Chapter I
Meeting the Shih Tzu
Small dog with a luxurious long coat and friendly personality. Shih Tzus are affectionate, playful, and make excellent family pets.
Origin story. Ancient breed from China, bred for Chinese royalty. They were considered sacred dogs.
Is this breed right for you?
Quick fit signals for common lifestyles—honest starting points, not guarantees.
First-time owners
Fair fit · 3/5Doable for motivated beginners, but low to moderate energy and affectionate/playful traits need consistency.
Homes with kids
Strong fit · 5/5Strong family fit (5/5)—still supervise all dog–child time and teach gentle handling.
Apartments
Strong fit · 5/5Apartment-friendly if walks and enrichment match their low to moderate energy.
Alone during the day
Good fit · 4/5Often tolerates reasonable alone time if exercised first and given enrichment.
Chapter II
Temperament & character
Small dog with a luxurious long coat and friendly personality. Overall, Shih Tzus are described as affectionate, playful, outgoing, gentle. Trainability sits around 3/5 and bark tendency around 3/5, so patience and clear boundaries matter more than force.
Living with a Shih Tzu often feels like: affectionate, playful, outgoing, and more.
What owners love
- Strong family / kids compatibility
- Works well in apartments with daily walks
- Lower shedding than average
- Calm energy for quieter homes
What to plan for
- Higher grooming time and cost
- Several breed-related health risks to monitor
Chapter III
Daily care
Exercise. Shih Tzus typically need about 30–45 minutes of activity daily (low to moderate energy, small frame). Aim for leisurely walks and short play sessions. Mental work—training games, scent work, or puzzle feeders—counts toward a settled house dog. Low energy requiring short walks and indoor play. [4]
Training. Can be stubborn but respond well to positive reinforcement.
Grooming rhythm. Shih Tzus have a long coat. Use this calendar as a starting point, then adjust for climate, allergies, and your dog’s skin. High maintenance. Daily brushing and regular professional grooming required. [4]
| Task | Cadence |
|---|---|
| Brush / detangle | Daily or every other day |
| Bath | Every 3–6 weeks |
| Nails | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Ears & teeth | Weekly; brush teeth several times a week |
| Professional groom | Every 6–10 weeks |
Feeding guide
Nutrition should match a small, low to moderate-energy Shih Tzu. Labels are starting points—body condition (ribs easy to feel, waist visible) beats cup counts alone. [2] [4]
- Meals per day
- 2 measured meals
- Portion starting point
- About 1–1.5 cups of quality dry food daily for many adults (split into meals)
- Keep treats under ~10% of daily calories—Shih Tzus with low to moderate energy still gain weight easily indoors.
- Puppies usually need more frequent meals than adults; transition gradually to an adult formula when your vet recommends it.
- Fresh water always available; sudden appetite loss, vomiting, or bloating warrants a same-day vet call.
Chapter IV
First year with a Shih Tzu
The first year sets habits for manners, confidence, and health. Use this roadmap with your veterinarian’s vaccine and wellness plan—timelines vary by region and individual dog.
0–3 months
Settle-in & socialization window
- Vet wellness visit, core vaccine discussion, and parasite prevention per your clinic’s schedule. [3]
- Gentle exposure to new people, surfaces, and calm dogs after your vet clears outings—early socialization shapes adult behavior. [8]
- Crate or safe-space training, name recognition, and potty routine. Keep sessions short and reward-based—patience beats pressure.
- Puppy-proof for a small explorer: chewables, cords, and trash are irresistible.
3–6 months
Manners & body confidence
- Continue vaccines/boosters as directed; ask about lifestyle vaccines if you hike, board, or travel. [3]
- Leash manners, “sit/stay/come,” and alone-time practice in small doses (alone-time score 4/5).
- Channel low to moderate energy into structured play so chewing and jumping don’t become hobbies.
- Start coat handling early so grooming stays low-stress as the adult coat fills in.
6–12 months
Adolescent brain, adult habits
- Expect a stubborn or distracted stretch—stay consistent with rules and rewards (3/5 trainability).
