The shih tzu dog’s name means “lion dog,” a fitting title for a breed created to resemble the lion of traditional oriental art. Part of the AKC Toy Group, the shih tzu dog is known for its flowing, long coat, lively and alert personality, and a distinctively arrogant posture that makes it unique in appearance among toy breeds.

Of ancient origin, this breed was once prized by Chinese aristocracy, and that royal pedigree still shows in the shih tzu’s confident carriage and captivating presence. The coat comes in a wide variety of colors and requires daily brushing, but the payoff is a trusting, affectionate little dog that makes a wonderful house pet for almost any type of household.

Breed History & Origin

The shih tzu dog originates from Tibet and is believed to be bred from the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. In Mandarin Chinese, the name translates directly to “lion,” an animal considered sacred in Buddhist tradition and a symbol of royalty, strength, and bravery. Shih tzus are strongly associated with Buddhism and Buddhist mythology, and legend holds that a small lion dog accompanied the Buddha of wisdom, Manjushri, with the ability to transform into a full-sized lion when needed.

The breed was a favorite of Chinese royalty during the Ming Dynasty, prized so highly that for years the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away. The Dowager Empress Cixi ran a dedicated breeding program for shih tzus, and palace eunuchs bred the dogs to win favor with the emperor. The first shih tzus arrived in Europe in the late 1920s, when Englishwoman Lady Brownrigg brought two dogs to England in 1928; the breed’s first European standard followed in 1935. Shih tzus reached the United States after World War II, when returning servicemen brought dogs back from Europe and Asia, and the American Kennel Club formally recognized the breed in 1969.

During the Chinese Communist Revolution in 1949, the breed’s association with wealth led to the loss of nearly all Shih Tzus in China; nearly every shih tzu alive today descends from just thirteen dogs imported to England and Scandinavia between 1928 and 1952 — a remarkable survival story for such an ancient breed.

Appearance & Physical Characteristics

The shih tzu dog is a sturdy little breed with a distinctive look shaped by centuries of selective breeding for the “lion dog” appearance.

Size: Shih tzus stand no more than about 10.5 inches at the shoulder, with an ideal weight of 9–17 pounds
Build: Sturdy and compact for a toy breed, with a small snout and a confident, almost arrogant posture
Coat: A long, flowing double coat that tangles and mats easily if not brushed at least every two to three days
Color: Comes in a wide variety of colors and combinations, including black and white, gold, brindle, liver, grey, and solid black; white coats with grey blazes are frequently seen
Distinguishing features: Large, dark brown eyes; long-haired floppy ears; a heavily plumed tail carried curled over the back; and a required underbite per the breed standard

The Chinese have historically described the shih tzu’s head shape as an “owl head” or “lion head,” with a mouth described as a “frog mouth” and lips called “earthworm lips” — descriptive terms that capture the breed’s one-of-a-kind expression.

Temperament & Personality

The shih tzu dog is lively, alert, and endlessly affectionate, with a trusting nature that makes it a wonderful companion for nearly any household.

Trusting and affectionate: Shih tzus bond closely with their families and are known for their sweet, loving nature
Lively and alert: Despite their small size, shih tzus are attentive and engaged with their surroundings
Energetic and playful: This breed enjoys interactive play and spending time with its people
Confident carriage: The breed’s arrogant, dignified posture is part of what makes its appearance so unique among toy breeds
Gets along with everyone: Shih tzus do equally well with children and older family members, making them a flexible fit for multigenerational households

This trusting little breed makes a fine house pet, adapting easily to the pace and personality of the household it joins.

What This Breed Is Known For

The shih tzu dog has a legacy that stretches back centuries, and its reputation today still reflects that royal history.

Companionship: Bred specifically as a companion and lapdog rather than for hunting or working roles, the shih tzu excels at this purpose above all else
Show ring presence: The breed’s flowing coat and confident posture have made it a long-standing favorite in conformation showing
Popularity as a pet: One of the most popular breeds of dog, the shih tzu remains a favorite in households around the world, including ranking as Israel’s most popular breed in 2019
Multigenerational appeal: Few breeds are as comfortable with both energetic children and older family members as the shih tzu

Ideal Owner & Living Situation

The shih tzu dog’s small size, minimal exercise needs, and even temperament make it well suited to a wide range of living situations.

