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Ever wondered why Shih Tzus are often called little dogs with big personalities? With their soulful eyes, flowing coats, and affectionate nature, these pups have been charming dog lovers for centuries. Originally bred as cherished companions in ancient China, Shih Tzus have held their place as beloved pets—from palaces to modern homes—thanks to their loyal, playful, and elegant demeanor.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Shih Tzus, from their rich history and temperament to care tips and common health considerations. Whether you’re a first-time dog parent or already share your home with one of these lovable companions, you’ll discover practical insights to help you better understand and care for this special breed.
Must-Have Accessories to Keep Your Shih Tzu Happy and Comfortable
While learning all about Shih Tzu 101 is a great start, your pup’s care doesn’t end there. Shih Tzus are known for their curious nature and strong personalities, which means the right accessories can make life easier for both of you. For example, some dogs need extra support during training or in busy environments, and that’s where the best dog muzzle for Shih Tzus can be a helpful tool. Exploring these kinds of products ensures your Shih Tzu’s needs are fully met and gives you peace of mind that you’re prepared for any situation.
What is the Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus are small dogs known to be some of the most beloved canines in the world as they’re often pampered by their owners. Shih Tzus are also referred to as “royal lap dogs” but don’t let their flowing long hair fool you; these sturdy little dogs are as tough as they come. Because these dogs love playing and spending time with their families, they are a popular choice in the dog world.
The name “Shih Tzu” is a Mandarin phrase that translates to “little lion”, which is associated with the Tibetan Buddhist God of Learning, who according to legend, traveled with a small lion dog. Apart from their undeniable charm, these dogs come with an affectionate and gentle temperament, making them suitable companions for people of all ages. Moreover, these dogs can adapt to all kinds of living environments, thriving in both large homes and small apartments.
History of the Shih Tzu
This ancient breed originated from Tibetan monasteries and was given as gifts to Chinese royalty; the first Shih Tzus belonged to Chinese emperors and was kept hidden from the public. During the late 1800s, Empress Tzu Hsi kept many of these dogs inside the royal palaces and even started a breeding program to create the perfect Shih Tzu. Experts believe that these dogs were once a mixed breed created by combining the Pekingese with Lhasa Apso breeds.
This is the foundation of all Shih Tzu, and they eventually traveled to England during the 1930s; two years later, the Shih Tzu Club of England was formed. In 1940, the Kennel Club officially recognized them as separate breeds from the Lhasa Apso — by the late 1930s, they also arrived in the United States. Their popularity surged during the 1960s and by 1969, they were recognized as purebred dogs by the American Kennel Club where the modern-day shih tzu is currently the 20th most popular breed today.
Shih Tzu Appearance
Generally, Shih Tzus come with a straight head and tails that arch over their back while their shoulders often fit right on their small bodies and come with deep, broad chests over strong rib cages. Other characteristics of the breed include a fluffy double coat that flows elegantly; their coats can come in a wide range of patterns and colors — lavender is a particularly beautiful coat color.
Their short and stubby legs will often be covered by their long coat and will usually make it hard for them to jump onto beds and couches. They come with floppy ears and a short muzzle, which makes them a brachycephalic breed and is the reason for their flat faces. However, their silky coat is arguably the most prized possession for dog lovers and is the reason why they’re so beloved.
Their size will depend on their parents, but they will often be very tiny dogs, typically standing between 8 to 11 inches tall with cute and short legs. These dogs will typically weigh between 9 to 16 pounds; males and females will often have similar sizes. However, their small size can be made even more minuscule; the Imperial Shih Tzu only stands at 9 inches or less and only weighs around 4 to 9 pounds.
Shih Tzu Temperament
While Shih Tzus have a reputation for being lap dogs and are known as one of the cutest canines around, they’re actually very intelligent dogs. However, the Shih Tzu’s temperament can be a lot to handle at times, and you don’t want to underestimate these dogs. They’re smart but are also stubborn, and they will often come with a unique personality that will set each dog apart.
Because of its confidence, friendliness, affectionate demeanor, and lack of prey drive, the Shih Tzu can be the right dog to add to families and will be a loyal companion. Moreover, these dogs will get along well with kids and other pets; they will want nothing more than to share in their family’s love and attention. When given the right training and socialization, they can be a great addition to any home and will surely steal the spotlight at dog shows.
Shih Tzu Care
Pet parents need to understand that their Shih Tzu dogs will need proper care and attention, which these guidelines can help with.
Nutrition
These dogs will be happy with high-quality commercial dog food but pick one that’s easy to chew since these pups will often come with either an overbite or underbite. As such, dry kibble is the best option but no matter what you feed them, always remember to consider their life stage. Because puppies have growing needs, they will require more food compared to adult dogs — around ½ a cup of high-calorie puppy food spread throughout 3 to 4 meals per day is standard.