- Build toward the adult exercise plan (~solid daily walks); growth plates matter for small dogs—avoid repetitive high-impact work until your vet says so.
- Revisit socialization with busier environments once vaccines are complete.
- Schedule a “young adult” wellness check; discuss breed-linked screening if relevant to Shih Tzus. [2]
Chapter V
Cost of ownership
First-year costs usually exceed a quiet adult year because of spay/neuter, vaccines, training, and gear. The ASPCA’s 2021 national dog table totals $3,221 for first year and $1,391 for a listed annual year—planning figures, not a Shih Tzu-specific invoice. [7]
Typical monthly. ASPCA’s 2021 annual planning total for listed dog categories is $1,391/year (food $300, routine medical $225, preventatives $185, and more). AKC lists food about $275–$800 and overlapping vet/preventive ranges. Confirm local clinic and food costs—these are not Shih Tzu-specific bills.
Surprises. Keep an emergency buffer—ER visits and breed-linked issues (e.g. Eye Problems, Breathing Problems) can dwarf routine food costs. Pet insurance on the ASPCA 2021 table is listed at $516/year as a planning line. [2] [7]
Read the full Shih Tzu cost guide →
First-year setup to plan for
- ASPCA 2021 initial/one-time planning total: $1,030 (spay/neuter, initial medical, crate, training assets, and related lines on their table)
- AKC publishes overlapping one-time ranges for crate, supplies, vaccines, microchip, and puppy kindergarten—see their financial-prep article
- Training is especially useful when trainability is 3/5 and energy is low to moderate
- This long coat often needs professional grooming—ASPCA’s 2021 table lists professional grooming as a $300 special planning line; AKC lists grooming around $50–$500.
Chapter VI
Health & the years ahead
Often-discussed health topics for Shih Tzus include Eye Problems, Breathing Problems, Hip Dysplasia. These are risks to ask about—not a diagnosis for every dog. Pair screening with the breed’s typical reported lifespan of 10-16 years, and confirm a preventive plan with your veterinarian. [2]
Typical lifespan is often listed around 10-16 years, but genetics, weight, and care shift that range. Senior years usually mean gentler exercise, joint support, and more frequent checkups. Veterinary life-stage guidelines help tailor senior visits. Estimates vary; confirm timing with your veterinarian. [5]
Breed clubs and veterinary sources often discuss the topics below for Shih Tzus. Treat them as conversation starters with your veterinarian and reputable sellers—not a checklist that every dog will develop these conditions. [1] [2]
- Eye Problems. Ask your vet about ophthalmologist exam (e.g. CAER/eye clinic).
- Breathing Problems. Ask your vet about airway assessment; avoid heat/overexertion in brachycephalic dogs.
- Hip Dysplasia. Ask your vet about hip evaluation (OFA/PennHIP-style imaging as your vet advises).
When to call the vet. Seek urgent care for collapse, pale gums, labored breathing, unproductive retching, seizures, or inability to walk. Everyday red flags—persistent vomiting, diarrhea, limping, or behavior change—deserve a same-week appointment. [6]
Lifespan and health notes are typical reported ranges from breed and veterinary education sources—not guarantees for an individual dog. Confirm care plans with your veterinarian.
Chapter VII
Life at home
With children. Shih Tzus score 5/5 for life with children. Their affectionate and playful traits help, but size (small) and energy (low to moderate) still require supervision and manners training.
Apartments & space. Apartment fit is excellent (5/5). A small Shih Tzu with low to moderate energy can thrive in smaller spaces if you commit to daily walks and enrichment. Alone-time tolerance is about 4/5.
Shedding & allergies. Shih Tzus are often chosen by allergy-conscious owners (shedding 1/5; long coat). No breed is fully hypoallergenic—meet the dog before committing.
Before you bring one home
Questions for breeders and rescue groups—save these and bring them to every visit.
- 01What health tests have the parents (or this dog) completed for concerns common in Shih Tzus such as Eye Problems, Breathing Problems, Hip Dysplasia?
