Shih Tzu Wiki: Complete Guide to the Breed

The Shih Tzu is a beloved breed known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They are well-suited for city living due to their small size.

Originally from Tibet, the Shih Tzu was bred as a palace dog for royalty. This history has shaped their affectionate and loyal nature.

Shih Tzus are often described as "lion dogs" due to their distinctive appearance. Their long, flowing coats require regular grooming to prevent matting.

Despite their gentle nature, Shih Tzus can be wary of strangers and may require time to warm up to new people.

Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, often described as loyal and affectionate companions.

Their small size, typically weighing between 9-16 pounds, makes them a great fit for apartment living or homes with small yards.

Shih Tzus are well-suited for families with children, as they are generally gentle and patient, but may require supervision due to their small size and potential for play-fighting.

Related reading: Shih Tzu How Big They Get

When it comes to physical characteristics, size is a notable trait of the Shih Tzu breed. Males and females alike stand at nine to ten and a half inches tall.

The Shih Tzu's weight range is quite varied, with most weighing between nine to 16 pounds.

The Shih Tzu's coat is a stunning feature of the breed, coming in many colors such as black, black and white, gray and white, or red and white.

Their long, silky coat requires daily brushing and combing to prevent tangles, and frequent bathing is also necessary. In fact, many Shih Tzu owners give up and hire a professional groomer to clip their locks short.

A white tip on the tail and a white blaze on the forehead are highly prized in Shih Tzus.

To keep their coat gorgeous, you'll need to brush all the way down to the skin, ideally starting during puppyhood. Brushing in sections, with the dog lying on their side, makes the process easier and more comfortable for both you and your Shih Tzu.

Recommended read: Bernedoodle Coat Types

The Shih Tzu coat changes from puppy fluff to a silky adult coat around 10-12 months of age, which can be a challenging time due to matting.

Here are the recognized coat colors by The Royal Kennel Club:

Their nails should be trimmed monthly, and their ears checked once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection.

Shih Tzus are prone to a number of health issues, some of which are hereditary. These can be devastating for dog owners who love their pets.

Eye problems are extremely common in Shih Tzus, and can occur at any age. Many veterinarians will recommend eye drops to help with any eye irritations.

Shih Tzus are also prone to ear infections, which can be caused by their long coat and hair growing in their ears. If ears aren't plucked and cleaned often, ear infections will reoccur and cause more serious health issues.

For another approach, see: Shih Tzu Ears

Eye issues are very common in Shih Tzus, affecting them at any age and becoming more frequent with age.

A number of eye problems can occur, including cataracts, which can be corrected with surgery, but if left untreated, can cause blindness. Excessive tear production is another issue, leading to tear stains around the eyes.

Shih Tzus are also prone to eye irritations, which can be treated with eye drops, and some dogs have allergies causing excess discharge around the eye. Allergies can be managed with medication.

Eye ulcers can occur if the large eyes are scratched, causing the dog to keep the injured eye closed or half closed and may have excessive tears. This is a common problem for Shih Tzus.

The distinctive large eyes of Shih Tzus can easily be scratched, causing an ulcer. They are also prone to the formation of epiphora, caused by the fur on the eyelids scratching the conjunctiva and the cornea, which can be medicated with prescribed eye drops.

Shih Tzus make up 16% of all glaucoma cases, according to a study from Japan, despite only making up 8.2% of the total population used in the study.

Worth a look: Shih Tzu Age

The life expectancy of a Shih Tzu is a topic of interest for many dog owners.

A 2022 study in the United Kingdom found the life expectancy of the Shih Tzu to be 11 years.

This is a few months below the average life expectancy of all dogs.

However, a 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 12.8 years for the breed.

This is slightly higher than the average life expectancy for purebreeds, which is 12.7 years.

In contrast, crossbreeds have an average life expectancy of 12 years.

A Japanese study found the Shih Tzu to have a life expectancy of 15 years.

This is above the 14 year average for all dogs.

See what others are reading: Brown Boxer Dogs

The Shih Tzu is a adaptable breed that can thrive in small city apartments or large homes, as long as they're with you. They're happy with short walks each day and enjoy playing with their toys or running to greet visitors.

Shih Tzus are sensitive to heat and should stay indoors in an air-conditioned room or one with fans on hot days to avoid heat exhaustion. Their short faces make them prone to overheating.

To prevent injuries, be careful when carrying your Shih Tzu and hold them securely, as they can jump from heights and crash forward, causing injury or concussion. Early socialization and training are essential to ensure your Shih Tzu grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

Shih Tzus can be difficult to housebreak, so it's essential to avoid giving them opportunities to have accidents indoors and supervise them closely until they're fully trained. Crate training is helpful for housetraining and provides a quiet place for your dog to relax.

The Shih Tzu's long coat requires daily combing to prevent tangling and matting, and regular bathing and conditioning can help reduce these issues. Their coats can grow long enough to hang in front of their eyes, so it's crucial to crop or style them in a topknot.

Shih Tzus are prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap shifts out of alignment, causing hind-leg "skipping." Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential issues early on.

Discover more: How Often Do Shih Tzus Go into Heat