¶Table of Contents
¶Quick Facts
- The Shih Tzu is a small, purebred companion dog with roots in Tibet and development in China; Great Britain holds responsibility for the breed standard.
- The breed standard sets a maximum height at the withers of 27 centimetres and a weight of 4.5–8 kilograms. The FCI recognises one Shih Tzu, not separate “mini”, “imperial” or “teacup” varieties.
- Typical traits include a friendly yet independent nature, an alert expression and a sturdy body that is slightly longer than it is tall.
- The long coat requires substantial care. A shorter pet trim reduces the workload but does not remove the need for brushing, bathing and checking the eyes, ears, paws and skin.
- Free, quiet breathing, non-prominent eyes and a functional mouth matter more than an extremely short muzzle or an exaggerated coat.
- A Shih Tzu can thrive in a flat, but still needs daily movement, mental stimulation and social contact.
¶Appearance & Coat
The Shih Tzu is small but sturdily built, not a delicate miniature dog. The body length from the withers to the root of the tail should exceed the height at the withers. The chest is broad and deep, and the high-set tail is carried in a curve over the back. The head is broad and round. The muzzle is short and wide, but the nostrils should be well open and the eyes large without being prominent.
The breed standard sets a maximum height at the withers of 27 centimetres and a weight of 4.5–8 kilograms. Breed type and sound function should take priority over trying to produce the smallest possible dog. Terms such as “imperial” and “teacup” therefore do not describe recognised size varieties of the breed.
The coat consists of long, dense outer hair and a moderate undercoat that should not be woolly. It may be straight or slightly wavy, and all colours are permitted. The hair on the head creates the characteristic chrysanthemum-like expression, but it must not obstruct the dog’s vision. The coat must never be so long or heavy that it restricts movement.
A Shih Tzu in a full-length coat needs a consistent routine. The Swedish Kennel Club describes regular baths, thorough drying and combing to prevent mats. Hair around the face needs to be kept clear of the eyes, and the coat should be worked through down to the skin so that small tangles do not become large and painful.
A clipped Shih Tzu is easier to care for, but not maintenance-free. The coat continues to grow and needs brushing, washing and clipping at an interval that suits the individual coat and daily life. The breed should not be described as hypoallergenic: how a person reacts to a dog cannot be determined by the coat’s appearance or the amount of visible hair in the home.
¶Temperament & Personality
The Shih Tzu should be friendly, lively, alert and independent. This companion dog often enjoys taking part in family life, but its independence may show when the dog sees no point in a task. That gives the breed character and humour, but does not make every individual automatically cooperative in every situation.
Temperament varies between individuals and is shaped by breeding, early experiences and everyday training. The breed’s friendliness is therefore no guarantee that every Shih Tzu will love all children, dogs or cats. Life with children works best when they can handle the dog calmly, leave it undisturbed while resting and avoid carrying it without help. Young children and the dog should always have an adult close by.
Meetings with other dogs and cats should be built up gradually. A calm introduction and the option to move away matter more than the assumption that the breed always gets along with everyone. Some individuals are open from the start; others need more time.
A Shih Tzu may bark at sounds and visitors, but the amount of vocalisation varies and can be influenced by daily routines. Reward calm behaviour, give the dog an alternative to rushing to the door and avoid accidentally turning every alert bark into a major event.
¶Training & Exercise
The Shih Tzu needs daily exercise and mental stimulation, even though the breed is not built for prolonged, strenuous work. Several walks with time to sniff, short play sessions and small training tasks usually provide a better day than one monotonous route. Distance and intensity must be adjusted to the dog’s age, fitness, the weather and its ability to breathe.
Short, clear training sessions suit the breed’s combination of intelligence and independence. Reward the behaviour you want and work on one thing at a time: engagement, recall, handling, lead walking and settling. House training is easier with frequent chances to go outside, predictable routines and an immediate reward outdoors; there is no evidence that every Shih Tzu is unusually easy or difficult to house-train.
Heat and breathing should determine the level of activity. A Shih Tzu that breathes with effort or noise, quickly loses pace or struggles to recover should not be pushed further. Exercise during cooler parts of the day in warm weather, and ask a veterinarian to assess recurring breathing noise or reduced stamina. Snoring and rattling breathing should not be dismissed as normal simply because the breed is short-muzzled.