Apartment dwellers: Their compact size and low exercise requirements make shih tzus an excellent fit for apartment or condo living
Families with children: Shih tzus get along equally well with children and older family members, making them a good choice for multigenerational homes
First-time owners: Their trusting, easygoing nature makes shih tzus approachable for owners new to dog ownership
Owners who enjoy grooming routines: Because of the coat’s daily maintenance needs, this breed suits owners who don’t mind a regular grooming commitment

This breed is not the right fit for owners seeking a low-maintenance coat, since the shih tzu’s beautiful long hair requires daily attention regardless of the dog’s modest exercise needs.

Exercise & Activity Needs

One of the shih tzu dog’s most appealing traits for many owners is how minimal its exercise needs are compared to other breeds.

Short daily walks: A brief walk or two each day is generally sufficient to keep a shih tzu content
Indoor play: Shih tzus are happy to get much of their activity through indoor play and games with their family
Heat sensitivity: Because of their short muzzle, shih tzus can struggle with heat and intense exercise, so activity should be kept moderate, especially in warm weather
Mental engagement: Interactive toys and short training sessions help keep this alert, lively breed mentally satisfied

Grooming & Maintenance

Grooming is the single biggest commitment that comes with shih tzu ownership. Their beautiful coats require daily maintenance to stay healthy, tangle-free, and comfortable.

Brushing: Brush the coat at least every two to three days, though daily brushing is ideal to prevent painful mats and tangles
Professional grooming: Many owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” maintained by a professional groomer to reduce daily brushing time
Ear care: Because hair grows inside the ears, regular plucking and cleaning is necessary to prevent recurring ear infections
Eye care: Shih tzus are prone to tear staining and eye irritation, and many owners use vet-approved eye drops or cleansers to manage discharge
Bathing: Regular baths with a gentle shampoo help keep the long coat clean and manageable
Dental care: Routine tooth brushing supports good dental health in this small breed

The coat comes in a variety of colors and requires daily brushing — a commitment prospective owners should weigh carefully before bringing a shih tzu puppy home.

Health & Lifespan

Lifespan estimates for the shih tzu dog vary somewhat by study and region. A 2022 UK study found a life expectancy of 11 years, while a 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 12.8 years, comparable to the 12.7-year average for purebred dogs. A Japanese study found an even longer life expectancy of 15 years, above the 14-year average for all dogs in that study.

Average lifespan: Approximately 11–15 years, depending on the study and population
Breeding considerations: The breed’s popularity has, at times, led to poor breeding practices resulting in preventable hereditary conditions, making it especially important to choose a responsible breeder

Health Concerns and Considerations

The shih tzu dog is prone to a number of health issues, some of them hereditary. Understanding these risks helps prospective owners choose a responsible breeder and provide appropriate care.

Mitral valve disease: The most common heart disease in dogs, this condition is more common in smaller breeds like the shih tzu and can lead to congestive heart failure if untreated
Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS): The shih tzu’s short nose can cause stenotic nares, an elongated soft palate, and a narrow windpipe, leading to breathing difficulty, exercise intolerance, and susceptibility to heat stroke
Eye problems: Shih tzus are prone to eye issues at any age, including cataracts in older dogs, corneal ulcers from scratches, and epiphora (excessive tearing) caused by facial fur irritating the eyes
Glaucoma: One study found shih tzus made up 16% of glaucoma cases despite representing only about 8% of the study population, indicating a notably elevated risk
Ear infections: Hair growth inside the ear canal makes shih tzus prone to recurring ear infections without regular plucking and cleaning
Reduced liver blood flow: One UK study found shih tzus to have a substantially greater risk of impaired hepatic perfusion compared to other breeds

Because generalized breeding issues have affected this popular breed, working with a breeder who screens for heart, eye, and airway health gives shih tzu puppies the best possible start.

