A little look at life together.
A companion-shaped day
Shih Tzus were bred for companionship. Short walks and indoor play can fit their activity needs, alongside time with their people. Let the individual dog’s comfort and enthusiasm guide the pace.
Make grooming part of the routine
A long coat needs daily brushing, including careful attention around the face. A shorter trim changes the workload but does not remove the need for grooming. Discuss a practical plan with a groomer and introduce handling patiently.
Before you decide
- Is there dependable time for company each day?
- Who will keep up with brushing and grooming appointments?
- What activities does this particular Shih Tzu enjoy?
A breed profile is a starting point. Learn about the dog’s own habits before deciding.
Shih Tzu questions
Do Shih Tzus shed?
Very little. The Shih Tzu is among the lightest shedders, losing a bit of hair every day instead of large amounts seasonally. The trade is upkeep, since a Shih Tzu kept in a long coat needs brushing every day.
Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic?
No dog is completely hypoallergenic. Shih Tzu shed less and carry less dander than most dogs, but people can also react to a dog's saliva or urine, and reactions vary from person to person and dog to dog. If you have allergies, spend a full day, or better a night, around a Shih Tzu before you commit.
How big does a full-grown Shih Tzu get?
The ideal height is 9 to 10.5 inches at the shoulder, with 8 inches as the minimum and 11 as the maximum, and the ideal adult weight is 9 to 16 pounds. A Shih Tzu is a compact, solid dog, so it is heavier in the hand than it looks.
How long do Shih Tzus live?
Shih Tzus typically live 10 to 18 years. That is a wide breed-wide range, not a prediction for one dog. Knees, hips and several eye conditions are among the things responsible breeders screen for, which makes them good questions for a breeder and for your vet.
Are Shih Tzus good with children?
Shih Tzu generally like children and are friendly and trusting toward everyone. The caution is about puppies. Many breeders hesitate to place a young puppy with pre-school children because a small puppy is easily stepped on or dropped, so have children sit on the floor to play and never leave them alone with a puppy.
How much grooming does a Shih Tzu need?
A lot in a long coat. Brush a long-coated Shih Tzu daily, down to the skin, bathe about every three to four weeks, and keep the hair on the head tied in a topknot or trimmed short so it does not irritate the eyes. If that is more than you want to take on, a professional groomer can keep the dog in a short puppy trim.
How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?
Not much. The breed was developed as a house companion and is satisfied with short daily walks and indoor play, which makes it one of the best dogs for apartment dwellers. The heavy coat and short face mean Shih Tzu do not tolerate heat well and are not good swimmers, which is worth planning around in summer.
What is the difference between a Shih Tzu and a Lhasa Apso?
They are related but not the same. The Shih Tzu was developed in the Chinese imperial palace, most likely from crosses of the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese, and it sits in the Toy Group while the Lhasa is in the Non-Sporting Group. The two are close in size, with male Lhasas at 10 to 11 inches against 9 to 10.5 inches for the Shih Tzu. Temperament is the bigger gap, since the Lhasa is a former Tibetan sentinel dog that is aloof with strangers, while the Shih Tzu is outgoing and trusting toward all.