Time alone should be taught gradually, starting with very short periods. Increase the duration only while the dog remains calm, and adjust the plan if it shows anxiety or discomfort. In Sweden, dogs must receive physical and mental activity every day and should be taken out at least every six hours during the daytime; puppies and older dogs generally need more frequent opportunities.
¶Health
The main health checks for a Shih Tzu concern breathing, eyes, and the mouth and teeth. The breed can live a long life, and a large British veterinary-record study found an overall disorder pattern closer to dogs in general than to several other flat-faced breeds. That does not mean the risks associated with a shortened skull can be ignored.
The Shih Tzu can be affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, BOAS. In a 2026 British study of 42 Shih Tzus, the breed was assessed as having a moderate risk of BOAS, and just under half of the dogs received grade 0. The sample was small and cannot describe the health of an individual dog, but it shows why breathing must be assessed in practice. Open nostrils, quiet breathing at rest and in motion, normal recovery and a healthy body condition are important signs. The study also found an association between body condition and BOAS grade in Shih Tzus.
The Respiratory Function Grading Scheme, or RFG Scheme, is a standardised functional assessment of breathing. In 2026, the Swedish Kennel Club decided to introduce central recording of RFG results for Shih Tzus, but assessments can start only when trained veterinarians and the technical procedures are in place. Ask the breeder which breathing assessments have actually been completed and check the current status with the Swedish Kennel Club.
The eyes should be large but not prominent. The Swedish Kennel Club’s breed-specific instructions identify excessively prominent eyes as a risk area, while British health guidance recommends eye screening before breeding. Seek veterinary care promptly if the dog suddenly squints, rubs an eye, or develops marked redness, cloudiness or heavy discharge; corneal injuries are painful and need examination.
The mouth is another priority because the Swedish instructions warn about a narrow lower jaw and poor dental status. In a British study of 11,082 Shih Tzus, disease affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth was the most frequently recorded diagnosis. The same study also highlighted anal sac, ear and eye disorders. Daily brushing with dog toothpaste is the most effective home care against plaque; veterinary checks are still needed when tartar, bad breath, bleeding gums or difficulty chewing appear.
The study reported an average age at death of 12.7 years in the British population examined. This is a population measure, not a promise for an individual dog.
¶History & Origins
The Shih Tzu has its roots in Tibet but was developed as a breed in China, where dogs of this type lived in the imperial palaces. The FCI lists Tibet (China) as the country of origin and Great Britain as the country responsible for the breed standard. The breed belongs to the companion-dog group and has never been subject to a working trial requirement.
The first documented import to Great Britain took place in 1931. Shih Tzus were initially shown alongside Lhasa Apsos, but differences in the head and overall type led to the Shih Tzu being recognised as a separate breed in 1934. It was registered separately by the British kennel club in 1940. The breed reached Scandinavia during the 1930s.
The verified history is clear without romantic embellishment: Tibetan roots, development in China and later standardisation in Great Britain. Today’s friendly but independent companion dog reflects the role the breed has long held close to people.
¶Living with the Breed
The Shih Tzu is best suited to someone who wants a small, social companion and accepts that the coat, eyes, teeth and breathing require ongoing attention. The breed can suit both flats and houses; what matters is not the size of the home but whether the dog receives movement, scent work, rest, company and regular opportunities to go outside.
Daily life is easiest when grooming, toothbrushing and handling are introduced early in small steps. A dog kept in a short trim still needs to become comfortable with a brush, comb, bath, hair dryer, paw checks and touch around the face. Plan for recurring clipping at home or by a professional groomer as well.
Before choosing a puppy, meet the mother and preferably more adult relatives in normal movement, not only while they are sitting still. Listen to their breathing before and after a short walk, look for open nostrils and eyes that are not prominent, and ask how the breeder monitors the eyes, mouth and teeth, and respiratory function. Ask to see the available examination results and compare them with current information from the Swedish Kennel Club.
The breed is less suitable if the dog will regularly be left alone for long days, if daily coat care is unrealistic or if you want a dog for strenuous exercise in warm weather. For a home that appreciates a close companion who is not always eager to comply, the Shih Tzu can be a very enjoyable choice, provided sound function takes priority over extreme appearance.
