Shih Tzu
playful / affectionate / outgoing
A small companion bred for close human company, well suited to a gentler daily routine.
Photo: danny O. · CC BY 2.0. Resized and cropped. Photo details
Distinct from Lhasa Apso; a show coat alone cannot establish identity.
The breed at a glance
- Official name
- Shih Tzu
- Origin / registry attribution
- Tibet (china)
- AKC origin attribution
- China
- Group
- Toy Group
- Original purpose
- Companionship
- Height
- 9-10.5 inches
- Weight
- 9-16 pounds
- Typical lifespan
- 10-18 years
- Coat type
- Double
- Coat length
- Long
- Shedding
- Very low
- Drooling
- Very low
- Barking
- Moderate
- Grooming
- High
- Exercise needs
- Moderate
- Mental stimulation
- Moderate
- Trainability
- High
- Children
- Very high
- Other dogs
- Very high
- Cats / small pets
- Individual assessment required; breed suitability unknown
- Apartment adaptability (editorial)
- Very high
- First-owner suitability (editorial)
- Very high
- Climate
- Heat sensitive
Measurements, coat facts, and trait ratings: AKC Shih Tzu breed guide. Origin classifications can differ between registries; both attributions are retained where available. Apartment and first-owner ratings are editorial planning estimates.
Temperament & lifestyle fit
playful / affectionate / outgoing. These are general breed tendencies; upbringing, age, health and the individual dog matter.
- Energy and exercise
- Moderate
- Grooming needs
- High
- Trainability
- High
- Family compatibility: children
- Very high
- Apartment adaptability (editorial)
- Very high
Use these ratings to plan your routine, rather than to predict an individual dog’s behavior. Children need supervision and introductions to other pets need individual assessment.
Find breeds that fit your home, activity and care preferences · Understand our source ratings and editorial estimates
A history that shapes daily life
The Shih Tzu’s history is associated with companion dogs in Chinese imperial households and Tibetan ancestry. It remains a companion breed whose coat and short muzzle call for thoughtful everyday care.
History and breed background: AKC Shih Tzu breed guide.
Coat care & everyday routines
Frequent coat care is needed. Avoid overexertion and heat, especially with their short muzzle.
Reported coat colors: Black, Black & White, Brindle, Brindle & White, Gold, Gold & White, Red & White, Silver & White, Blue, Blue & White, Liver, Liver & White, Silver, Red. Color listings reflect the source registry and do not establish health, temperament, or show eligibility.
Plan daily activity and age-appropriate enrichment, a comfortable resting area, gradual alone-time training, and regular preventive care. Choose a routine you can maintain throughout the year.
Coat and care source: AKC Shih Tzu breed guide.
Health conversations worth having
Reported concerns include eye problems, patellar and hip issues, and breathing or heat intolerance associated with the short muzzle. No recommended tests in an index does not mean a breed has no health risks.
Screening listed by the source breed club
- No recommended health tests
Health screening does not guarantee an individual dog will be free of disease. These lists are not a diagnosis or an exhaustive account of possible conditions.
Health source: AKC Shih Tzu breed guide · Parent breed-club health statement.
A realistic monthly care budget
$160–$325 USD per month · adult-dog planning estimate.
- Food
- $25–$50
- Routine veterinary reserve
- $60–$125
- Parasite prevention
- $15–$35
- Grooming & coat supplies
- $40–$75
- Treats, toys & replacement supplies
- $20–$40
Editorial U.S. adult-dog planning ranges, reviewed October 1, 2026. Routine veterinary care is averaged across the year. Local prices and individual health needs vary. Excludes purchase or adoption, initial supplies, insurance, emergency and specialist care, boarding, daycare, training classes, and pet rent. Sources inform care categories; these breed estimates are not supplier quotes.
AKC: lifetime dog-care costsASPCA: planning for pet-care costs
Sources & research status
- FCI breed nomenclature: Shih Tzu · checked 2026-10-01
- AKC Shih Tzu breed guide · checked 2026-10-01
- FCI official breed standard
- Data coverage, editorial estimates, and matching methodology
General breed tendencies do not guarantee individual behavior. Children need supervision; existing pets need careful introductions. Meet the dog and discuss individual health and care needs.