Introducing the Shih Tzu: Genuine Tips from Today's Owners

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

Shih Tzu Quick Characteristics

• Breed Type: Toy
• Size: Small
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 18
• Healthy Weight Range: 9 to 16
• Height Range: 9 to 11
• Temperament: Friendly, Playful, Loyal
• Coat Type: Long, double coat
• Color: Gold, white, black, red, brindle

About the Shih Tzu

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.

History and Origin of Shih Tzu

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.

Shih Tzu Traits and Characteristics

• Temperament: Friendly, Playful, Loyal
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Trainability: Moderately trainable - Learns commands with consistent training and practice.
• Grooming needs: High maintenance - Requires frequent grooming, including regular brushing, bathing, and trimming.
• Good with Kids: Very friendly and social with children
• Good with Other Pets: Very friendly with other pets

What to Expect as a Shih Tzu Dog Owner

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

Grooming Needs

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.

Exercise Needs

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.

Diet and Nutrition

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.

Shih Tzu Health Concerns

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.

How Friendly Are Shih Tzus?

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:

• They’re sweet and cute and can be cuddly. Smart. They each have a distinct personality. (Denise S )
• Very loyal and very loving loves to lay around and cuddle. (Stephanie)
• When they are younger they love a good walk or hike and snuggling. Not too anxious or yappy around other pets. (Kristyn)

How to Train Your Shih Tzu

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:

• Positive Reinforcement (80%): This includes treats, praise, rewards, and so on for positive behavior
• Consistent Routines (42%): A consistent training routine allows your pet to get comfortable with expectations
• Socialization (33%): Socializing your dog with other pets, dogs, and people prepares them to interact with the world

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

What Do Owners Love About Shih Tzus?

We asked Sniffspot Shih Tzu owners what they love the most about their Shih Tzu pups, and here's what they had to say:

• Very affectionate and loving, so goofy and energetic. (Krysten)
• I love their “spunk”! Shih Tzus have the looks and personality of a happy bear cub and the attitude of royalty. They’re very humble creatures that are rightfully spoiled, though they don’t always demand it. (MM)
• Shih-tzus are affectionate, lovable dogs. Their small size and lack of shedding make them easy to live with and take with you on adventures. They are also very adaptable - happy snuggling on the couch or frolicking through an open field. (PMP)

What Are the Biggest Challenges for Shih Tzu Owners?

Similarly, Shih Tzu owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their pup:

• Barks a lot at new people but loves everyone. Reactive at people at the door. Can be overprotective of me around others. Hard to train because he struggles to focus. (Krysten)
• My dog was a “covid puppy”, so socializing him was a nightmare. He was very isolated (as we all were) from other dogs and people, but he did live with cats. As with any dog, socializing and acclimating them to the outdoors is very important. Smaller dogs can struggle with fear reactions and anxiety because they’re little. It’s scary down where they are, so I think it’s important to show them that not everyone wants to step on them, scoop them into the sky, or possibly eat them, as soon as possible. (MM)
• Shih tzus can have health complications, including severe dental issues and breathing problems due to their facial structure. Ours also developed bladder stones. These conditions are manageable but can financially add up. (PMP)

Is a Shih Tzu Right for a First-Time Dog Owner?

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:

• He is my little sidekick and is always there when I need emotional support. (Lynne Kline)
• They’re a pretty low-energy breed and they’re easy for first-time dog owners. They’re also friendly. (Chelsea )
• They are very affectionate lap dogs, calm, and learn very fast (Lorraine )

Advice for Shih Tzu Owners

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:

Be prepared for frequent grooming and maintenance.

• Get ready for grooming! They are beautiful dogs, but they tend to mat easily in their crevices and such. It’s important to brush them often and get them groomed at least once a month, and more often in the summer if it’s hot. Other than that, enjoy your bear cub in dog form! And mind the eyes, they can get eye injuries often because they’re curious of something and stick their flat faces something or another pet could injure them while playing. (MM)
• My advice is to make sure you’re ready to maintain their hair. Shih Tzus can get matted very easily. Also to make sure you keep up with the teeth brushing since they are predisposed to periodontal disease. (Chelsea )

Start training and socialization early, with patience

• Work on training immediately and be sure to have lots of patience as it takes them time to focus and learn. Work on desensitizing to people at the door/other animals. (Krysten)
• I would say it’s important to socialize and train them especially when a puppy. Though they might be considered an “easy breed” they require patience, love, and positive reinforcement. (Anon)

Shih Tzus need companionship and do not do well alone

• The are bred to be companions so make sure you like that (Leah)
• Consistency in all facets of training and playing everyday so that she is a very happy well rounded dog. A lot of one on one lap time! A very gentle breed. (Cynthia)

Be prepared for health issues, including teeth and skin problems

• Make sure you have insurance or a nest egg set aside to deal with expenses, both the regular ones like grooming and the unforeseen ones like medical issues. (PMP)
• Wonderful breed, but be prepared for possible skin issues. Socialize well when young. Must be on a professional grooming schedule. (S.J.)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Shih Tzu

What is the average lifespan of a Shih Tzu?

The average lifespan of a Shih Tzu is typically between 10 to 18 years.

What is the size of a Shih Tzu?

An adult Shih Tzu weighs between 9 to 16 pounds and stands between 9 to 11 inches tall.

How much grooming does a Shih Tzu need?

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.

How much exercise do Shih Tzus need?

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.

How friendly are Shih Tzus with children?

According to our data, Shih Tzus are very friendly and social with children with children.

How well do Shih Tzus get along with other pets?

Our research indicates that Shih Tzus are very friendly with other pets with other pets.

What should you feed your Shih Tzu to keep him healthy?

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.

What health concerns are common for Shih Tzus?

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.

Resources for Shih Tzu Owners

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.

• Most Popular Dog Names Shih Tzu
• Best Small Dog Rescues and Shelters
• Shih Tzu Club of America

Sources:

• Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information. (American Kennel Club)
• Shih Tzu Dog Breed Health and Care. (PetMD)