¶Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Aggressiveness | 1/5 |
| Child Friendly | 4/5 |
| Energy | 2/5 |
| Hair Shedding | 2/5 |
| Health | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 2/5 |
| Grooming Needs | 4/5 |
| Learning Ability | 4/5 |
| Barking Level | 3/5 |
| Height | 23 – 27 cm |
| Weight | 5 – 8 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 16 years |
¶Shih Tzu price
Here you can see typical asking prices for Shih Tzu in Sweden over the last 12 months.
The calculation is based on valid Get a Pet listings from the last 12 months, including active and expired listings. These are asking prices, not confirmed sale prices.
¶Frequently Asked Questions
Are Shih Tzus good family dogs and how do they behave around children?
They are typically affectionate, people-focused companion dogs that enjoy being close to their family. Most do well with gentle children, especially if raised with them, but their small size makes them vulnerable to rough handling. Supervision and teaching kids to be calm and respectful are important to prevent accidental injury and anxiety.
How much grooming does a Shih Tzu really need and can the coat be kept short?
The long, flowing coat tangles easily and needs daily brushing plus regular bathing to stay comfortable and healthy. Many pet owners choose a shorter “puppy cut” that still requires routine brushing and trims every 6 to 8 weeks but is far easier to manage. Even with a short cut, the face, eyes and ears need frequent cleaning.
What health problems are Shih Tzus prone to, especially with their flat faces?
The shortened muzzle can lead to breathing issues, snoring and heat intolerance, especially in hot or humid weather. They are also predisposed to eye injuries and infections, dental crowding, ear infections and certain orthopedic and back problems. Choosing a breeder who screens for eye, respiratory and orthopedic issues and keeping a healthy weight can reduce some risks.
How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need each day?
They have moderate energy and usually do well with a couple of short walks plus some indoor play. They are not endurance dogs and should not be pushed to run long distances or exercise in heat because of their airway structure. Mental enrichment, such as training games and puzzle toys, is as important as physical activity.
Are Shih Tzus hard to house train compared to other small breeds?
They can be slower to house train than some breeds, partly due to small bladders and a tendency to be a bit stubborn. Consistent schedules, frequent outdoor trips, close supervision and positive reinforcement are crucial. Many owners find that using a crate and limiting unsupervised access indoors speeds up progress.
Do Shih Tzus shed and are they hypoallergenic?
The coat sheds very little compared to typical double-coated dogs, and much of the loose hair gets trapped in the long coat until brushed out. Some allergy sufferers tolerate them better, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Regular grooming, vacuuming and washing bedding can help reduce allergens in the home.
Can a Shih Tzu be left alone during the workday or do they get separation anxiety?
They are strongly attached to their people and can develop separation issues if never taught to be alone. Many can stay home for a typical workday if their needs for companionship, exercise and mental stimulation are met and alone time is introduced gradually. Dogs that show distress or destructive behavior may need training support or help from a professional.
Are Shih Tzus good apartment dogs and do they bark a lot?
Their small size and modest exercise needs make them well suited to apartment living. Some individuals are quite vocal and may bark at noises or visitors, while others are relatively quiet. Early training to respond to a “quiet” cue and sufficient daily engagement helps keep nuisance barking under control.
What special care do a Shih Tzu’s eyes and face need?
The prominent eyes are easily irritated by hair, dust and minor bumps, so the hair around the eyes should be trimmed or tied up and the corners cleaned regularly. Facial folds and the area around the nose can trap moisture and debris, so gentle daily wiping helps prevent infections and staining. Any redness, squinting or discharge should be checked by a veterinarian promptly.
Is a Shih Tzu a good choice for first-time dog owners?
They can be a good match for beginners who are prepared for regular grooming and consistent training. Their size, affectionate nature and moderate exercise needs are manageable for many households, but they do require daily coat care and careful monitoring in hot weather. Access to a good groomer and commitment to basic training often make ownership more successful.¶Comparisons with other breeds
Compare Shih Tzu with other breeds and see the differences in temperament, activity level, and care to make a confident choice. Show all comparisons
