling and airflow, so heat and hard exercise are real risks.
-
02
Prominent eyes
Large, round eyes are easily scratched and prone to dryness and ulcers; a squint needs a vet visit the same day.
-
03
Flowing double coat
The long, dense coat mats fast; most pet owners keep a short 'puppy cut'.
Size & coat
| Weight | 9–16 lbs | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9–10 in | |
| Lifespan | 10–18 yrs | |
| Coat | Long, dense double coat | |
Personality
Shih Tzus are cheerful, affectionate and easygoing, bred to be companions and happy to follow you around the house. They are playful in short bursts and love a lap. Some are stubborn about housetraining.
With kids
Good with gentle kids; small size means toddlers need supervision.
With other pets
Usually friendly with dogs and cats.
With strangers
Friendly and outgoing; some bark to announce visitors.
Alone time
Copes with moderate alone time but prefers company.
Training
Shih Tzus are eager for attention but can be stubborn, especially about housetraining. Short, cheerful sessions work best.
-
How often
One or two short sessions a day, about 5 minutes each.
-
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
Between 8–16 weeks, focus on daily handling of the face, eyes, paws and coat so grooming is stress-free, plus calm exposure to new people and places.
-
Self-control
Teach calm handling for grooming and eye care, and a strict housetraining routine with frequent outdoor trips.
-
What it works for
Most love food and attention. Use tiny, high-value pieces kept within 10% of daily calories.
Exercise
Shih Tzus need gentle daily walks and indoor play rather than hard exercise. Keep outings short and cool in warm weather.
Exercise a day
30–60 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Short walks
- Indoor fetch
- Gentle play with other small dogs
Brain work
- Food puzzles
- Trick training
- Find-the-treat games
Best home
Excellent for apartments; needs air conditioning in hot climates.
Watch for Flat-faced dogs overheat fast; avoid exercise in heat and humidity, and use a harness instead of a collar.
Feeding
Adult maintenance for a typical Shih Tzu (9–16 lbs) lands around 325–500 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.
Puppy (to 12 mo)
- Daily calories
- 400–625 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 16–20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 40–65 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 2–3 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 325–500 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 14–18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 35–50 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 2–3 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 450–675 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 18–22%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 45–70 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 2–3 pieces a day
Senior
- Daily calories
- 275–425 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 12–16%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 30–45 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 1–2 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (to 12 mo) | 400–625 kcal | 26–30% | 16–20% | 40–65 kcal | 2–3 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 325–500 kcal | 24–28% | 14–18% | 35–50 kcal | 2–3 pieces |
| Active / Working | 450–675 kcal | 26–30% | 18–22% | 45–70 kcal | 2–3 pieces |
| Senior | 275–425 kcal | 24–28% | 12–16% | 30–45 kcal | 1–2 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
Shih Tzus face breathing problems, eye injuries and disease, luxating kneecaps, dental disease and some kidney issues. Daily eye checks and tooth brushing help most.
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Inherited eye disease | Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist (CAER) | Yearly in breeding dogs |
| Patellar luxation | OFA patella evaluation | Once, in both parents (ask the breeder) |
| Hip dysplasia | OFA hip evaluation | Once, in both parents (ask the breeder) |
| Brachycephalic airway syndrome | Vet airway exam; ask about breathing at rest and after exercise | At puppy visits and if breathing worsens |
Official health tests for breeding dogs
The OFA's CHIC program asks Shih Tzu breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Kneecap (patella) check
Also recommended
- Hip evaluation
- Heart exam
Grooming Low; hair tangles rather than falling out
Brush a long coat daily, or keep a short 'puppy cut' and brush 2–3 times a week. Book a professional groom every 4–6 weeks, wipe the eyes and face daily, trim nails every 3–4 weeks, and brush teeth daily.
History
1600s and earlier
Tibetan roots
Small, long-coated dogs from Tibet were given as gifts to Chinese emperors.
1800s–early 1900s
Imperial palace
The breed was developed in China's imperial court, especially under Empress Dowager Cixi.
1930s–1969
Western arrival
Shih Tzus reached England in the 1930s, and the AKC recognized the breed in 1969.
Questions owners ask
Are Shih Tzus easy to train?
Moderately. They are eager for attention but can be stubborn, especially about housetraining.
Are Shih Tzus good with kids and other pets?
Yes, usually. They are friendly with gentle kids and other pets.
How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?
About 30–60 minutes a day of gentle walks and play. Avoid heat and hard exercise.
Do Shih Tzus shed?
Very little, but the coat mats fast. Brush daily for a long coat, or keep a short cut and groom every 4–6 weeks. No dog is truly allergen-free.
What health problems do Shih Tzus have, and how long do they live?
Breathing problems, eye disease, kneecap issues and dental disease are the main concerns. They typically live 10–18 years.
Is a Shih Tzu good for apartments or first-time owners?
Yes to both. Shih Tzus are excellent apartment dogs and suit first-time owners who keep up with grooming.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Shih Tzu needs only 2–3 pieces a day, well inside the 35–50 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Shih Tzu ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Shih Tzu
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
