Dog breed · Toy
Shih Tzu
A companion bred for palace life, content with moderate walks and plenty of lap time.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Toy
- Origin
- Tibet and China
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 4–7 kg (9–16 lb)
- Height
- 20–28 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Long, dense double coat
- Temperament
- AffectionateOutgoingCalmCharming
History
Tibetan-origin lion dogs refined in the Chinese imperial court and exported west in the twentieth century.
Appearance
Sturdy small body under a flowing coat, with a short muzzle and large dark eyes.
Exercise and activity
Two twenty-minute walks daily, avoiding heat.
Care and grooming
Daily brushing or a short clip; clean eye area gently and check for heat stress in summer.
Health considerations
- Brachycephalic airway problems
- Eye ulcers and proptosis
- Dental crowding
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Shih Tzu
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Two twenty-minute walks daily, avoiding heat. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Brachycephalic airway problems, Eye ulcers and proptosis, Dental crowding, Hip dysplasia, Ear infections), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice