Shih Tzu

Is a Shih Tzu right for you?

The Shih Tzu was bred for centuries to do nothing but keep people company. The result is an exceptionally adaptable companion: calm, friendly, fond of the lap. In return it needs intensive coat care and health monitoring related to its short muzzle.

The Shih Tzu is one of the most balanced small breeds for someone wanting a calm housemate. It is the wrong choice if you want guarding, a running partner, or an outdoor dog.

Before you adopt

When choosing a puppy, prefer individuals with open nostrils, eyes in a normal position, and no noisy breathing. Extremely flat-faced types have problems for life.

Ask the breeder for patella evaluation, eye examination, and information about renal dysplasia in the line.

Shih Tzus and their mixes are common in shelters and breed rescues, often surrendered because of the grooming workload. Adopting an adult means the coat condition and temperament are already visible.

Temperament

The Shih Tzu is friendly, calm, and adaptable. It is not assertive like a terrier or driven to hunt like a spaniel; its sole purpose is companionship, and it does that well.

It approaches even strangers in a friendly way, so do not expect guarding. It is tolerant of children and other animals.

It enjoys the lap but is not clingy; it can play by itself. Even so, long solitude does not suit it.

It has a stubborn streak, particularly in house training. Despite being intelligent it shows a "will not do what it does not want to do" attitude; working with rewards is necessary.

Its voice is moderate, among the least vocal of small breeds.

Health issues and lifespan

Average lifespan is 14 to 16 years, among the longest for small breeds.

• Brachycephalic airway problems: Noisy breathing, snoring, and difficulty in heat because of the short muzzle. Severe cases require surgery. It is not as severe as in the Pug or Bulldog but requires attention.
• Eye problems: The prominent, large eyes are exposed to injury and drying. Corneal ulcers are common. The most severe situation is proptosis, in which the eye leaves the socket, requiring emergency surgery. Facial hair can irritate the eyes.
• Dental crowding: Teeth are poorly aligned in the short jaw and the lower jaw is undershot. Tartar and early tooth loss are common.
• Patellar luxation: Common in small breeds.
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): The long back carries a risk.
• Renal dysplasia: An inherited kidney developmental disorder reported in this breed; it presents at a young age with excessive drinking and weight loss.
• Ear infections: Drop, hairy ears; weekly checks are needed.
• Heat stroke: The combination of a short muzzle and a dense coat; take care in summer.

Feeding

An adult Shih Tzu (4-7 kg) eats 100-150 g of small-kibble dry food per day.

• Puppy (2-12 months): Small-breed puppy food, three meals a day.
• Adult: 22-26% protein, small kibble. Kibble size and shape matter because of the short jaw.
• Senior (9+ years): Calories reduced; annual kidney monitoring.

The mouth area and facial fold should be wiped after meals; food stays in long hair and causes odour.

This breed can be a fussy eater; feeding from the table reinforces fussiness.

Grooming and coat

The Shih Tzu's coat is double-layered, grows continuously, and is very prone to matting.

Two options:

• Long coat: daily brushing is required. It is laborious and not practical for most homes.
• Short clip (puppy cut): grooming every six to eight weeks; brushing two or three times a week is then enough. It is more comfortable for both owner and dog, particularly in a hot summer.

Shared care:

• The hair on the face should be trimmed or tied up so it does not irritate the eyes. In this breed eye health depends directly on coat care.
• The area around the eyes should be wiped daily.
• Bathe every three to four weeks, then dry thoroughly.
• Check ears weekly; hair in the canal should be checked.
• Teeth must be brushed at least three times a week.
• Nails every three to four weeks.
• Rear hygiene: keeping the area short is practical because of the long coat.

Training and exercise

Daily requirement: 30 to 45 minutes of short walks in cool conditions. Do not push in heat or over long distances.

Priorities:

1. Heat awareness. Extremely noisy breathing, a purple tongue, and inability to stand are an emergency.
2. Tolerating grooming. Brushing, drying, and the grooming table should be introduced with rewards in puppyhood; this is a lifelong routine in this breed.
3. House training. This breed is considered difficult here; consistency and patience are needed.
4. Socialisation (8-16 weeks).
5. Harness. A neck collar narrows the airway.
6. Basic obedience. Short, playful sessions.

History

The Shih Tzu's origins lie in Tibet and China. The breed took shape in Beijing after small lion-like dogs bred in Tibetan monasteries were presented as gifts to the Chinese imperial court. Its name means "lion dog" in Chinese; in Buddhist tradition the lion is a sacred symbol, and these dogs were bred to represent it.

For centuries it was kept only inside the palace; taking it outside was forbidden and receiving one as a gift was a great honour. Breeding was carried out meticulously by palace eunuchs.

In the 1930s the first individuals reached England and Norway. During China's cultural revolution the breed nearly disappeared in its homeland; it is accepted that all Shih Tzus today descend from fourteen dogs taken to the West.

British and American soldiers returning after the Second World War spread the breed. The AKC recognised it in 1969. Today it is one of the most popular companion breeds in the world.