Shih Tzus are a small, affectionate breed originating in China centuries ago. Their name translates to “little lion dog” in Mandarin, which is not surprising considering their flat, round face and bushy coat. They are one big, cute mane. Their coat can be one of many colors and variations, including black, white, silver, blue, brindle, gold, liver, red, and black gold.
Training a Shih Tzu is possible, but it has its challenges. This breed is exceptionally charming and can manipulate its owner into having its own way. Short, but consistently recurring training sessions are key, along with positive reinforcement rather than scolding.
This dog breed is highly adaptable. They are perfect for apartment living and will also enjoy larger homes as long as they get to be inside with people. They do well in most climates and, as with many dog breeds, is sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Due to their small size, they may need some layers when winter sets in to help keep them warm on walks.
If it’s kept long, they have a heavy coat. That, paired with their short snout, means they can overheat easily, so you will want to keep a close eye on them when you are outside during the summer months. A Shih Tzu is a true companion that is happiest living life as a lap dog, which means they don’t do well with a lot of alone time.
Most Shih Tzus are very healthy, living 10-18 years. They may be susceptible to some health issues including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye issues like cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and corneal dryness. As a flat-faced breed, they cannot stand extreme heat and cannot swim well.
The Shih Tzu is an intelligent dog breed. They are eager to please, but also have a stubborn streak. They can be a good fit for first-time dog owners, but training classes are recommended. Because they are social and crave human affection, they do not respond well to harsh tones or corrections. Instead, they respond best to positive training that is also consistent.
Consistency is essential in the training process, which includes some resistance on your part. Shih Tzu are known for charming their owners and getting them to give in even when they are misbehaving. It’s important to resist your dog’s innate charm during training and ignore them until they settle down. Once they do, then reward and praise them. Giving in during undesired behavior results in inconsistent training and can end up reinforcing that behavior.
Shih Tzus have quite beautiful coats which can be styled in a number of ways. To keep their eyes from being irritated, the hair on the top of their head should be kept short or tied up in a topknot. Their long coats should be brushed thoroughly each day, including the mustache and topknot. Their coats can also be trimmed into a “puppy cut” which is a lot less time-consuming to take care of.
In addition to their coats, their nails should be trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed a few times per week.
Shih Tzus were bred to be house pets and as such, they do not require very much exercise. They are perfectly content and healthy with a short walk or some indoor playtime with their owners. For this reason, they make great pets for people who live in the city and senior dog owners.
Shih Tzus stay pretty small with adults weighing 9-16 pounds and standing at a height of 9-10.5 inches.
A Shih Tzu generally lives 10-18 years.
Queen Elizabeth II and Miley Cyrus have both owned a Shih Tzu.