- 02Can I meet at least one parent, see where the dogs live, and review veterinary records?
- 03How do you socialize puppies or evaluate adult temperament for a low to moderate-energy, affectionate/playful breed?
- 04What is your return or rehoming policy if the dog is not a fit?
- 05What training resources do you recommend for the first three months?
- 06What grooming routine should I budget for in the first year?
- 07Is the dog up to date on vaccines, parasite prevention, and (for adults) spay/neuter—or what is the plan?
- 08May I contact a recent adopter as a reference?
They were bred for Chinese royalty
More to know
- 02Their name means 'lion dog'
- 03They're excellent family dogs
Chapter VIII
Common questions
How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?
Low energy requiring short walks and indoor play.
What is the grooming requirement for a Shih Tzu?
High maintenance. Daily brushing and regular professional grooming required.
Are Shih Tzus good with kids?
Compatibility with children is excellent (5/5) for the Shih Tzu. They tend to be affectionate and playful, which suits family life—always supervise dog–child interactions.
Can a Shih Tzu live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated excellent (5/5). Their small size and low to moderate energy make them workable in smaller spaces if walked and stimulated daily.
Do Shih Tzus shed a lot?
Shedding is rated 1/5 for this breed (low). Coat type: long. High maintenance. Daily brushing and regular professional grooming required.
How long does a Shih Tzu typically live?
Typical reported lifespan for a Shih Tzu is about 10-16 years. That is an average range from breed and veterinary education sources—not a guarantee. Genetics, weight, preventives, and care all influence how long an individual dog lives.
How much does it cost to own a Shih Tzu?
The ASPCA’s 2021 national dog cost table totals $1,391 per year for the categories they list (food, routine medical, preventatives, and more)—a planning figure, not a Shih Tzu-specific bill. See our Shih Tzu cost guide for line items, AKC published ranges, and any tracked puppy asking band. Always budget for unexpected vet bills.
What are the main health concerns for Shih Tzus?
Conditions often discussed for this breed include Eye Problems, Breathing Problems, Hip Dysplasia. Not every Shih Tzu will develop these issues—ask breeders or rescues about health testing and plan checkups with your veterinarian.
How much does a Shih Tzu cost in the first year?
Beyond purchase or adoption, plan for vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, gear, and training. The ASPCA’s 2021 table lists a dog first-year total of $3,221 as a national planning figure. Open our Shih Tzu cost guide for the full ledger with sources.
Can a Shih Tzu be left alone during the workday?
Alone-time tolerance is about 4/5. Many Shih Tzus manage reasonable alone time if exercised first and given enrichment.
How often should I groom a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus have a long coat. High maintenance. Daily brushing and regular professional grooming required. Most owners schedule professional grooming every 4–10 weeks and brush at home between visits.
Should I get a Shih Tzu puppy or an adult?
Puppies need intensive socialization, potty training, and supervision—especially with low to moderate energy. Adults can be a better fit if you want a clearer read on size and temperament. Either way, ask about health testing and a return policy.
What health tests should Shih Tzu parents have?
Ask about screening related to Eye Problems, Breathing Problems, Hip Dysplasia—for example imaging, eye clinics, cardiac exams, or genetic tests your veterinarian recommends for this breed. Reputable sellers share results willingly.
Chapter IX
Kindred breeds
If the Shih Tzu speaks to you, these neighbors on the family tree—or in temperament—are worth a look. Open a full comparison when you want the details side by side.
Chapter X
References
This guide summarizes publicly available breed and veterinary education sources and applies them to Shih Tzu traits in our database. Always consult your veterinarian for individual care. Citation numbers in the text map to the list below.
- [1]Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (AKC)
- [2]Pet Ownership & Responsible Care — American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- [3]Canine Vaccination Guidelines — American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
- [4]General Dog Care — ASPCA
- [5]2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats — American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
- [6]Healthy Pets, Healthy People — Dogs — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- [7]How Much Does Dog Ownership Cost? — American Kennel Club (AKC)
- [8]Puppy Socialization — American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)