Shih Tzu: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Shih Tzu temperament and personality

The AKC's breed standard calls the Shih Tzu a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog, and VCA describes it as affectionate, fun-loving, outgoing with strangers and good with other dogs and pets. The breed was developed purely as a companion, and it shows: most Shih Tzus want to be with their people all day.

They are not yappy watchdogs or high-strung toys. A typical Shih Tzu is friendly, playful in short bursts and happy to nap on the sofa afterward. VCA notes it learns quickly but can be stubborn, so expect a dog that knows exactly what you want and decides whether it agrees. With a coat that needs work every day, a slicker brush and comb are worth buying before the puppy arrives.

How big do Shih Tzus get?

The AKC standard sets the ideal height at 9 to 10.5 inches at the shoulder, with dogs no smaller than 8 inches or larger than 11, and an ideal weight of 9 to 16 pounds. The standard applies the same ranges to males and females. VCA gives the same 8 to 11 inches and 9 to 16 pounds.

Shih Tzus are small but solid, heavier than they look under the coat. Feel for the ribs rather than judging by eye, since a full coat hides weight gain. VCA notes that very small puppies can be prone to low blood sugar and should be fed often, so ask your vet how many meals a young puppy needs.

Shih Tzu lifespan and common health issues

The breed is long-lived. AKC material gives a lifespan of 10 to 18 years, and VCA lists 11 to 14. VCA's breed page names dental disease, overheating because of the short muzzle, eye irritation from stray hairs and lashes, ear problems from poor air circulation, hygiene issues around the rear end, and low blood sugar in very small puppies.

Ask a breeder about the parents' eye exams and hip evaluations, and how they select for open nostrils and easy breathing. Ask your vet to check the teeth at every visit and to show you how to clean around the eyes. Squinting, a red or cloudy eye, or labored breathing in warm weather need a vet the same day.

Exercise needs

VCA calls the Shih Tzu a lively housedog that still needs outdoor walks for mental stimulation, and suggests a walk around the block once or twice a day. Short play sessions with toys indoors cover most of the rest, which is why the breed suits apartments.

Heat is the limit. With a short muzzle, a Shih Tzu overheats easily, so walk in the cool of the morning or evening in summer and keep play indoors on hot days. VCA advises against open dog parks unless they are for small dogs only, and says swimming needs constant supervision.

Shih Tzu grooming and shedding

The long, dense double coat is the breed's biggest commitment. The AKC says Shih Tzus need daily brushing and a bath every two to three weeks, and VCA recommends brushing and combing at least every other day to prevent mats. Shedding is below average, because loose hair stays in the coat until it is brushed out.

Many owners choose a short puppy trim from a professional groomer every four to six weeks, which the AKC suggests if daily brushing is not realistic. Either way, clean the corners of the eyes daily, keep head hair short or tied in a topknot, check the ears weekly and brush the teeth often.

Training a Shih Tzu

VCA says the Shih Tzu responds poorly to force but does well with reward-based training using food or games, and warns that house training can take longer than with many breeds. Set a strict schedule, take the puppy out after every meal, nap and play session, and reward success outside straight away.

Basic manners come easily with patience. Teach the dog to stand still for brushing and face cleaning from the first week, using tiny treats, because a lifetime of grooming is far easier with a dog that accepts it. Short, upbeat sessions work better than long ones.

Are Shih Tzus good with kids and other pets?

VCA says the Shih Tzu is playful and good with children, but needs supervision because it could easily be hurt. Teach children to sit on the floor to cuddle the dog rather than carry it, since a drop from arm height can injure a small dog.

The breed is also good with other dogs and pets, according to VCA. Most get on well with cats and gentle dogs. Supervise play with large, boisterous dogs, which can hurt a small dog without meaning to.

What a Shih Tzu needs at home

Grooming kit comes first: a pin brush, a slicker brush, a fine metal comb, detangling spray, hair bands or bows for a topknot, eye wipes, ear cleaner, nail clippers and a dog toothbrush. A grooming table or non-slip mat makes daily brushing easier on both of you.

For daily life, a small crate for house training, a soft bed, a lightweight harness rather than a collar to protect the neck and airway, and puzzle toys for rainy days cover the basics. Keep a cool spot at home in summer, and ask your vet about a dental care routine early.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.