For adult Shih Tzus, around ½ a cup of adult dog food can be spread over 2 meals throughout the day, depending on their activity level and size. Like many small breeds, your Shih Tzu will need a balanced diet that consists of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to nourish their fluffy coat while fat and protein will help build their muscle mass. Keep in mind that they aren’t high-energy dogs, so weight gain can be a real possibility; consult your veterinarian if you need help with proper portions and meal times.
Grooming
Knowing how to groom these dogs is a good idea since the Shih Tzu coat can become unpleasant when left unattended. Because these dogs come with a dense and long double coat, giving them a trim every now and then to a more manageable length can help their hygiene. Giving your dogs daily brushing will keep their hair from matting and will keep their coat clean; arranging their hair in a top knot will often keep hair out of their eyes while preventing irritation.
Some owners prefer to keep their pet’s coat much shorter which can help to simplify their maintenance. The best way to do this is through professional grooming done on a regular basis. Be sure to introduce your Shih Tzu puppy to grooming and handling at an early age to help them become accustomed to being touched by people other than you; this will make grooming them easier for everyone.
Exercise
Shih Tzu puppies that are 6 months old or more will need to walk at least once a day for 20 minutes; giving them exercise is important to ensure they stay at a healthy weight. Adult Shih Tzus will need around 2 walks per day and should last between 20 to 30 minutes which will come with many benefits. This includes increased heart strength, managing their glucose levels, keeping their metabolism in check, and increasing your pup’s appetite.
Moreover, the Shih Tzu breed will benefit from having a small yard to itself where it can run freely and play with its favorite humans. Exercise for these dogs will also help to engage their senses and expose them to stimuli, helping them become more accustomed to their environment. Creating a schedule that you and your dog can adhere to will help to build a routine that they can look forward to.
Training
For first-time dog owners, house training for Shih Tzus can be one of the hardest things they need to face. Due to their small bladders, these pups often have a difficult time waiting for their owners to give them a potty break. Because of this, it’s imperative to train them as early as possible to make sure that they don’t have accidents inside your home; you can do this by taking them out right after they eat, sleep, or finish a play session.
As early as 8 weeks old, try to establish good behaviors in your puppy; otherwise, it may develop bad behaviors that can be harder to correct later. Socialization is one of the most important things to teach your puppy, and exposing them to all kinds of people, animals, and environments can help them adjust well to new experiences. Positive reinforcement is among the most effective ways to train new puppies, so be sure to give it lots of treats, praises, and head-scratching to help it associate training with happy rewards.
Shih Tzu Health Problems
In general, the Shih Tzu is a long-lived and robust breed but like all dogs, they’re prone to a few health conditions, which include the following:
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Corneal ulcers
- Dental problems
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Dry eye syndrome
- Ear infections
- Skin allergies
Many flat-faced breeds such as the Shih Tzu can suffer from health issues because their mouths, noses, and airways are smaller than usual. In severe cases, some dogs can experience difficulty breathing which will need immediate medical attention. Finally, when overfed or under-exercised, these dogs can become overweight, so be sure to give your pup a balanced diet and daily exercise.
Getting Your Shih Tzu
To ensure that you take home a happy pup, make sure to speak to a reputable breeder who can provide you with health certificates and answer questions you might have about its parents. A dog in good condition can cost between $1000 to $1500, but dogs that come from a high-quality bloodline or ones with a pedigree can cost even more. Always remember to visit your breeder in person to make sure that your potential puppy grows up in a nurturing, clean, and safe environment without any genetic problems.
Shih Tzu 101
While there are many different breeds of dog in the world, none will make for a better companion dog than the Shih Tzu, which is also one of the most popular dog breeds. While these dogs won’t do well alone for long periods of time, they will get along with young children and other pets, making them great family pets. These incredibly loyal dogs are full of life and will love nothing more than to entertain their family, but to help them glow make sure to give them all the care and attention they deserve! If you’re looking for ways to keep them happy and engaged, you can check out some of the best dog toys for Shih Tzus to make playtime even more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to know if a Shih Tzu is pure?
You can usually tell if a Shih Tzu is purebred by its signature look—round eyes, a short snout, and a long, flowing coat. For certainty, ask your breeder for registration papers or consider a DNA test for verification.
Is a Shih Tzu a good pet?
Yes, Shih Tzus make wonderful pets because they’re affectionate, loyal, and great companions for families or individuals. Their friendly temperament makes them especially good for apartment living and close-knit households.
Are Shih Tzus hard to potty train?
Shih Tzus can be a bit stubborn with potty training, but patience and consistency go a long way. Using positive reinforcement and a steady routine will help your pup catch on more quickly.
Which food is best for Shih Tzu?
The best food for a Shih Tzu is a high-quality dog food that supports small-breed needs, including healthy skin and coat. Look for recipes with real protein, balanced nutrients, and limited fillers to keep your pup thriving.
Which type of Shih Tzu is best?
All Shih Tzus share the same lovable personality, but their looks can vary, such as different coat colors or styles like the Imperial Shih Tzu. The “best” type comes down to your lifestyle and preference since every Shih Tzu brings the same charm and affection.
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