The Shih Tzu is a small companion breed from Tibet believed to have been bred from the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso thousands of years ago. While their name means “little lion,” there’s nothing fierce about this dog. Friendly and affectionate, they’ve made themselves comfortable on the laps of people from all walks of life since ancient times. Today, these little dogs have found their way into homes as family companions, cherished for their small size, devoted temperament, silky and low-shedding coat, and adaptability to different living environments, including apartments.
The Shih Tzu is a Tibetan toy breed born to be a furry companion. These little “lion dogs,” as their name means, were associated with Buddhism and bred to look like lions, according to the Shih Tzu Club. These days, the Shih Tzu is a household name.
If you’re looking for a small best buddy who will happily join you on the couch for cuddles and shower you with unconditional love, this may be the dog for you.
A beautiful Shih Tzu with a long, flowing coat.
Characteristics of the Shih Tzu
Today’s Shih Tzu is an active and friendly breed weighing anywhere between 9-16 pounds with an average height of 10 inches. Small. Built sturdily with a showstopping coat, the Shih Tzu is a toy dog through and through. They have a wide weight variation (a seven-pound difference can be quite extreme for a toy variety).
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Shih Tzu have long, smooth fur; a squished muzzle; a pronounced underbite, and short, floppy ears. The breed standard requires only a slight wave in the coat at most, but you may see a curly-coated Shih Tzu as well. They come in a variety of colors, often mixed in with white. Breeders will tie excess hair on top of their head.
Shih Tzu are pleasant and energetic companions. They make loyal, loving companions for families with children and other animals. When socialized at a young age, this breed can be great with children and other animals as well. Shih Tzu dogs are quite adaptable and can range from a sedentary lifestyle cuddling indoors to a more adventurous walk in the park. No matter what you do, they just want to be with their people. They have a sweet disposition and need love and attention. Because of the average Shih Tzu temperament, these happy-go-lucky dogs are happy just to be near you.
Temperament and Training
Affectionate and Trainable
Deeply affectionate, the Shih Tzu loves being a lap dog. They’re easily trusting of most people and love children. Shih Tzu are people pleasers and are usually easy to train. Gentle but firm persistence with this breed is best, as they’re people-pleasers and ultimately want to make you happy. They are easy to train and do not require large amounts of exercise - making them perfect for beginner dog owners or city dwellers!
With both kids and adults, they’ll charm everyone within a few moments of meeting them.
Adaptable Lifestyle
Due to their royal ancestry of living in palaces, they’re quite content being inside most of the day. Shih Tzu dogs are quite adaptable and can range from a sedentary lifestyle cuddling indoors to a more adventurous walk in the park. No matter what you do, they just want to be with their people. They have a sweet disposition and need love and attention. Shih Tzus love being in the great indoors, but still benefit from short walks and playtime.
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Early Socialization
Like all dogs, Shih Tzu puppies should be socialized at a young age to avoid any anxiety. Establishing clear boundaries and expectations early on lays the foundation for a well-behaved and well-adjusted dog. Basic obedience training such as teaching commands like sit, stay, and come, is crucial for effective communication and building a strong bond with your new best friend. Additionally, exposing your dog to various environments, people, and other animals helps prevent behavioral issues and promotes confidence and adaptability.
Training a Shih Tzu puppy requires patience and positive reinforcement.
Grooming and Care
Shih Tzu are minimal shedders, but don’t confuse that with having minimal grooming needs. Due to their double coats, Shih Tzus need to be watched to make sure they don’t overheat.
Though this breed doesn’t shed, the Shih Tzu’s luxurious coat doesn’t come easy. Their coats need daily brushing with a good quality dog brush that can take out tangles. Always include brushing the top knot on their head along with their mustache. Once a month, give a Shih Tzu a bath to keep the coat clean and shiny.
Because their coats grow long, making them prone to matting and skin irritation, Shih Tzu dogs need a bath once a week. Along with bathing, Shih Tzu must be brushed at least a few times each week, but preferably daily. The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be prone to tear staining because of their flat face. Keeping this area clean and dry is the best way to avoid staining. Shih Tzu dogs are prone to ear infections due to hair growing inside their ear canals. Routine cleaning with a vet-approved ear cleaner will help reduce the chances of ear infections.
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Pet parents should also consider feeding their Shih Tzu dry kibble instead of canned food to lessen the risk of periodontal disease, as dry kibble is abrasive and can remove some plaque buildup.
