Shih Tzu: The Ultimate Dog Breed Guide

Shih Tzu: The Dogs That Survived a Revolution

Shih Tzus are ideal apartment dogs due to their small size and relatively low energy levels. They adapt exceptionally well to indoor living and do not require large yards or extensive outdoor space. Their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure makes them sensitive to temperature extremes, particularly heat and humidity, which can cause life-threatening breathing difficulties. Air conditioning during summer months is essential, not optional. They cannot tolerate temperatures above 80°F (27°C) for extended periods and should never be left outside in hot weather. During winter, their long coat provides some insulation, but they still benefit from sweaters or coats when temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C), especially if kept in short clips.

Indoor environments should be safe and puppy-proofed, as Shih Tzus are curious and can injure themselves jumping from furniture. Their prominent eyes are vulnerable to scratches from sharp corners or protruding objects, so padding sharp furniture edges and removing hazards at their eye level is important. They thrive in calm, stable home environments and don’t do well with chaos or frequent household disruptions. Shih Tzus need designated sleeping areas where they feel secure—many prefer elevated beds or cushioned surfaces rather than floor-level bedding. Their low-to-the-ground body structure makes climbing stairs challenging for some individuals, and repeated stair climbing can contribute to joint problems over time. Homes with multiple levels may benefit from pet gates limiting stair access or providing ramps as alternatives.

These dogs are social creatures who should not be isolated in separate rooms or kept outdoors. They were bred specifically as indoor companions and suffer psychological distress when excluded from family activities. Ideal homes have family members present for most of the day, as Shih Tzus left alone regularly for 6+ hours often develop separation anxiety, destructive behaviors, or depression. They adapt well to various household compositions including singles, couples, families with older children, and seniors, provided their grooming and health needs can be met consistently.

Detailed Nutrition and Diet Requirements

Adult Shih Tzus typically require between 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals (morning and evening). This amount varies based on individual metabolism, activity level, age, and whether the dog is intact or neutered. Neutered/spayed dogs often require 20-30% fewer calories than intact dogs due to reduced metabolic rate. Puppies aged 8-12 weeks need 3-4 small meals daily (approximately 1/4 cup per meal) to prevent hypoglycemia, a dangerous condition where blood sugar drops too low in tiny puppies. As they mature to 3-6 months, this reduces to 3 meals daily, then transitions to 2 meals daily by 6-12 months.

Protein requirements are critical for maintaining their luxurious coat and overall health. Adult Shih Tzus need diets containing 15-20% high-quality protein from identifiable animal sources like chicken, beef, fish, or lamb. Puppies require higher protein levels (20-25%) to support growth and development. The protein quality matters more than quantity—meat meals, meat by-products, and plant-based proteins provide inferior nutrition compared to whole meat sources listed as the first ingredients. Fat content should range 8-15% for adults, with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supporting skin and coat health. Puppy formulas should contain 10-20% fat supporting rapid growth and energy needs.

Carbohydrates should come from digestible sources like sweet potatoes, brown rice, or oatmeal rather than corn, wheat, or soy, which commonly trigger allergies in Shih Tzus. Their brachycephalic structure makes eating challenging—they often struggle with large kibble sizes, swallowing air while eating, and experiencing digestive upset. Small-breed-specific formulas with appropriately sized kibble (under 1cm diameter) reduce choking risks and improve eating efficiency. Wet food or kibble moistened with water can help dogs with dental problems or those who eat too quickly.

Weight management is critical, as obesity exacerbates breathing problems, joint issues, and reduces lifespan. An adult Shih Tzu should weigh 9-16 pounds depending on bone structure and height. You should be able to feel (but not see) their ribs with gentle pressure, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above. Overweight Shih Tzus require calorie reduction through portion control and increased exercise, not skipping meals which can cause hypoglycemia. Treats should constitute no more than 10% of daily caloric intake—a single medium-sized dog biscuit can represent 20% of a Shih Tzu’s daily calories.

Fresh, clean water must be available at all times, changed at least twice daily. Shih Tzus can be prone to kidney stones and urinary issues, making adequate hydration essential for kidney health. Some individuals are picky drinkers; adding small amounts of low-sodium chicken broth to water or using pet water fountains can encourage drinking. Monitor water intake—sudden increases may indicate diabetes or kidney disease requiring veterinary attention.

