Breeds / Shih Tzu

Breed guide

Shih Tzu

Q: How much grooming does a Shih Tzu need?

A full-length coat needs brushing every day, right down to the skin. Many families choose a shorter puppy cut instead, with a professional groom every six to eight weeks.

Q: How big do Shih Tzus get?

Around 9 to 10.5 inches at the shoulder and 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown.

Q: Are Shih Tzus good family dogs?

Yes. They are sociable and even-tempered, and they usually get along with children, other dogs and cats. Very young children should be shown how to handle a small dog gently.

Q: How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?

A couple of short walks and some play indoors is plenty. Take care in hot weather — a short muzzle makes heat harder for them to handle.

Q: Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?

Less than most small breeds. They may announce a visitor, but they are not generally noisy dogs.

Q: How long do Shih Tzus live?

Ten to sixteen years, and many stay bright and affectionate right through.

Q: Are Shih Tzus easy to house train?

They take a little more patience than a larger breed, mostly because of bladder size. A consistent routine and frequent trips outside get you there.

The Shih Tzu was bred for one job — companionship — and it shows. They are happy in a small home, happiest in your lap, and generally content to go wherever you go. The one real commitment is the coat: a long coat needs daily brushing, or a shorter puppy cut if you would rather.

At a glance

Breed overview

A toy-group companion bred for centuries to sit beside people. Low exercise needs, sociable with almost everyone, and one of the calmest small breeds to live with.

Breed groupToy group

Size9–16 pounds

Height9–10.5 inches

Lifespan10–16 years

TemperamentAffectionate, easygoing, sociable

Energy levelLow to moderate

Good with kidsYes

Good with other petsExcellent

Honest fit check

Is a Shih Tzu right for you?

A great fit if you want…

A lap dog in the truest sense

A calm companion that suits a smaller home

A friendly dog that greets strangers as friends

An owner happy to brush daily, or to keep the coat short

Personality

Temperament

The temperament is the biggest reason this breed is so loved.

Bred to be a companion

Not a guard dog, not a working dog. A Shih Tzu's whole history is sitting with people, and that is exactly what they still want.

Easygoing

Cheerful and hard to ruffle. They tend to take visitors, other pets and new places in their stride.

Content indoors

Short walks and a bit of play meet most of their needs, which makes them a good fit for apartments and quieter households.

Sociable with everyone

They usually get on well with children, other dogs and cats, and they rarely pick a fight.

Appearance

Distinctive by design

Long, flowing double coat

Short muzzle and large, round, dark eyes

Sturdy, compact little body

Tail carried in a plume over the back

Recognized coat colors

Gold and white

The most familiar pairing

Brindle

Streaked darker shading

Black and white

Black with white markings

Liver and white

Warm brown with white

Grooming & care

Keeping a Shih Tzu healthy

Daily brushing on a long coat

A full-length coat mats quickly. Brushing right down to the skin every day is what keeps it comfortable, not just tidy.

Or a puppy cut

Most families keep the coat clipped short. It is far easier to maintain and no less charming — a groom every six to eight weeks.

Face and eyes

Wipe the face daily and keep the hair out of the eyes. Their large eyes are easily irritated.

Heat care

A short muzzle means they cope poorly with heat. Walk in the cool of the day in summer and never leave one in a warm car.

Training

Trainability

Gentle and consistent

They are willing but not eager to please in the way a working breed is. Short, cheerful sessions get much further than repetition.

Food motivates

Small treats and praise work well. Watch the portions — this is a breed that puts weight on easily.

House training takes patience

Small dogs have small bladders. Keep a steady routine and expect it to take a little longer than with a larger breed.

Health considerations

Why responsible breeding matters

Every breed carries its own strengths and its own things to watch, and no honest breeder will tell you otherwise. A family deserves the whole picture before they choose a puppy — not a sales pitch.

We would rather you ask us hard questions than wonder later. Here are the ones worth asking any breeder, including us. You can see each puppy’s parents, and their health testing, on the puppy’s own page.

What health testing do you do on the parents?

Every breeder should be able to answer this plainly and without hesitating. Ask what’s been done, and ask what hasn’t — some evaluations can only be done once a dog is fully grown, and a straight answer about that tells you more than a perfect one.

Can I see the results?

Testing means little if nobody can look at it. A breeder who publishes results, or hands them over when asked, is a breeder who expects you to check.

Can I meet the parents?

The parents show you the temperament and condition your puppy is growing into. Meeting them in the home where the litter is raised tells you things no document can.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Ask what’s guaranteed, for how long, and who picks up the phone in a year. The answer to this question is where good breeders and quick sales part ways.

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