Shih Tzu: Ancient Royal Companion for Modern Families

The Shih Tzu's name translates to "lion dog" in Mandarin, but there's nothing fierce about this breed. Developed over a thousand years ago in the palaces of Chinese emperors, Shih Tzus were bred for one purpose: to be the perfect lap dog. And after centuries of refinement, they've mastered the role.

With their flat faces, flowing double coats, and perpetually sweet expression, Shih Tzus are one of the most recognizable toy breeds in the world. They're affectionate, adaptable, and genuinely happy just being near their people. But they also come with unique challenges — serious grooming demands, brachycephalic breathing issues, and a stubborn streak that can make training an exercise in patience.

Quick Facts

Temperament & Personality

Shih Tzus were bred to be companions — nothing more, nothing less — and they're remarkably good at it. They don't have herding instincts, prey drive, or guarding tendencies. Their entire purpose is to love you, sit on your lap, and look adorable doing it.

This makes them one of the most universally friendly breeds you'll encounter. Shih Tzus greet everyone — strangers, children, other dogs, the cat — with a wagging tail and an open heart. They're the opposite of aloof. They genuinely believe every person they meet is a potential new best friend.

The stubborn streak is real, though. Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs — they understand what you're asking, they just don't always feel like complying. Housebreaking is notoriously difficult with this breed. Many experienced Shih Tzu owners use indoor potty pads permanently, especially in regions with cold or wet winters, because Shih Tzus hate getting wet feet.

One thing Shih Tzus are not: guard dogs. They'll bark when someone knocks, but they'll also invite the burglar in for belly rubs. If you want a protective breed, look at a Miniature Schnauzer or Doberman instead.

Exercise & Activity Needs

Shih Tzus have the lowest exercise requirements of almost any breed. They were literally bred to sit on laps in palaces:

• 20–30 minutes of gentle exercise daily — one or two short walks plus some indoor play
• Indoor play is often sufficient — chasing a toy down a hallway, gentle tug-of-war, exploring the house
• Avoid heat and humidity — their flat faces make them extremely heat-sensitive. Walk only in the early morning or evening during summer, and never leave them in a hot car or yard
• No strenuous exercise — Shih Tzus are not jogging partners. Their short legs and brachycephalic airways limit their endurance
• Stairs can be challenging — some Shih Tzus struggle with stairs due to their body proportions. Ramps or steps to furniture help prevent back injuries

This minimal exercise requirement is a major draw for apartment dwellers, seniors, and people with limited mobility. A Shih Tzu will happily spend most of the day napping near you, waking up for meals and short bursts of playful energy.

Health & Common Issues

Shih Tzus have a remarkably long potential lifespan (up to 18 years), but their flat-faced anatomy and small size create several health vulnerabilities:

• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) — the Shih Tzu's shortened skull means narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and a compressed airway. Symptoms include noisy breathing, snoring, gagging, and exercise intolerance. Severe cases may require surgery (soft palate resection, nares widening) to improve breathing. Heat and humidity make BOAS symptoms dramatically worse.
• Eye problems — Shih Tzus' prominent, protruding eyes are vulnerable to proptosis (the eye popping out of the socket — a genuine medical emergency), corneal ulcers from minor scratches, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), and progressive retinal atrophy. Avoid tight collars and be careful around sharp objects at eye level.
• Dental disease — like all small brachycephalic breeds, Shih Tzus have crowded teeth in undersized jaws, leading to tartar buildup, gum disease, and early tooth loss. Daily brushing and annual professional cleanings are essential.
• Hip dysplasia — surprisingly common in this small breed, causing pain and mobility issues
• Renal dysplasia — a hereditary condition where the kidneys don't develop properly. Can cause excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and eventually kidney failure. Early screening is important.
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) — their long backs relative to their size put them at risk for disc problems. Prevent jumping on and off high furniture.
• Ear infections — heavy, hairy ears trap moisture and bacteria

Grooming & Shedding

The Shih Tzu's gorgeous double coat is both their crowning glory and their biggest maintenance demand. Like Yorkies, they have hair rather than fur, which means minimal shedding but maximum grooming:

• Daily brushing is non-negotiable — the long coat mats within days without brushing, causing painful skin irritation and even skin infections under the mats
• Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks — most pet owners keep their Shih Tzu in a "puppy cut" or "teddy bear cut" (short all over) for manageability
• Face cleaning daily — wipe the face, especially around the eyes and nose fold, to prevent tear staining and skin fold dermatitis
• Topknot maintenance — if you keep the coat long, the hair must be tied up to keep it out of their eyes, requiring bands or clips that need daily attention
• Bath every 1–3 weeks — Shih Tzus get dirty easily, and their face folds harbor bacteria
• Ear cleaning weekly — remove hair from the ear canal and clean to prevent infections

Be honest with yourself about grooming commitment. The full-length show coat requires 30+ minutes of daily brushing, conditioning, and wrapping. The puppy cut is far more practical for most owners — it still requires professional grooming but reduces daily brushing to a few minutes.

Costs of Owning a Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are affordable to feed (tiny appetites) but expensive to groom and maintain dentally. Professional grooming is the largest ongoing expense unless you learn to do it yourself — which many dedicated Shih Tzu owners do.

Why Adopt a Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus are surrendered to shelters and rescues more often than many people realize. Grooming overwhelm is the top reason — owners don't anticipate the time and cost of maintaining the coat. Housebreaking difficulties, allergies to the dog (despite being "hypoallergenic-ish"), and life changes also contribute.

Rescue Shih Tzus are often wonderful companions. Many come from puppy mills and have never known a loving home — watching them blossom with proper care and affection is one of the most rewarding experiences in dog ownership. Others are owner surrenders who are already house-trained and well-socialized.

Finding Shih Tzus for Adoption

1. Browse Foredog — we list Shih Tzus from shelters and rescues across the country, updated daily
2. Breed-specific rescues — Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc., Tzu Zoo Rescue, and dozens of regional Shih Tzu rescues
3. Former mill dogs — organizations like National Mill Dog Rescue frequently have Shih Tzus from commercial breeding operations who need loving homes
4. Senior Shih Tzus — with lifespans up to 18 years, a 10-year-old Shih Tzu may have nearly a decade of companionship left

Frequently Asked Questions

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