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China/Tibet•toy
Shih Tzu
popularHypoallergenicApartment FriendlyGood with KidsGood with Pets
Affectionate, playful, and outgoing. Shih Tzus are charming lap dogs bred for companionship.
Weight4-7.5 kg9-16.5 lbs
Height23-28 cm9-11"
Lifespan10-18 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
AffectionatePlayfulOutgoingLoyalAlert
Height
23-28 cm9-11"
Weight
4-7.5 kg9-16.5 lbs
Lifespan
10-18 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Small - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Couch potato - content with short walks and lounging
Trainability
Strong-willed - needs an experienced handler
Grooming
High maintenance - daily brushing
Barking
Barks when necessary
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Shih23-28 cm9-11"Compatibility
How well Shih Tzu matches your lifestyle
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Good Fit
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Things to Consider
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Colors & patterns
Shih Tzu comes in 6 recognized colors
Gold and White
Bicolor
Gold·White
Black and White
Bicolor
Black·White
White
Black
Red and White
Bicolor
Red·White
Silver and White
Bicolor
Silver·White
Exercise
Activity requirements for Shih Tzu
low energy20-40 min/day
Shih Tzus have modest exercise needs. Short walks and light play sessions are typically sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
20-30 minutes daily of gentle exercise
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Short Walks
Gentle strolls around the neighborhood at a relaxed pace.
15-20 min
Low intensity
Indoor Play
Light play sessions with toys indoors.
10-15 min
Low intensity
Sniff Walks
Leisurely walks focused on mental stimulation through sniffing.
15-20 min
Keep in Mind
- Avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather
- Watch for signs of fatigue during exercise
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Shih Tzu
High Maintenancehair coat
Shih Tzus require significant grooming commitment. Daily maintenance prevents matting and keeps their coat healthy and beautiful.
Daily Brushing
Daily brushing is essential to prevent painful matting and tangles. Use appropriate brushes for the coat type.
Daily
Regular Bathing
Bathe every 2-4 weeks with quality products. Proper drying is crucial to prevent skin issues.
Every 2-4 weeks
Professional Grooming
Regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for thorough coat maintenance. Trimming needs vary by breed.
Every 4-6 weeks
Mat Prevention
Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind ears, under legs, and around the collar.
Daily check
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with heavy ear furnishings.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Shih Tzu
Strong-Willed
Shih Tzus have a strong will and may resist training. Success requires patience, experience, and understanding that stubbornness often indicates intelligence.
Best Approach
Never force or punish - it will backfire. Find creative ways to make them think compliance was their idea. Consider professional training help if needed.
Training Tips
Essential
Extreme Patience Required
Progress may be slower than with other breeds. Celebrate small wins and don't get discouraged.
Essential
Get Creative
Standard training methods may not work. Be willing to try unconventional approaches.
Essential
Firm, Fair Boundaries
Set clear boundaries consistently, but always with positive methods. Never use punishment.
Recommended
Consider Professional Help
A professional trainer experienced with this breed can provide valuable techniques and support.
Recommended
Set Realistic Expectations
They may never be perfectly obedient, and that's okay. Focus on essential commands and safety.
Common Challenges
- May refuse commands they know perfectly well
- Can be manipulative - knows how to get what they want
- Training sessions may require multiple approaches
- May need experienced handlers
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Shih Tzu
Small Breed2-3 meals$13-33/month
Small breeds have higher metabolisms than larger dogs and benefit from multiple meals per day with appropriately sized portions.
Feeding Tips
Careful Portion Control
Small breeds are prone to obesity. Measure food carefully and adjust based on activity level.
Small Breed Formula
Choose foods formulated for small breeds with appropriate kibble size and nutrient density.
Watch Treat Calories
Treats add up quickly for small dogs. Keep treats to 10% or less of daily calories.
Always Fresh Water
Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water. Small dogs can dehydrate quickly.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Shih Tzu
2
High Risk
2
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Shih Tzu
Monthly costs
Food
$13-33
Insurance
$34-79
Supplies
$13-26
Grooming
$83-99
Monthly total
$143-237
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$384-648/yr
Parasite prevention
$288/yr
Annual total
$672-936/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Shih Tzu's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
5 references for Shih Tzu
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Canine Health Information Center - Shih Tzu
Health·OFA-CHIC
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Eye Problems in Cats
Veterinary·VCA Animal Hospitals
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research