Exercise Requirements and Activity Guidelines

Despite their royal companion heritage, Shih Tzus require regular exercise to maintain physical health and prevent obesity. Adult Shih Tzus need 20-30 minutes of daily exercise, ideally split into 2-3 short sessions. Two 10-15 minute walks plus indoor playtime typically suffices. Unlike high-energy breeds, they don’t need vigorous cardiovascular activity—gentle, moderate-paced walks around neighborhoods or parks meet their needs adequately. Their short legs mean they cover ground slowly; what seems like a leisurely stroll to humans provides adequate exercise for them.

Exercise timing is crucial due to their brachycephalic syndrome. Never exercise Shih Tzus during hot weather (above 75°F/24°C), in direct sunlight, or during humid conditions. Early morning (before 8am) or evening (after 7pm) walks in summer prevent heat stroke and breathing distress. Watch for signs of overheating including excessive panting, drooling, bright red tongue, weakness, or disorientation—these are medical emergencies requiring immediate cooling and veterinary care. In hot climates, indoor exercise through play sessions, puzzle toys, and short training games may be safer than outdoor activities for much of the year.

Their exercise needs are lower than most breeds, making them suitable for less active owners including seniors or those with mobility limitations. However, zero exercise leads to obesity, boredom-related destructive behaviors, and muscle atrophy. Even elderly or mobility-impaired Shih Tzus benefit from short, gentle walks or indoor movement activities. Swimming is generally not recommended—their heavy coats become waterlogged, their short legs make swimming difficult, and their facial structure creates drowning risks. If swimming must occur, flotation devices designed for dogs and constant supervision are mandatory.

Puppies under 12 months should not be over-exercised, as excessive activity can damage developing joints and bones. The general guideline is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice daily. A 4-month-old puppy should receive no more than 20 minutes of exercise split into two 10-minute sessions. Avoid jumping, running on hard surfaces, or repetitive high-impact activities until skeletal maturity around 12-15 months.

Mental stimulation is equally important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed. Puzzle toys, scent games, learning new tricks, and interactive play sessions prevent boredom and associated behavioral problems. Shih Tzus enjoy gentle games of fetch with soft toys, hide-and-seek with treats, and problem-solving activities. Their eagerness to please makes training sessions enjoyable mental workouts—teaching 5-10 minutes of new commands or tricks provides excellent cognitive stimulation.

Training and Socialization Strategies

Shih Tzus are intelligent, food-motivated dogs making them moderately easy to train with proper techniques. However, they possess an independent, sometimes stubborn streak inherited from their royal companion heritage where obedience wasn’t prioritized. Positive reinforcement training using treats, praise, and play rewards works significantly better than corrections or punishments, which damage their sensitive temperaments and create fearful, anxious dogs. Training sessions should be short (5-10 minutes) and frequent (2-3 times daily) rather than long, exhausting sessions. Their attention spans are limited, and they lose interest in repetitive activities quickly.

House training presents the greatest challenge for many Shih Tzu owners. This breed is notoriously difficult to potty train, with many never becoming fully reliable even with consistent training. Their small bladders require frequent bathroom breaks—puppies need outdoor trips every 1-2 hours, after eating, after waking, and after play sessions. Adult Shih Tzus typically need bathroom access every 4-6 hours. Crate training accelerates house training by utilizing dogs’ natural reluctance to soil sleeping areas. The crate should be just large enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down—too large and they’ll designate one end as a bathroom.

Many owners find indoor potty solutions like pee pads or grass boxes necessary, particularly for apartment dwellers or during extreme weather when outdoor access is impractical. Some Shih Tzus never reliably indicate they need outside, having accidents without warning. Patience, consistency, and realistic expectations are essential—this breed’s house training challenges are well-documented and not reflections of owner failure or dog intelligence.

Socialization must begin early (8-16 weeks) and continue throughout life. Expose puppies to various people (different ages, genders, ethnicities), other dogs, environments, sounds, and experiences during this critical developmental window. Poorly socialized Shih Tzus often develop fearfulness, anxiety, or aggression toward strangers and other dogs. Their small size makes poor socialization particularly problematic—fearful small dogs often bite when scared, and their prominent eyes are vulnerable to injury during dog-dog conflicts.

