Discover the Shih Tzu, a breed celebrated for its friendly, playful, and loyal nature. Recognized as a small dog, Shih Tzus have their origins in China, where they were initially bred for bred as companions for royalty starting in ancient times dating all the way back to 1,000 years ago.
In this post, we share insights from over 100 Sniffspot users who own Shih Tzus themselves, offering practical advice for new and prospective Shih Tzu owners. Whether you’re considering adopting or rescuing a Shih Tzu or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with a friendly Shih Tzu.
As Sniffspot user Kara says, "Shih tzus are sweet and loving. They are happy to relax and spend time with you but also love to play. They don't shed and are so cute!"
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
According to nearly 10,000 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their Shih Tzu, we learned that these dogs are friendly and playful. The Shih Tzu is also known to be very friendly and social with children and very friendly with other pets. Lovingly nicknamed 'Little Lion Dogs,' these pups pack a big personality in a small package.
When living with a Shih Tzu, 53% of our owners indicated that an apartment or condominium with regular walks is ideal. Additionally, 51% of owners found that a large house with a fenced yard is also acceptable. This dog is moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer and owners say that the Shih Tzu learns best with positive reinforcement, consistent routines, and socialization.
In terms of exercise, 33% of Sniffspot owners say their Shih Tzu benefits from moderate exercise every day, including between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. The Sniffspot Little Lion Dog community would recommend this dog for first-time owners.
The Shih Tzu has a royal history that dates back over a thousand years. Originating in China, the breed is believed to have been developed by crossing the Lhasa Apso from Tibet with the Pekingese. Shih Tzus were highly valued as companion dogs by Chinese royalty, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Their name, which means "Lion Dog" in Chinese, reflects their regal heritage and appearance.
For centuries, Shih Tzus were bred to be lap dogs for the Chinese emperors, living in the grand palaces of the Forbidden City. They were cherished for their affectionate nature, small size, and flowing coats, which resembled that of lions in Chinese art. Westerners only discovered the breed in the 1930s when they were first imported to Europe, quickly becoming beloved pets worldwide.
Today, Shih Tzus are adored for their charming personalities, affectionate demeanor, and beautiful appearance. They have maintained their role as loyal companions, but now they bring joy to families around the world, adapting well to various living environments. Despite their royal past, they are friendly, playful, and make wonderful family pets.
As a Shih Tzu owner, it's important to know the best dog breed tips and what to expect from current Shih Tzu owners.
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024
Shih Tzu dogs require high-maintenance grooming. This means Shih Tzu owners should expect frequent grooming, including regular brushing, bathing, and trimming. Shih Tzu dogs have a long, double coat coat, which is ideal for insulation in colder climates. Their long, double-coat coat is considered low shed.
To keep your Shih Tzu's coat healthy and up to breed standards, brush daily to prevent matting and get professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. Of the coat types for breeds in the toy group, the grooming needs for Shih Tzu are considered to be high maintenance.
Shih Tzus require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Little Lion Dogs are considered a very athletic, high-energy breed. Little Lion Dogs make great pets and thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Little Lion Dogs report their dogs especially love playing with squeaky toys, tug-of-war, and chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee.
When small breeds like Shih Tzus don't get sufficient exercise, they're more likely to act out with undesirable behaviors like stubbornness and barking. They need consistent training, mental activity, and regular moderate exercise to avoid excess energy.
What should you feed your Shih Tzu to keep them healthy? As a moderate energy breed, what you feed them is important. A reported 51% of our community feed their Shih Tzu commercial dry kibble.
With moderate exercise, this breed should eat 0.5 to 1 cup of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 9 to 16 lbs. However, your Shih Tzu's ideal weight and food depend on your pet's sex, activity level, and age.
The Shih Tzu breed is most prone to dental problems (e.g., periodontal disease, tooth decay) and skin conditions (e.g., allergies, dermatitis). A reported 33% of our Shih Tzu owners reported dental problems like periodontal disease, dental calculous, tooth loss, bad breath, or an oral infection. Little Lion Dog's risk for these challenges increases as they age.
Similarly, 31% reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Lastly, 27% of Shih Tzu owners claim their dog struggles with digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite — a common Shih Tzu health concern. If you're worried about any of these health issues above, talk to your dog's vet.
Another important thing to consider when adopting a Little Lion Dog is whether or not this breed fits with your current family. How friendly are Shih Tzus compared to other small-sized breeds?
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
With moderate training, you can hone your Little Lion Dog's Toy instinct into a friendly and playful family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and consistent daily training routines early helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like stubbornness and barking. Our community Shih Tzu owners comment on their pet's friendliness:
Whether you're adopting a puppy or an adult Shih Tzu, training is a significant part of owning a small-sized breed. Without proper training, your Shih Tzu is more likely to display undesirable behaviors such as stubbornness and barking. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your Little Lion Dog.
As a Toy breed, Shih Tzus benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here's what our Shih Tzu community recommended based on their experience with their own dogs:
As dogs bred for bred as companions for royalty, these dogs are considered moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer.
Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash
We asked Sniffspot Shih Tzu owners what they love the most about their Shih Tzu pups, and here's what they had to say:
Similarly, Shih Tzu owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their pup:
Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey
According to 89% of our Sniffspot community, Shih Tzus are a great first-time dog. This comes from their friendly nature and moderate exercise needs. Shih Tzu owners say it best:
Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy dog owners. These Shih Tzu breed owners share the most essential dog breed tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:
The average lifespan of a Shih Tzu is typically between 10 to 18 years.
An adult Shih Tzu weighs between 9 to 16 pounds and stands between 9 to 11 inches tall.
Shih Tzu dogs require high maintenance grooming. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and manageable. Shih Tzu dogs have a long, double coat coat, which is well-suited for insulation in colder climates. They are considered low shedders.
To maintain your Shih Tzu's coat, it's important to brush daily to prevent matting and get professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. Among Toy breeds, Shih Tzu grooming is categorized as more complicated.
Shih Tzus require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Shih Tzus are classified as a moderately athletic, somewhat high-energy breed.
Shih Tzus are excellent companions and thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of these pups note that their dogs particularly enjoy playing with squeaky toys, tug-of-war, and chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee.
If small breeds like Shih Tzus don't receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.
According to our data, Shih Tzus are very friendly and social with children with children.
Our research indicates that Shih Tzus are very friendly with other pets with other pets.
As a moderate energy breed, the diet of your Shih Tzu is crucial. A significant 51% of our community feed their dogs commercial dry kibble.
For optimal health, Shih Tzus should consume 0.5 to 1 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight around 9 to 16 pounds. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your Shih Tzu's sex, activity level, and age.
The Shih Tzu breed is particularly prone to dental problems like periodontal disease, dental calculous, tooth loss, bad breath, or an oral infection and skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Our data shows that 33% of Shih Tzu owners reported dental problems like periodontal disease, dental calculous, tooth loss, bad breath, or an oral infection. Shih Tzus risk for these health issues increases as they age.
Additionally, 31% reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Finally, 27% of Shih Tzu owners indicated their dog struggles with digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite, which are common Shih Tzu health concerns. If you have concerns about any of these health issues, consult your pup's veterinarian.
Whether you're a current Shih Tzu dog owner or you're considering adopting a Shih Tzu, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for Shih Tzu owners.
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* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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