Dog breed profile
Shih tzu
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Shih Tzu is a small companion breed developed in China from Tibetan and Chinese toy-dog ancestry. Most adults stand around 20 to 28 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 4 to 7.5 kilograms. The breed has a compact body, broad head, shortened muzzle, large dark eyes, drop ears and a long, dense coat in many colours and patterns.
The tail is heavily feathered and carried over the back. Shih Tzus are typically affectionate, confident, playful and strongly people-oriented. They often enjoy children, visitors and other household pets when properly socialised and generally prefer close household companionship to prolonged isolation. Although small, they can be independent or stubborn and may become vocal, possessive or demanding when boundaries are inconsistent. A functionally built Shih tzu should show balance and comfortable movement rather than an exaggerated interpretation of the physical features for which the breed is known.
Their shortened skull, prominent eyes and heavy coat create important health and welfare considerations. Breathing restriction, heat intolerance, eye injury, dental crowding, skin-fold irritation and spinal or joint problems may occur, particularly in dogs with exaggerated facial features. The long coat also requires substantial maintenance. Shih Tzus can adapt well to apartments and quieter homes but still need daily exercise, training and mental stimulation. The Shih tzu's typical affectionate, confident, independent qualities are most constructive when household rules are predictable and desirable behaviour receives regular reinforcement.
The decision to live with a Shih tzu should account for adult size, temperament, activity and coat care. Living space alone does not determine suitability for a Shih tzu; access to companionship, purposeful activity, rest and consistent handling is more important than the size of the property.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
For the Shih tzu, care involves several short walks, indoor play and gentle training each day. Exercise should be reduced during warm or humid weather because the shortened muzzle can interfere with breathing and temperature control. A well-fitted harness is generally preferable to pressure from a collar. Reward quiet alternative behaviour before the Shih tzu's alert barking becomes habitual, and reduce repeated exposure to triggers that cannot yet be handled calmly.
The long coat should be brushed and combed thoroughly several times a week and preferably daily when kept at full length. Many companion dogs receive a shorter professional trim every six to eight weeks. Particular attention is needed behind the ears, beneath the legs, around the face and under collars or harnesses. Facial hair should be kept away from the eyes, and folds should remain clean and dry. Use each grooming session to examine the Shih tzu's skin, feet, ears and body outline, making the process cooperative enough that subtle changes are noticed early. Introduce brushing, foot handling, mouth examination and quiet restraint to the Shih tzu in brief rewarded steps before any of those procedures becomes urgent.
Eyes should be monitored for redness, squinting, cloudiness, discharge or injury. Teeth should be brushed daily because dental crowding and periodontal disease are common. Nails require regular trimming and ears should be checked for wax or infection. Measure the Shih tzu's food against actual workload and reassess portions after growth, desexing, illness or a change in activity rather than relying indefinitely on the packet guide.
Food portions must be measured carefully to prevent obesity. Regular veterinary examinations should monitor airway function, eyes, knees, spine, skin, ears and dental condition. Swimming requires close supervision, and urgent veterinary care is needed for breathing distress, overheating or sudden eye pain.
Conditions linked to this breed
Brachycephalic Syndrome
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Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Cherry Eye [Prolapsed Gland of the Nictitans]
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Congenital Portosystemic Shunts
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Congenital Renal Disease [Hereditary Nephropathies]
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Demodectic Mange
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Dermoid Sinus
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Distichiasis [Extra Eyelashes]
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Ectropion and Entropion
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Exposure Keratopathy (Corneal Ulcers)
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Familial Glomerulopathy
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Hydrocephalus
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Intervertebral Disc Disease IVDD
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Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca KCS, Dry Eye
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Luxating Patella
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Panosteitis
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy Generalised
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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