Basic obedience commands (sit, stay, come, down, leave it) provide essential safety and communication foundations. “Come” is particularly important for recall if off-leash emergencies occur. “Leave it” prevents them from consuming dangerous items or approaching hazards. Leash training teaches them to walk calmly without pulling, important for their tracheal health as pulling against collars can damage their delicate windpipes. Harnesses are strongly preferred over collars for walking to protect their necks and tracheas.

Shih Tzus bark to alert families to visitors, unusual sounds, or activity, making them effective watchdogs. However, excessive barking can become problematic, particularly in apartments. Teaching “quiet” commands, rewarding calm behavior, and addressing anxiety underlying excessive barking helps manage vocalization. Never punish barking harshly, as this increases anxiety and worsens the problem.

Comprehensive Cost Breakdown – USA

Initial Purchase or Adoption Costs:
Reputable breeder puppies cost $1,000-$3,000 depending on pedigree, breeding lines, and color. Show-quality or rare colors command higher prices ($2,500-$4,000+). Adoption from rescue organizations costs $200-$500 typically including spay/neuter, initial vaccinations, and health checks. Pet store puppies often come from puppy mills and cost $500-$1,500, though this source is strongly discouraged due to health and temperament problems.

Initial Setup Costs (First Year):
Essential supplies including crate ($50-$100), bedding ($30-$80), food/water bowls ($20-$40), collar and leash/harness ($25-$50), toys ($50-$100), grooming supplies for home maintenance ($100-$200), and training materials ($30-$60) total approximately $305-$630.

First-Year Veterinary Costs:
Initial veterinary examination ($50-$100), puppy vaccination series including DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies, and Leptospirosis ($200-$350), deworming ($20-$50), fecal examination ($25-$50), spay/neuter surgery ($200-$500), microchipping ($25-$50), and flea/tick prevention ($120-$240) total approximately $640-$1,340.

Annual Ongoing Costs (After First Year):

Food costs $200-$500 annually depending on quality and whether feeding premium or standard formulas. High-quality small-breed kibble costs more per pound than large-breed formulas.

Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks at $50-$110 per session totals $400-$880 annually if grooming every 6 weeks, or $650-$1,430 if grooming every 4 weeks. This doesn’t include home grooming supplies requiring periodic replacement.

Routine veterinary care including annual examinations ($50-$100), booster vaccinations ($80-$150), heartworm testing ($25-$50), fecal examination ($25-$50), dental cleaning when needed ($300-$800 annually or every 1-2 years), and parasite prevention ($240-$360) totals $720-$1,510 annually, though dental cleaning years significantly increase costs.

Pet insurance premiums for Shih Tzus range $30-$80 monthly ($360-$960 annually) depending on coverage levels, deductibles, and age. Insurance becomes more expensive as dogs age, and pre-existing conditions aren’t covered. Many owners opt for self-insurance by setting aside $50-$100 monthly in emergency savings accounts instead.

Toys and supplies require ongoing replacement costing $100-$300 annually including new toys, replacing worn bedding, treats, training supplies, and miscellaneous items.

Emergency and unexpected veterinary expenses vary dramatically but should be budgeted. Common Shih Tzu health issues like eye problems requiring specialist care ($500-$2,000+), ear infections ($100-$300 per episode), dental extractions ($500-$1,500), breathing-related surgeries for severe BOAS ($2,000-$6,000), and emergency care can create significant unexpected expenses.

Total Annual Costs: $1,780-$4,450 for typical years without major health issues. Years involving dental cleanings, specialist visits, or medical procedures can easily reach $4,000-$8,000 or more.

Lifetime Costs (10-16 years): Expect total lifetime costs of $20,000-$45,000 depending on health issues, grooming frequency, food quality choices, and unexpected medical expenses. This doesn’t include initial purchase price or setup costs.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q: Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic dogs?
A: While Shih Tzus have hair rather than fur and shed minimally, no dog breed is truly 100% hypoallergenic. All dogs produce allergens through dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine. Shih Tzus are considered better for many allergy sufferers compared to heavy-shedding breeds because their hair-type coat traps dander and loose hair rather than releasing it into the environment. However, people with severe dog allergies may still react. Prospective owners with allergies should spend extended time with the breed before committing to determine their individual reaction. Regular grooming and bathing reduce allergen levels in the environment.

