fellfolioCompanion dog
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate companion with a long coat. It enjoys short exploring walks and needs careful daily grooming. Its short muzzle also makes breathing and hot weather important considerations.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at shoulder
- 27 cm
- Weight
- 4.5 to 7.5 kg
- Lifespan
- over 10 years
- Activity
- Moderate
- Grooming
- Daily
- Training
- Patience & clear guidance
- Owner experience
- First dog with support
At home in the middle of family life
The Shih Tzu was developed at the Chinese imperial court from Tibetan companion dogs. Many still like to be near their people and pay attention when someone rings the doorbell. If the bell sends the dog barking or running to the door, teach a simple routine: ask it to come to you or settle in its usual place, then reward calm waiting.
Shih Tzus can be lively and sociable in play. Short training sessions often work better than long repetitions. When visitors or playing children become too much, the dog should be able to retreat to a quiet bed and rest undisturbed.
Everyday life
The UK veterinary charity PDSA recommends about an hour of exercise a day, divided into several shorter outings. Leave time to sniff and add a little search game or a few minutes of training indoors. A Shih Tzu still wants to walk, sniff and explore for itself.
Its short muzzle can make breathing and cooling down harder. On warm days choose cooler hours and gentler walks rather than ball games in the midday sun. Stop if breathing becomes noisy or the dog seems exhausted, and have recurring symptoms checked by a vet. Arrange company or care if you are away for long days, and build up time alone gradually.
Staying home alone
Dogs learn to stay home alone in small steps. The RSPCA advises no more than four hours at a time. Puppies and dogs that become unsettled when left alone need shorter absences and gradual practice. Arrange someone to care for your dog when you will be away longer.
Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗
Day-to-day care
The long, dense coat tangles quickly without daily brushing. Work a comb down to the skin, especially behind the ears, under the front legs and around the back legs. Many families choose a shorter practical trim; PDSA says it usually needs refreshing every six to eight weeks. A clipped coat still needs regular combing.
Hair around the mouth can collect food after meals. Wipe it gently and keep the corners of the eyes clear of discharge; this helps protect the skin and makes changes to the eyes easier to notice. If hair rubs against an eye, ask your vet to check it.
Size and build
The Shih Tzu is small but sturdy, with a broad head, short muzzle and a body slightly longer than it is tall. PDSA gives an average shoulder height of about 27 cm and a weight of 4.5 to 7.5 kg. The outer coat can reach the floor if left long, with a dense undercoat beneath. Hair around the face can fall over the eyes, so it needs daily attention or a practical trim.
From puppy to senior: caring for your dog through every life stage ↗
Health
A Shih Tzu’s short muzzle and large, exposed eyes can cause real discomfort. Narrow airways may show up as noisy breathing, poor stamina or trouble coping with heat. Dry eye, cataracts and injuries can also affect this breed. If your dog holds a painful eye shut or the eye suddenly becomes very red, call your vet or an emergency vet immediately.
PDSA also lists crowded teeth and spinal disc disease. Tooth care protects the gums, while sudden back pain, an unsteady gait or weakness in the hind legs calls for quick assessment. If you are considering a puppy, watch the parents breathe and move, ask for their eye findings and discuss back or dental problems in close relatives. Constant noisy breathing is not a trait to accept as normal.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- You want a small dog that enjoys being near you.
- Daily brushing and regular grooming fit your week.
May be less suitable if …
- You want coat care to take care of itself.
- The dog would regularly spend long stretches alone.
Similar needs, different dogs.
Selected by shared size, activity, grooming and training characteristics.
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Bolognese
The Bolognese is a small white dog with a soft coat that falls in loose tufts. It comes from Italy and is closely associated with Bologna. Life with one involves company, walks with time to sniff and careful coat care. If you are looking for a fairly quiet small dog, that daily grooming should be part of your plans from the start.
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Coton de Tuléar
The Coton de Tuléar is a small companion dog from Madagascar. Its name refers to its soft, cotton-like coat and to the Malagasy city of Tuléar. It is known as a sociable, playful dog. That appealing appearance comes with a task that is easy to underestimate: the long coat needs thorough daily care.
Tibetan companion and watch dog
Lhasa Apso
A small, sturdy Tibetan dog with long hair and an independent mind. Once an indoor sentinel, it notices noises and visitors. Its size is manageable, but maintaining the coat is a daily task.
Sources and photograph credit
- Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information
Used in this profile for: Temperament
- Teaching your dog to be left alone
Used in this profile for: Staying home alone
- Glaucoma in Dogs
Used in this profile for: Day-to-day care, Health
- Shih Tzu · breed guide
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Health, Lifespan, Could this breed fit your life?
Photo credits
Portrait · Shih Tzu (Dog Walk) · H.A.W.C 101 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Edited
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Side view · Meral YALÇIN · Pexels License
In action · Helena Lopes · Unsplash License
Puppy · Abhishek Biradar · Pexels License