Let's talk Shih Tzus

With a name that means ‘little lion’ in Mandarin, there can be few dogs more aptly named than the Shih Tzu. As well as their magnificent mane of long lustrous locks, they also have a proud, almost regal-like way about them that fits their origins as the pets of Chinese emperors. But the similarity ends there. Bred to be companion animals, Shih Tzus are gentle house dogs who form strong attachments to their owners. Rather than a palace, all they really need is a loving home.

Official name: Shih Tzu

Other names: Shittsu, Tibetan Lion Dog, Chinese Lion Dog, Chrysanthemum

Origins: Tibet/China

Drooling tendencies
1 out of 5
Grooming needs
4 out of 5
Shedding Level
3 out of 5
Barking tendencies
3 out of 5
Energy level*
4 out of 5
Compatibility with other pets
4 out of 5
Warm weather?
1 out of 5
Cold weather?
2 out of 5
Suited to apartment living
5 out of 5
Can be left alone
2 out of 5
Family pet?*
4 out of 5

* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behavior. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations. Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication. For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social, and behavioral needs. Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child. Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice. All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.

Male	Female
Height	Height
9 - 11 in	8 - 11 in
Weight	Weight
9 - 16 lb	9 - 16 lb

Life stages
Puppy	Adult
2 to 10 months	10 months to 8 years
Mature	Senior
8 to 12 years	12 to 20 years
Baby
Birth to 2 months

Drooling tendencies
1 out of 5
Grooming needs
4 out of 5
Shedding Level
3 out of 5
Barking tendencies
3 out of 5
Energy level*
4 out of 5
Compatibility with other pets
4 out of 5
Warm weather?
1 out of 5
Cold weather?
2 out of 5
Suited to apartment living
5 out of 5
Can be left alone
2 out of 5
Family pet?*
4 out of 5

Male	Female
Height	Height
9 - 11 in	8 - 11 in
Weight	Weight
9 - 16 lb	9 - 16 lb

Life stages
Puppy	Adult
2 to 10 months	10 months to 8 years
Mature	Senior
8 to 12 years	12 to 20 years
Baby
Birth to 2 months

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Get to know the Shih Tzu

All you need to know about the breed

With its illustrious canine heritage, the Shih Tzu has always had a certain exoticism about it. Originating in the Imperial Palace of Chinese emperors, where the breed lived exclusively for several centuries, they were considered by many people to be sacred. As such, it is often treated with a certain reverence.

Certainly, this sprightly breed does have a special sort of charm. With a temperament that is loyal, affectionate, and gentle, the Shih Tzu also has a natural intelligence. Then there are those gorgeous lion-like looks.

Famed for their long silky tresses, it’s true that the Shih Tzu’s coat requires a fair amount of grooming. But it’s all part of the pleasure that comes with having this breed. Also, as they require minimal exercise compared to many dogs, they are lower maintenance in other ways. The compact size of the Shih Tzu means they will fit into most home set-ups, too.

They do have minds of their own, so training the Shih Tzu can be a little challenging at first. But with a bit of gentle persuasion, and plenty of encouragement along the way, they grow into well-mannered adults. The Shih Tzu also has a good lifespan, too, and have been known to live to 20 years of age.

Given all this, it’s perhaps no surprise that they also seem to be popular with the celebrity community. Among the many well-known names to have owned a Shih Tzu are Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Colin Farrell, Bill Gates, and even Queen Elizabeth II. In summary, this is a very rewarding breed of little dog – and one that is, indeed, fit for an emperor.

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Two facts about Shih Tzus

1. What’s in a name?

Wondering how to say the name ‘Shih Tzu’? Well, in the west, it’s pronounced “sheed-zoo” or “sheet-su”. However, in China, the word is pronounced as “sher-zer”.

2. A dog with flower power

Another interesting fact about the Shih Tzu is that they are sometimes known as ‘Chrysanthemum’ dogs. This is partly because of their resemblance to the flower but also because chrysanthemums are an important cultural symbol in China.

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History of the breed

As a breed that is more than 1,000 years old, the Shih Tzu has a long and illustrious history – and an impressive heritage. For many centuries, they were owned exclusively by the emperors of China, with no one outside the palace allowed to have one.