Q: How long do Shih Tzus live?
A: The average Shih Tzu lifespan ranges from 10 to 18 years, with most living 12-16 years. This is considered a long lifespan, particularly for their size category. Factors influencing longevity include genetics (dogs from health-tested parents typically live longer), diet quality, exercise levels, weight management (obesity significantly reduces lifespan), dental care (untreated dental disease affects overall health), and management of breed-specific health issues like eye problems and breathing difficulties. Some well-cared-for Shih Tzus reach their late teens, though this is less common. Maintaining ideal body weight and providing excellent dental care are the most significant controllable factors extending lifespan.

Q: Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?
A: Shih Tzus can be vocal dogs, though not excessively compared to some toy breeds. They bark to alert owners to visitors, unusual sounds, or perceived threats, making them effective watchdogs despite their small size. The amount of barking varies significantly between individuals—some are relatively quiet while others bark frequently at environmental stimuli. Early training teaching “quiet” commands, proper socialization reducing fear-based barking, and addressing separation anxiety (a common cause of excessive barking) helps manage vocalization. Bored or under-stimulated Shih Tzus often bark more than those receiving adequate mental and physical engagement. While some barking is normal and should be expected, excessive barking disrupting neighbors or households indicates underlying issues requiring professional training assistance.

Q: Can Shih Tzus be left alone during the day?
A: Shih Tzus are companion dogs bred specifically for constant human interaction and tolerate isolation poorly compared to independent breeds. They can be left alone for short periods (3-4 hours for adults) after proper training and gradual acclimation, but they shouldn’t be isolated for full 8-10 hour workdays regularly. Prolonged isolation often causes separation anxiety manifesting as destructive behavior, house soiling, excessive barking, or depression. They thrive best in households where someone is home most of the day—retirees, work-from-home professionals, or families with staggered schedules make ideal owners. If alone time is unavoidable, doggy daycare, pet sitters for midday visits, or hiring dog walkers provide necessary companionship and bathroom breaks. Some Shih Tzus adjust to moderate alone time with proper crate training, interactive toys, and gradually increasing duration, but extended isolation contradicts their fundamental temperament.

Q: Are Shih Tzus good with children?
A: Shih Tzus can be excellent family dogs with older, gentle children (typically 8+ years) who understand appropriate dog handling. They’re patient, affectionate, and enjoy being included in family activities. However, they’re not ideal for families with toddlers or very young children (under 6-7) for several reasons. First, their small size (9-16 pounds) makes them vulnerable to accidental injury from rough play, dropping, squeezing, or tripping. Their prominent eyes are particularly susceptible to trauma if poked or scratched by small hands. Second, young children’s unpredictable, loud, fast movements can frighten Shih Tzus, triggering defensive snapping. Third, their long coat requires grooming that painful tugging by children interferes with, creating negative associations. Families with young children considering Shih Tzus must commit to constant supervision during interactions, teaching children gentle handling from the outset, and never allowing children to treat dogs as toys. Many Shih Tzu rescue organizations won’t adopt to families with children under 8 due to high return rates from incompatible matches.

Q: How often should Shih Tzus be groomed professionally?
A: Professional grooming frequency depends on coat length and owner preferences. Shih Tzus kept in full-length show coats require professional grooming every 4 weeks maximum to prevent matting and maintain coat condition. Most pet Shih Tzus are kept in shorter “puppy cuts” (1-2 inches long all over) and require professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Between professional appointments, daily brushing (15-30 minutes) is mandatory regardless of coat length to prevent painful mats and tangles. Professional grooming includes bathing, thorough brushing/dematting, coat trimming/clipping to desired length, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and sanitary area trimming. The cost ranges $50-$110 per session depending on location, coat condition, and services included. Skipping or delaying grooming appointments causes severe matting requiring extensive dematting or complete shaving, both uncomfortable for dogs and more expensive. Budget $400-$900 annually minimum for professional grooming—a non-negotiable expense for this breed.

