Shih Tzu
西施犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Shih Tzu is a small, long-coated companion bred in the Chinese imperial court purely to be a house pet. It is outgoing, affectionate and happy, adapts well to apartments and needs only short walks, but the flowing coat demands daily brushing or a regular pet clip, and its flat face makes it sensitive to heat.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 23–28cm |
| Weight | 4–8kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–18years |
| Breed group | AKC: toy FCI: 9 |
| Role | Toy |
| Coat | Long coat |
| Shedding | 1/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 3/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 1/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 4/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye condition reported in the breed; DNA tests and eye examinations are available. Ask your vet or breeder about eye screening.
Cataracts
Hereditary cataracts are reported in the breed. Ask your vet about eye examinations if you notice cloudiness in the eyes.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Brachycephalic airway syndrome
As a flat-faced breed, breathing difficulties and heat intolerance are commonly reported. Ask your vet to assess breathing, keep exercise gentle in hot, humid weather and use a harness rather than a collar.
Kidney disease
Kidney conditions are reported in the breed. Ask your vet about routine blood and urine checks.
Cherry eye / eyelid problems
Eyelid and tear-film problems (cherry eye, entropion, dry eye) are reported in the breed. Ask your vet if the eyes look red, sore or weepy.
Behaviour
Companion first and last
The CKC says the role of companion and housepet is the Shih Tzu's sole purpose, so its personality is outgoing, affectionate, happy and friendly; the AKC notes it is especially affectionate with children and requires minimal exercise — short daily walks and indoor play.
Charming, and knows it
The AKC warns the Shih Tzu tends to charm its owner into getting its own way, which can produce a chubby, half-house-trained pet; consistent, patient training and portion control matter. The CKC notes it carries itself with a distinctly arrogant air.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Shih Tzu
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Shih Tzu (Non Sporting Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Shih Tzu
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 10 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Shih Tzu (standard no. 208, group 9)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club's grooming pages say a Shih Tzu must be brushed regularly, have its face cleaned daily and be bathed often — no more than about three weeks between baths — and that if you cannot do this yourself, budget for professional grooming; many pet owners choose a shorter clip, which takes far less time than a full coat.”
— American Shih Tzu Club — Grooming via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Shih Tzu — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Shih Tzu — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Shih Tzu — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Shih Tzu — FCI standard no. 208 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Grooming — American Shih Tzu Club — American Shih Tzu Club — Grooming (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.