Training & Socialization

The shih tzu dog’s people-pleasing, trusting nature makes it a generally cooperative training partner, though its independent streak can call for patience.

Positive reinforcement: Reward-based training methods work well with this affectionate, food-motivated breed
Early socialization: Exposing shih tzu puppies to a variety of people, pets, and situations helps build a confident, well-adjusted adult dog
House training patience: Like many toy breeds, shih tzus can take extra time and consistency to fully house train
Grooming desensitization: Getting puppies comfortable with brushing, bathing, and handling early makes the breed’s daily grooming routine far easier long-term

Because the shih tzu was bred purely as a companion rather than a working dog, training sessions are best kept short, positive, and focused on building the human-dog bond.

Pros & Considerations

Pros: Affectionate, trusting temperament that suits nearly any household
Pros: Gets along equally well with children and older family members
Pros: Minimal exercise needs, making it a great fit for apartments
Pros: Striking, unique appearance with a wide variety of coat colors
Pros: Long lifespan compared to many breeds
Considerations: Daily brushing is required to prevent painful matting
Considerations: Brachycephalic airway issues can cause breathing difficulty and heat sensitivity
Considerations: Prone to eye conditions, including tear staining and glaucoma
Considerations: Requires a responsible breeder given the breed’s history of inconsistent breeding practices

Is This the Right Breed for You?

If you’re drawn to a trusting, affectionate companion with a striking, one-of-a-kind appearance, the shih tzu dog is a wonderful choice. One of the most popular breeds of dog, the shih tzu is an energetic and playful companion that gets along equally well with children and older family members, and its minimal exercise needs make it approachable for owners with a range of activity levels and living situations.

That said, prospective owners should be ready for the coat commitment this breed brings. The shih tzu’s beautiful flowing coat requires daily maintenance, and its brachycephalic build calls for some extra care around heat and exercise. For owners ready to embrace a daily grooming routine, few breeds offer as much devotion, personality, and ancient charm in such a small, trusting package.

Available Puppies

Ready to welcome a shih tzu dog into your home? Explore our current listings of shih tzu puppies from trusted, responsible breeders, or browse all available puppies to find your perfect match.

shih tzu puppies (link to https://breedersclub.net/listing-tag/shih-tzus/)

all available puppies (link to https://breedersclub.net/listing-category/puppies/)

New to dog ownership? Our first-time dog owner guide walks you through everything from preparing your home to choosing the right food and training approach.

first-time dog owner guide (link to https://breedersclub.net/the-breeders-club-puppy-owner-guide/)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a shih tzu a good family dog?

Yes. The shih tzu dog is an excellent family dog thanks to its trusting, affectionate nature. This breed gets along equally well with children and older family members, making it a flexible fit for households with a wide age range.

Are shih tzus good with kids?

Yes. Shih tzus are known for getting along well with children, and their playful, energetic personality suits active households. As with any small dog, gentle handling should be taught to young children to avoid accidental injury to the breed’s small frame.

How big do shih tzus get?

Shih tzus stand no more than about 10.5 inches at the shoulder, with an ideal weight between 9 and 17 pounds. Their compact size places them firmly in the AKC Toy Group.

Do shih tzus shed?

Shih tzus have a long, flowing double coat that sheds minimally compared to many breeds, but it tangles and mats very easily without regular care. Daily brushing, or brushing at least every two to three days, is necessary to keep the coat healthy.

How long do shih tzus live?

Life expectancy estimates for the shih tzu dog range from about 11 to 15 years depending on the study and population, with most recent UK data pointing to around 12.8 years — comparable to the average purebred dog.

How much grooming does a shih tzu dog need?

Shih tzus require daily grooming attention. Their long coat should be brushed at least every two to three days, ideally daily, to prevent mats and tangles, and many owners also opt for a shorter “puppy cut” from a professional groomer to reduce maintenance.

Shih Tzu Dog Breed Guide: Ancient, Affectionate, Toy-Sized Lion Dog