Q: Are Shih Tzus easy to train?
A: Shih Tzus have moderate trainability—they’re intelligent and food-motivated, making them capable of learning commands and tricks, but they possess independent, sometimes stubborn temperaments complicating training. Their royal companion heritage means obedience wasn’t historically prioritized, and this manifests as selective listening or testing boundaries. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods using treats, praise, and play as rewards. Harsh corrections, yelling, or physical punishments damage their sensitive temperaments and worsen behavior problems. House training presents the greatest challenge—many Shih Tzus never become fully reliable despite consistent efforts. Their small bladders, difficulty communicating needs, and sometimes stubborn resistance to outdoor bathroom habits in bad weather create ongoing challenges. Basic obedience commands (sit, stay, come) are achievable with patient, consistent training starting in puppyhood. However, expecting Golden Retriever-level obedience creates frustration—realistic expectations about their moderate trainability and independent streak are essential for successful Shih Tzu training.

Q: Can Shih Tzus swim?
A: Most Shih Tzus are not natural swimmers and should never be allowed in water unsupervised. Their heavy, dense double coat becomes waterlogged and heavy when wet, making swimming difficult and exhausting. Their short legs provide limited propulsion, and their brachycephalic (flat) face sits low in the water, creating drowning risks as they struggle to keep their nose and mouth above water. Additionally, their prominent eyes are vulnerable to chlorine or contaminants in pools, lakes, or oceans. If Shih Tzus must be near water, properly fitted canine flotation devices are mandatory, and constant hands-on supervision is essential. Never throw them into water or assume they’ll swim instinctively—many panic and can drown within minutes. Some individual Shih Tzus enjoy wading in very shallow water with supervision, but deep water activities are generally unsafe for this breed. After any water exposure, thorough drying (including ears) prevents skin infections and ear infections.

Q: Why do Shih Tzus have breathing problems?
A: Shih Tzus have breathing difficulties due to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a collection of anatomical abnormalities resulting from selective breeding for extremely flat faces. These abnormalities include stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils), elongated soft palate (soft tissue at back of throat extends into airway), hypoplastic trachea (abnormally narrow windpipe), and everted laryngeal saccules (tissue in voice box pulled into airway). These structural problems restrict airflow, making breathing labored particularly during exercise, excitement, heat, or stress. Symptoms include noisy breathing, snoring, snorting, exercise intolerance, difficulty eating or drinking, cyanosis (blue gums/tongue from oxygen deprivation), and heat intolerance. Severe cases require surgical intervention correcting anatomical abnormalities, though this is expensive ($2,000-$6,000) and doesn’t guarantee complete resolution. Prevention involves maintaining ideal weight (obesity worsens BOAS), avoiding heat/humidity, using harnesses instead of collars, minimizing stress, and providing calm, cool environments. All Shih Tzu owners should recognize BOAS symptoms and understand heat stroke risks inherent to this breed’s anatomy.

Q: Do Shih Tzus shed?
A: Shih Tzus have hair-type coats rather than fur, meaning they shed minimally compared to double-coated breeds like German Shepherds or Huskies. However, “non-shedding” is a misnomer—all dogs with hair shed to some degree as individual hairs reach the end of their growth cycle and fall out. In Shih Tzus, loose hair tangles in their dense undercoat and outer coat rather than falling onto furniture and floors. This makes them appear non-shedding but requires daily brushing to remove dead hair trapped in the coat. Without regular brushing, this trapped hair forms painful mats and tangles. Some Shih Tzus shed slightly more during seasonal coat changes (spring and fall), though this is far less dramatic than true shedding breeds. Their low-shedding characteristic makes them suitable for many people with dog allergies and reduces housekeeping demands, but daily coat maintenance replacing shed hair removal with brushing is non-negotiable. Prospective owners should understand that while they won’t find tumbleweeds of dog hair around their homes, they’ll spend 15-30 minutes daily brushing instead.

Q: What health problems are Shih Tzus prone to?
A: Shih Tzus are predisposed to several health conditions primarily related to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure and extreme breeding practices. The most significant issues include Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome causing chronic eye pain, corneal ulcers, and potential blindness; Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) creating breathing difficulties and heat intolerance; dental disease affecting nearly all individuals due to crowded teeth in small mouths; ear infections from floppy ears trapping moisture; patellar luxation where kneecaps slip out of position; hip dysplasia; kidney disease; skin allergies and infections, particularly in facial folds; and renal dysplasia (abnormal kidney development). Additionally, their prominent eyes are vulnerable to trauma, dry eye, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts. Regular veterinary care, preventive measures (weight management, dental care, eye cleaning), early detection of problems, and working with veterinarians familiar with breed-specific issues are essential for maintaining Shih Tzu health throughout their lives.