Grooming Summary:
- Bathing: Once a week
- Brushing: Daily
- Ear Cleaning: Routine cleaning with vet-approved cleaner
- Dental Care: Dry kibble to reduce plaque
Common Health Issues
The average Shih Tzu lifespan is long, at 10-18 years. It’s important to know that Shih Tzu are brachycephalic, meaning they have a short, squished muzzle. Dogs with flat faces, such as the Shih Tzu, have brachycephalic syndrome.
Shih Tzu have many inherited eye conditions, including glaucoma, chronic dry eye, and cataracts. A liver shunt is a liver disease that causes toxins in the blood stream to bypass the liver, the organ that normally filters these toxins out of the body. Glomerulonephrititis is a type of kidney disease inherited in Shih Tzu. It causes excess protein to be lost from the body and may cause the kidneys to malfunction at an early age. Your veterinarian will assess for ear infections in your Shih Tzu with a thorough examination.
Here's a breakdown of some common health concerns:
- Patellar luxation: A condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, causing discomfort, limping, and arthritis.
- Periodontal disease: Commonly seen in Shih Tzu dogs because their teeth can easily overcrowd their small mouths.
- Hip dysplasia: Results when the hip joints don’t develop properly. Hip dysplasia is often diagnosed via X-rays and treated with medication or joint supplements to reduce inflammation and pain.
Regular vet check-ups are crucial for maintaining a Shih Tzu's health.
Cost of Owning a Shih Tzu
The typical Shih Tzu price ranges from $1,000-$3,000, depending on breeding lines. You may also find Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu mixes for adoption at local shelters and rescues.
The price could be as low as $250 if you get your puppy of off Craigslist - or around $1,200 if you get him from a registered breeder. How much exactly you end up paying for a Shih Tzu will depend on the puppy’s pedigree as well as how much effort was put into selecting the parents and caring for the puppies. When buying a puppy from a registered breeder, you can expect to pay a multiple of the price that a classified ad might ask for. Breeders often spend months on planning pairings and titling the parents in conformation show.
The cheapest way to get a Shih Tzu puppy is often to look in your local classified ads (such as Craigslist). Unfortunately this comes with a catch: Those puppies usually receive little to no veterinary care and come from non-health-tested parents.
Ongoing Expenses
Owning a Shih Tzu is a rewarding experience, but it’s important to budget for the costs that come with caring for this adorable breed.
- Vet Costs in the First Year: In the first year of owning a Shih Tzu, you can expect to spend between $500 and $1,000 on veterinary care, with an average of $700. This includes puppy vaccinations, deworming, spaying or neutering, microchipping, and the first-year wellness exams.
- Annual Vet Costs in Following Years: After the first year, annual vet costs typically range from $400 to $600. Routine expenses include wellness exams, vaccines, flea and tick prevention, and dental cleanings.
- Food: High-quality dry kibble or wet food specifically formulated for small breeds may cost around $200 to $400 annually, depending on the brand and the dog’s individual dietary needs.
- Toys and Enrichment: Expect to spend about $50 to $150 per year on chew toys, puzzle toys, and other interactive items.
- Training: Group puppy classes or basic obedience training can cost between $100 and $300, depending on your location.
Adoption vs. Breeder
When considering adding a Shih Tzu to your family, you have several options. I recommend to stay away from purchasing puppies off of Craiglist or big-block stores.
The most affordable option that also guarantees that the puppy will be in good health is to get a Shih Tzu from a rescue. You may not end up with a purebred Shih Tzu - but you can be certain your puppy is dewormed and vaccinated.
If you want to own a purebred Shih Tzu from a reputable breeder, the cost will be higher. Expect to pay at least $1,200. This price will rise if you are looking for a specific color, gender or want to have a show quality puppy.
A Shih Tzu puppy from a rescue will run about $350. Nearly all rescues only let puppies go to their adopter’s forever homes if they have been vaccinated, microchipped and dewormed.
Getting a Shih Tzu from a reputable AKC breeder will be the most expensive option on our list. Prices of around $1,200 are typical for breeders who pair titles parents. The breeder will also be aware of the parents’ (and grandparents’) temperament and characteristics. This is especially important if you are planning on adding a Shih Tzu to a family with other dogs or children. Breeders usually send puppies to their forever homes with shots, dewormings and a microchipped. Shih Tzus from highly decorated champion lines or those that have especially rare colors and patterns may be a multiple of the price of a pet dog.
Cost Comparison:
| Source | Estimated Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craigslist | $250 | Low cost | Poor veterinary care, non-health-tested parents |
| Rescue | $350 | Vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed | May not be purebred |
| AKC Breeder | $1,200+ | Purebred, health-tested parents, known temperament | Higher cost |
Finding a Shih Tzu
When considering a Shih Tzu, it’s advisable to prioritize adopting from rescue organizations or shelters to provide a loving home to a dog in need. However, if you decide to purchase a Shih Tzu puppy, it’s crucial to choose a reputable breeder. Reputable Shih Tzu breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs, conduct necessary health screenings, and provide a nurturing environment for the puppies. Conduct thorough research to ensure that the breeder follows ethical practices and prioritizes the well-being of their dogs.
