Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu dog

Affectionate, outgoing companion bred for centuries to live closely with people.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Toy 9 - 16 lbs 9 - 11 inches 10 - 18 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: China



Own a Shih Tzu? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Shih Tzu? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.
  • Want a breed that tends to adapt well to apartment living.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • Coat maintenance may require significant regular grooming.

The Shih Tzu has deep connections to Tibet and China. Its precise early ancestry is difficult to reconstruct, but small lion-like dogs from Tibet were treasured in China and became closely associated with imperial households and Buddhist imagery. The Shih Tzu was developed as a companion, not as a hunter or farm dog, and generations lived within Chinese royal courts. The breed became particularly associated with palace breeding programs during the late imperial period. Political upheaval in China during the 20th century nearly erased the breed in its homeland, but a small number of Shih Tzus had already been exported to Europe. Modern Shih Tzus descend from a remarkably limited foundation population preserved by breeders outside China. Dogs were imported into Britain beginning around the late 1920s, where the breed became established separately from the similar Lhasa Apso. From Europe, Shih Tzus spread to North America and elsewhere. Despite that turbulent history, their original purpose has barely changed: the Shih Tzu remains first and foremost a companion dog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Shih Tzu tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The Shih Tzu tends to need significant regular grooming and coat maintenance.

The Shih Tzu generally has a lower energy level and may prefer a calmer routine.

The Shih Tzu generally has lower exercise needs, though daily activity remains important.

The Shih Tzu has moderate trainability and generally benefits from patient, consistent training.

The Shih Tzu may be less naturally suited to homes with children, so careful introductions and supervision are important.

The Shih Tzu generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Shih Tzu is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Shih Tzu generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.