Shih Tzu breed guide

Loyal yet independent, the Shih Tzu is a popular choice of canine companion for pet parents around the world!

Read our guide to find out more about the affectionate Shih Tzu breed…

Shih Tzu breed history

The Shih Tzu breed’s history is entwined with that of the Lhasa Apso, though the Shih Tzu’s story began in ancient China…

It’s believed that the Shih Tzu was originally a cross between Lhasa Apsos, from the monasteries of Tibet, and Pekingese dogs, who were owned by imperial families of China. These Lhasa Apso and Pekingese crossbred dogs were known as ‘Lhasa lion dogs’.

Given that the Shih Tzu breed was kept hidden for centuries, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the breed made its way to the UK!

Today, the Shih Tzu remains a beloved companion dog to lone pet parents and families alike.  

Common characteristics of the Shih Tzu breed

Please remember that the following characteristics are considered ‘average’ for Shih Tzus, and since each dog is a unique individual, your Shih Tzu’s characteristics may differ. 

Average height for a Shih Tzu

On average, Shih Tzus usually reach a height of 20-27cm (at the shoulder).

Average weight for a Shih Tzu

Most Shih Tzus tend to weigh approximately 4-8kg.

Average lifespan for a Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus often live for around 12-16 years, though it’s not unusual for them to live for up to 20 years!

Typical Shih Tzu appearance

With their round head and chrysanthemum-like hair, that sprouts in every direction, it’s easy to fall for the Shih Tzu’s distinctive look!

Shih Tzus have large, emotive eyes, a button nose, and an epic, flowing beard (that’ll need regular trimming or clipping to keep clean and in good condition). Their ears are long in proportion to their head and are usually covered in feather-like hair.

As for the Shih Tzu’s tail, it is set high and carried over their back – giving this little dog an elegant appearance.

The Shih Tzu’s coat is long and lustrous, with a soft, dense topcoat and fairly thick undercoat. However, your Shih Tzu will require daily grooming, since their coat could easily become dirty, matted, and tangled if not properly cared for. You might also need to tie up the hair that falls over their face, to allow them to see properly.

Your Shih Tzu may benefit from visiting a professional dog groomer to have their coat clipped regularly, especially during the warmer months.

In terms of coat colour, Shih Tzus can be seen with a wide variety of colours, patterns, and markings, including:

• Black.
• Black and white.
• Brindle (distinctive darker striped pattern over a lighter base colour).
• Brindle and white.
• Gold.
• Gold and white.
• Gold brindle.
• Grey and white.
• Liver (reddish-brown).
• Liver and white.

Typical Shih Tzu temperament

Thanks to their origin as a devoted companion, the Shih Tzu adores spending quality time with their family and loves being involved in every adventure.

While Shih Tzus need around an hour of exercise every day, they do prefer daily exercise to be broken into a few short walks instead of long treks. So, as long as you stick to shorter routes, your Shih Tzu will want to be involved whether you’re exploring new places or hosting a pet-friendly picnic!

However, due to the deep connection between a Shih Tzu and their pet parent or family, this breed is known to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. The Shih Tzu tends to be wary of unfamiliar people and pets, too – so, it’s important to introduce them safely to other dogs or cats in the family.

Shih Tzus are highly intelligent, but don’t be surprised if they find training activities beneath them! Owing to their independent nature, some Shih Tzus can be quite stubborn, meaning you’ll need to find the right reward to motivate them while training.

Their background as a watchdog, combined with a charming yet headstrong personality, may result in your Shih Tzu sharing their opinion whenever they feel there’s something to talk about! Shih Tzus are likely to bark at everything and anything they notice, from an approaching postman to pedestrians passing by at the park. Check out our article about how to manage barking to help your Shih Tzu feel calmer and less inclined to bark.

Shih Tzu health conditions

It’s not unusual for pedigree breeds to be prone to certain health concerns, and, unfortunately, Shih Tzus are no exception. Here are a few health conditions commonly seen in the Shih Tzu:

• BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome).
• Cataracts.
• Skin inflammation (especially around their face).
• Renal dysplasia (meaning their kidneys haven’t developed properly).
• Intervertebral disc disease (abnormality of the discs that cushion the bones in their spine).

Remember: Keep an eye out for any health issues your Shih Tzu may develop, and get your canine companion checked by a vet if you have any concerns. If you are considering pet insurance, be sure to read our guide about insuring your Shih Tzu.

Fun facts about Shih Tzus

Fact 1 – Many famous people are fans of the Shih Tzu breed, including Beyoncé and Mariah Carey!  

Fact 2 – Although we usually pronounce ‘Shih Tzu’ as “sheet-zoo”, the breed’s name is pronounced “sher-zer” in Chinese.

Fact 3 – The Shih Tzu Club of England was founded in 1934.

Fact 4 – An original Chinese breed standard for the Shih Tzu included fantastical descriptions like ‘the face of an owl’, ‘the eyes of a dragon’, and ‘the movement of a goldfish’!

Fact 5 – A white spot sometimes seen on a Shih Tzu’s head is based in legend. It’s said to represent the kiss of thanks, after a Buddha was saved from being attacked by thieves when his Shih Tzu transformed into a lion to chase them away.