Going back even further, the Shih Tzu is thought to have its origins in neighboring Tibet. The story goes that these elegant toy-breed dogs were developed by Tibetan Monks who probably offered them as gifts to the Chinese emperors. In any event, the Shih Tzu appears to be a cross between two Sino-Tibetan breeds, the Lhaso Apso and the Pekingese, and another Tibetan variety.

Cherished by successive emperors, the Shih Tzu lived the high life at the palace for hundreds of years but were little known outside the imperial court. In fact, the breed all but vanished by the early 1900s. Brought back from the brink, however, the Shih Tzu finally came to the attention of the outside world in the 1930s and hasn’t looked back since.

Initially, breed clubs were formed in Peking and, later, in England where the breed was refined even more. By the 1940s and '50s, their popularity had spread to the United States and they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969. Today, they are among the most popular toy-breed dogs in the world.

4/7

From head to tail

Physical characteristics of Shih Tzus

1.Head

Head is broad and round, with a domed skull, in proportion with overall body size.

2.Face

Eyes are set well apart, the muzzle is short and square, with drop ears.

3.Body

Compact, solid body has a level topline and a broad, deep chest.

4.Tail

Tail is heavily plumed, set high and carried in a curve over the back.

5.Coat

Coat is long and dense and can vary in color, but many have a white flash on their forehead.

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Things to look out for

From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Shih Tzu

Keep a close check for any eye problems

While their bright brown eyes are one of their distinguishing features, Shih Tzus can suffer from a few potential issues in this area. These include cataracts, retinal detachment, corneal dryness, general inflammation, and a degenerative condition called progressive retinal atrophy. Also, because of their protruding shape, their eyes can be easily scratched or injured. The best advice? Check daily for anything out of the ordinary and, at the first sign of something unusual, contact your vet. It’s important to keep their hair out of their eyes by tying it up in a topknot or keeping it cut short.

They can be prone to respiratory issues

Because of the way their heads, faces, and airways are shaped, the Shih Tzu is known as a ‘brachycephalic’ breed. This means they can be susceptible to breathing difficulties – and, in some cases, fainting spells. For this reason, over-exercising Shih Tzus should always be avoided. It also means they have a poor ability to tolerate heat. Coupled with their thick coat, the Shih Tzu simply doesn’t cope well in hot weather. As a result, walks in the summer should be taken either first thing in the morning or at the end of the day when the temperature is cooler. To ensure you have the healthiest dog possible, always seek out a responsible and trusted breeder, and seek counsel from your vet if needed.

And watch out for any allergies in your dog

One other thing to be aware of is that the Shih Tzu may also develop atopic dermatitis: a hypersensitivity to environmental allergens such as pollen and dust mites. Also, the itch (pruritus) induced can then be complicated by secondary infections. It is recommended, therefore, to keep a close eye on your Shih Tzu’s skin health. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and recurring ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. If they display any of these signs, it’s best to consult your vet. Unfortunately, dealing with a dog with allergies is not easy, but medicated shampoos, the proper diet, or specific treatments can help to improve the situation.

When choosing food for a Shih Tzu, there are many factors to consider: their age, lifestyle, activity level, physiological condition, health and potential sensitivities. Food provides energy to cover a dog’s vital functions, and a complete nutritional formula should contain an adjusted balance of nutrients to avoid any deficiency or excess in their diet, both of which could have adverse effects on the dog. Clean and fresh water should be available at all times to support good urinary health. In hot weather and especially when out exercising, bring water along for your dog’s frequent water breaks. Energy intake may also have to be adapted to the weather conditions. A dog that lives outdoors in winter will have increased energy requirements. The following recommendations are for healthy animals. If your dog has health problems, please consult your veterinarian who may recommend an exclusive veterinary diet.

Immune System Support
As puppies grow, they will experience big changes and new discoveries. During this key period, the puppy's immune system develops gradually. Shih Tzu Puppy helps support your puppy’s natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants including vitamin E.

Digestive Health
Formulated with high quality protein (L.I.P.*) and prebiotics to support digestive health and a balanced intestinal flora, contributing to optimal stool quality. *Protein selected for its very high digestibility.

