Dog breed · Toy
Shih Tzu
A companion bred for palace life, content with moderate walks and plenty of lap time.
Small12–16 yearsTibet and ChinaCan suit apartments
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