Weight

4–7.2 kg

Height

20–28 cm

Lifespan

10–16 years

Origin

Tibet / China

Coat

Any color; gold, white, brindle, black combinations common

Group

Toy / Companion

Shih Tzu

The imperial lap dog, affectionate, dignified, and surprisingly robust

🌍 Tibet / China 📋 Toy / Companion 📐 Small 🕐 10–16 years

The Shih Tzu, meaning 'Lion Dog' in Mandarin, is one of the oldest toy breeds in the world, with origins in the imperial palaces of China and Tibet. For centuries, these dogs were kept exclusively by Chinese royalty and were not exported to the West until the 1930s. Their luxurious flowing coat, proud bearing, and affectionate nature made them instant favourites once they arrived in Europe and North America.

🧠 Temperament

Shih Tzus are outgoing, affectionate, and surprisingly confident for their size. They are not typically nervous or yappy. They love being with their people and adapt well to apartment living. Unlike some toy breeds, they are generally patient with respectful children. They have a stubborn streak that can make training challenging, patience and positive reinforcement are essential. Their grooming requirements make them high-maintenance in that dimension, but their exercise needs are minimal.

🏥 Health considerations

Shih Tzus are brachycephalic and can experience breathing difficulties in extreme heat. Their prominent eyes are prone to dryness, injury, and conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Hip dysplasia occurs in the breed despite their small size. Renal dysplasia (an inherited kidney condition) and juvenile cataracts are also breed-specific concerns. Their long back relative to leg length predisposes them to spinal disc problems (IVDD).

🏃 Exercise needs

Shih Tzus need only 20–30 minutes of daily exercise, two short walks suit them well. They should not be exercised heavily in hot weather due to their flat face.

✂️ Grooming

The long coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Many owners opt for a 'puppy clip', kept short all over, which reduces grooming to 2–3 times weekly. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Eyes must be cleaned daily and the area around the eyes kept free of hair.

🍽️ Feeding your Shih Tzu

A 6 kg Shih Tzu typically needs 180–230 kcal per day. Dental health is particularly important for this breed, dry food and regular tooth brushing are strongly recommended.

Did you know? 💡

The Shih Tzu is one of the 14 breeds most closely related to wolves genetically, among the oldest domestic dog breeds.
During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, the Shih Tzu breed nearly went extinct; the modern population descends from just 14 dogs.
The Empress Dowager Cixi kept hundreds of Shih Tzus and Pekingese, they were groomed and treated as royalty themselves.
Despite their lion-like name, they were bred purely as companions, not hunters or guards.

Free calculators pre-set for Shih Tzus 🧮

All values pre-filled based on typical Shih Tzu data, adjust as needed for your individual dog.

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Dog Age Calculator

Pre-set for Shih Tzu

Your Shih Tzu's age (years)

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🩺 Based on AAHA 2019 formula

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Food Calculator

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Weight (kg)

Life stage

Activity

kcal/day · grams/day (est.)

🩺 WSAVA RER formula · sterilized adult

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Puppy Growth

Estimate adult weight

Current weight (kg)

Current age (weeks)

Expected adult size (pre-set)

Estimated adult weight

🩺 Breed-size growth curve estimate

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Shih Tzus good apartment dogs? ▾

Shih Tzus are ideal apartment dogs. They are small (4 to 7 kg), quiet, adaptable, and have low exercise requirements. Their calm, affectionate temperament suits indoor living. Two short walks of 15 to 20 minutes plus indoor play meet their daily needs. They were bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty and retain their preference for comfortable, indoor environments.

How much grooming does a Shih Tzu need? ▾

Shih Tzus with a full-length coat need daily brushing and professional grooming every 3 to 4 weeks. Their fine, dense coat mats easily, especially around the ears, armpits, and belly. Many owners maintain a shorter puppy cut that requires brushing every 2 to 3 days. Regular face cleaning prevents tear staining and food debris buildup around the mouth.

Do Shih Tzus have health problems? ▾

Common Shih Tzu health issues include brachycephalic airway syndrome (mild compared to Pugs or Bulldogs), eye conditions (proptosis, corneal ulcers due to prominent eyes), ear infections, dental disease, and patellar luxation. Their flat faces make them sensitive to heat. Regular eye checks, dental care, and ear cleaning are essential preventive measures.

Are Shih Tzus easy to train? ▾

Shih Tzus are moderately challenging to train. They are intelligent but have an independent, sometimes stubborn disposition. House training can take longer than average, often 4 to 6 months. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best. They respond poorly to harsh corrections. Consistency and patience are more important than repetition for this breed.

Can Shih Tzus be left alone? ▾

Shih Tzus are companion dogs that prefer human company but handle short periods alone better than some breeds. They can tolerate 4 to 6 hours alone if properly trained, though they prefer less. Puppies and young adults need more frequent attention. Providing interactive toys, comfortable bedding, and a predictable routine helps them manage alone time.