Healthy Skin & Coat
Coat condition is a reflection of the dog's state of health and overall well-being. Shih Tzu Puppy helps support the skin's role as a barrier with an exclusive complex of nutrients and helps maintain healthy skin and beautiful coat (EPA, DHA and vitamin A).

The main nutritional goals for adult Shih Tzus are:

Healthy Skin
Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin in the Shih Tzu. The exclusive formula of Shih Tzu Adult helps support the skin's role as a barrier with an exclusive complex of nutrients and helps maintain skin health (EPA, DHA and vitamin A).

Coat Health
The Shih Tzu's hair is known for its continuous growth and natural softness. This exclusive formula contributes to maintaining the health of the Shih Tzu's long coat. Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), omage-6 fatty acids and biotin.

Stool & Odor Reduction
Shih Tzu Adult helps reduce fecal smell and volume, and supports healthy digestion with highly digestible protein (L.I.P.*), a precise fiber content and high quality carbohydrate sources. *Protein selected for its very high digestibility.

Exclusive Kibble
The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic breed, with a round head that is broader than it is long. The kibbles of Shuh Tzu Adult formula have a shape, size and texture that is perfectly designed for the Shih Tzu making it is easy for this breed to pick up and chew.

After 8 years old, Shih Tzus start facing the first signs of aging. A formula enriched with antioxidants will help maintain their vitality. Aging is also accompanied by the modification of digestive capacities and particular nutritional requirements, so food for older Shih Tzus should have the following characteristics:

Ideal Weight
Helps maintain ideal weight by meeting a small dog's specific energy needs.

Vitality Support
Supports heart, kidney and brain health in first stage of aging.

Strong Bones
Helps maintain strong bones with precise blend of calcium and phosphorous.

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Caring for your Shih Tzu

Grooming, training and exercise tips

Although they were bred to be a house companion, meaning they require less exercise than most, the Shih Tzu is still quite an active little dog. They are also quite social animals. As such, the Shih Tzu will benefit from short walks, a couple of times a day, to keep them fit and healthy and support their mental well-being. Just watch out for other larger dogs who may be boisterous around them. For your Shih Tzu's own protection, the dog park is best avoided. As this is a breed that does not do well in extremes of hot or cold weather, the Shih Tzu’s exercise should be organized accordingly. Outdoor adventures should be supported with indoor games to satisfy the Shih Tzu’s naturally playful personality.

The Shih Tzu has a luxurious double coat and the amount of grooming required will depend on the length. If you choose to keep their coat long, it will require a fair bit of maintenance. Ideally, your Shih Tzu will need a good brushing every day. To prevent matting, be sure to reach gently to the skin. As mentioned earlier, the hair on the top of the head should also be tied in a topknot or cut short to protect their eyes. Medium-length coats should be fine with some attention every two days and short coats every three. Shedding in the Shih Tzu is no more than average and can be less. A monthly bath is recommended, and brushing teeth, trimming nails and cleaning ears should all be part of the regular routine too.

While it’s true that they’re pretty smart, Shih Tzus can also have a stubborn streak, which can make training a bit of a challenge at times. Puppy classes are therefore a good idea. As they can sometimes struggle with housetraining, too, this can take slightly longer than average. However, with a little patience and plenty of positive reinforcement, they’ll soon get the hang of things. When you’re as small as a Shih Tzu, the world can seem like a big place, so early socialization with new people, pets and places is also recommended.

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All about Shih Tzus

Do Shih Tzu dogs bark a lot?

It’s true that the Shih Tzu can be a breed that’s prone to barking. But that’s only because they like to communicate what’s going on. As Shih Tzus will often bark at people or dogs passing the window, investing in some curtains or shutters may help. On the bright side, it does mean these little lap dogs also make good watchdogs.

Do Shih Tzus like to cuddle?

The answer is yes, absolutely. As the Shih Tzu was bred to be a companion animal, and that has been the case for centuries, they form close bonds with their human families. The Shih Tzu also has a friendly and affectionate temperament and will thrive on attention from their owners.

Let's talk Shih Tzus

Drooling tendencies

Grooming needs

Shedding Level

Barking tendencies

Energy level*

Compatibility with other pets

Warm weather?

Cold weather?

Suited to apartment living

Can be left alone

Family pet?*