Shih Tzu
- Height at the withers
- 20 to 27 cm
- Weight
- 4.5 to 8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 30 minutes
- Origin
- Tibet / China
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
Less suited to
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A small, sturdy toy breed with a distinctive short muzzle, large dark eyes and a long, luxurious double coat. Known for its charming, affectionate nature as a companion.
History and origins
An ancient breed developed in Tibetan monasteries and refined by imperial breeders at the Chinese court. Probably descended from Tibetan breeds, possibly from crosses between the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese, it was prized as a companion of the nobility.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 16 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Brachycephalic syndrome (breathing difficulties)
- Corneal ulcers and keratitis
- Patellar luxation
- Ear infections
- Herniated disc
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long double coat. Almost no shedding, very high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Ideal, 5 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very low, 1 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Shih Tzu FAQ
How big does the Shih Tzu get?
The Shih Tzu stands 20 to 27 cm at the withers and weighs 4.5 to 8 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Shih Tzu shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a great deal of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Shih Tzu live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment.
How much exercise does the Shih Tzu need each day?
Allow about 30 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the Shih Tzu good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Shih Tzu live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 16 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are brachycephalic syndrome, as well as corneal ulcers and keratitis.