Suitability for Apartment Living
Looking for the best dog for your apartment? Contrary to popular belief, the suitability of dogs who adapt well to apartment living goes beyond its size. Apartment dwellers have a myriad of dog breeds to choose from as potential companions, with various factors to consider. Some large breeds can adapt well to apartment living and have lower activity levels. Others may require more space and possess higher energy levels. However, when selecting a dog that adapts well to apartments, it is essential to prioritize your neighbors. Opting for a pet that doesn’t excessively bark and behaves politely when encountering others in shared spaces is crucial.
In apartment settings, it’s worth noting that numerous small dogs may exhibit a propensity for high energy and frequent barking. This can make them less suitable for apartment living. Rather than size alone, you’ll want to think about breeds who are quiet, low-energy, and sociable towards other residents. Regardless of your pup’s inherent suitability to apartment living, you will want to invest in additional training to help them be their best selves.
Training dogs not inherently suited to apartment living requires extra patience and consistency. Start by establishing clear boundaries and rules within your apartment to create a structured routine for your dog. Focus on basic obedience commands such as “sit”, “stay”, “come”, and “leave it”. Barking-related training commands including “hush” or “quiet” are also crucial. This training is essential for managing your dog’s behavior both indoors and outdoors. Since space may be limited, prioritize leash training to ensure your dog walks calmly and obediently, especially in communal areas. Crate training can also help your dog feel safe and secure while you’re away from your apartment.
The Shih Tzus are generally intelligent and are often easy to train, and many Shih Tzu mixes inherit these traits from their parent breed. When training a Shih Tzu mix, it is important to use positive reinforcement techniques such as rewards and praise to encourage good behavior. You should also be patient and consistent with your training, and you should start training your Shih Tzu mix as early as possible to set them up for success. It is also important to socialize your Shih Tzu mix so that they can learn to get along with other dogs and people.
Shih Tzus adapt well to apartment living with proper training and exercise.
Mix Breeds
A Shih Tzu mix is a crossbreed dog that has been bred by combining a Shih Tzu with another purebred dog. This type of mixed breed dog can inherit traits from both of its parent breeds, and can vary in appearance and temperament. Shih Tzu mixes are often bred to combine the Shih Tzu’s charming personality with the desirable traits of another breed, such as the intelligence and trainability of a Poodle or the energy and athleticism of a Cocker Spaniel.
There are many different breeds of dog that can be mixed with a Shih Tzu to create a Shih Tzu mix. At A-Z Animals we recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Formula Dry Dog Food. It is a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for small breeds like Shih Tzus. This dog food is made with real chicken and brown rice as the first two ingredients, and it contains a balanced blend of protein, fat, and other nutrients to support the growth and development of small breeds. It is also made with wholesome fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, cranberries, and sweet potatoes, to provide natural sources of antioxidants.
Here is a brief overview of some common Shih Tzu mixes:
- Shih-Poo (Shih Tzu & Poodle): Combines the hypoallergenic qualities of a Poodle with the affectionate nature of a Shih Tzu.
- Shorkie (Shih Tzu & Yorkshire Terrier): A small, energetic mix known for its loyalty and playful demeanor.
- Malti-Tzu (Shih Tzu & Maltese): A gentle and affectionate mix, ideal for companionship.
Is a Shih Tzu the Right Dog for You?
Determining if a dog is kid-friendly involves assessing various aspects of their temperament, behavior, and breed characteristics. A kid-friendly dog should display a gentle and calm demeanor, showing an ability to handle the unpredictable behaviors and noises associated with children. Breed tendencies also play a role in gauging kid-friendliness. Some breeds are inherently more predisposed to be good with children.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may intimidate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others are naturally more dog friend and would rather play than fight.
If you’re looking for a pup to join your household, you may first want to consider the most kid-friendly dog breeds. A gentle nature, patience, and the sturdiness to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs children can dish out can be some of the most kid-friendly dog-defining traits. Of course, a pup with a blasé attitude toward running and screaming children would be a bonus.
Ultimately, owning a Shih Tzu can be a rewarding experience for the right owner. With proper care, training, and attention, these little lion dogs can make wonderful companions for many years to come.
Consider these factors when deciding if a Shih Tzu is right for you:
- Are you able to commit to regular grooming?
- Can you provide a loving and attentive environment?
- Will you be able to handle potential health issues?