Get the app

Dog · FCI group 9

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate companion dog that originated as an imperial palace pet in Tibet and China. They have a proud carriage, a dense flowing coat, and a friendly, playful nature. Their low exercise needs and adaptable personality make them popular indoor pets.

  • Affectionate
  • Playful
  • Alert
  • Outgoing
  • Gentle
  • Independent
Shih Tzu
OriginChina
Size
Small
Adult weight
4.1 to 8 kg
Height at the withers
20.3 to 27.9 cm
Lifespan
10 to 18 years

This is general guidance. Always ask your vet.

How big does a Shih Tzu get?

An adult Shih Tzu weighs 4.1 to 8 kg and stands 20.3 to 27.9 cm at the withers.

Breed standards do not separate height or weight ranges by sex. The FCI sets the maximum height at 27 cm and weight between 4.5 and 8.0 kg, while the AKC allows heights from 20.3 to 27.9 cm and ideal weights from 4.1 to 7.3 kg.

[S7][S8][S9]

How long does a Shih Tzu live?

A Shih Tzu lives 10 to 18 years.

Large companion dog studies report median lifespans around 12.7 to 12.8 years, with a general life expectancy range between 10 and 18 years.

[S10][S11][S12][S13][S14]

What health problems are common in the Shih Tzu?

The most common in the Shih Tzu are: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), Patellar Luxation, Ophthalmological Disorders (Corneal Ulcers and Dry Eye), Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), Periodontal Disease, Urolithiasis (Bladder Stones).

Present at birth, with breathing difficulties emerging between 1 and 4 years

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) [S16][S27][S28]

A respiratory condition where shortened airways, narrow nostrils, and an elongated soft palate restrict normal airflow.

Ask your vet about:

  • Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) assessment
  • Evaluation of stenotic nares and palate length
  • Head and chest radiographs
Between 4 and 12 months of age

Patellar Luxation [S28][S29][S30]

A joint defect where the kneecap slips out of its normal anatomical groove.

Ask your vet about:

  • Annual physical palpation of both knees
  • OFA patellar evaluation
Traumatic ulcers occur at any age; dry eye typically appears between 3 and 7 years

Ophthalmological Disorders (Corneal Ulcers and Dry Eye) [S16][S28][S30][S31]

Eye conditions including surface scratches from prominent eye exposure and insufficient tear production.

Ask your vet about:

  • Annual OFA CAER eye examination
  • Schirmer tear test
  • Fluorescein eye stain test
Disc herniation presents between 3 and 7 years of age

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) [S19]

A spinal issue where cushioning discs between vertebrae degenerate and can press on the spinal cord.

Ask your vet about:

  • Spinal neurological examination
  • Spinal radiographs, CT, or MRI imaging
  • Genetic screening for the FGF4 CDDY locus
Between 1 and 2 years of age

Periodontal Disease [S27][S32]

Bacterial inflammation and infection of the gums caused by dental overcrowding in a shortened jaw.

Ask your vet about:

  • Regular veterinary oral examinations
  • Full-mouth dental radiographs under anesthesia
Between 4 and 9 years of age

Urolithiasis (Bladder Stones) [S33]

The formation of mineral stones, such as calcium oxalate or struvite, inside the urinary bladder.

Ask your vet about:

  • Routine urinalysis and urine culture
  • Abdominal ultrasonography
  • Abdominal radiographs

What is a Shih Tzu's temperament like?

The Shih Tzu is outgoing, affectionate, alert, and playful with a sweet and gentle expression. They focus strongly on human companionship, carry low working drives, and can show occasional stubbornness during repetitive tasks.

[S3][S8][S15][S16][S17]

How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?

A Shih Tzu needs 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day.

Daily exercise needs are satisfied by short neighborhood walks and indoor play. Their brachycephalic build and short legs make them unsuitable for jogging, endurance activities, or heavy stair climbing.

  • Energy2 / 5
[S5][S16][S18][S19]

How does a Shih Tzu handle heat and cold?

Heat tolerance is very poor because shortened airways prevent efficient panting, creating severe heatstroke risks. Cold tolerance is moderate due to their insulating double coat, but their low clearance leaves them vulnerable to wet ground.

  • Handles heat1 / 5
  • Handles cold3 / 5
[S7][S16][S20][S21]

How much does a Shih Tzu shed, and how do you groom it?

Full coats need daily brushing down to the skin with a pin brush and metal comb to prevent matting. Head hair requires tying in a topknot or trimming to protect vision, alongside daily eye wiping and professional trims every 4 to 6 weeks.

Long, dense outer coat with a soft undercoat

  • Shedding1 / 5
[S7][S8][S15][S22][S23][S24]

Is a Shih Tzu good with children and other pets?

Shih Tzus thrive in apartments thanks to their small size, low exercise demands, and quiet habits. They get along well with cats and other dogs, but children must handle them gently to protect their prominent eyes.

  • With children4 / 5
  • With other pets5 / 5
  • In an apartment5 / 5
[S16][S17][S18][S23]

Is a Shih Tzu easy to train?

They respond well to positive reinforcement, praise, and food lures, but they resist harsh corrections. Housebreaking demands patience due to their small bladders, and short five-minute sessions fit their brief attention spans.

  • Ease of training3 / 5
[S17][S23][S24][S25][S26]

What does a Shih Tzu eat at each life stage?

  • PuppyFeed a commercially balanced small-breed puppy diet high in protein and healthy fats. Provide 3 to 4 small daily meals to support high metabolic rates and prevent hypoglycemia.
  • AdultSelect an adult maintenance formula with kibble shaped for small, brachycephalic jaws. Practice strict portion control to avoid weight gain, which strains their back and breathing.
  • SeniorChoose a senior formula with controlled minerals for urinary health and nutrients supporting joint mobility. Use wet food or softened kibble if your dog experiences dental sensitivity.

Where does the Shih Tzu come from?

The breed originated in Tibet and developed in China through crosses between Tibetan dogs like the Lhasa Apso and the Chinese Pekingese. They lived inside imperial palaces as royal lapdogs under the care of Empress Cixi. After facing near extinction in China, all modern pedigrees trace back to 14 founder dogs saved in Great Britain and Scandinavia.

Country of origin: China.

[S1][S2][S3]

Fun facts about the Shih Tzu

  • The name Shih Tzu translates from Mandarin Chinese to mean Little Lion Dog. [S2][S6]
  • The breed earned the nickname Chrysanthemum Dog because hair grows out in all directions from the center of the face like flower petals. [S1]
  • A white spot on the forehead is traditionally celebrated in Buddhist folklore as the Star of Buddha, representing divine good fortune. [S3]
  • Qing Dynasty palace handlers carried Shih Tzus inside the wide sleeves of their robes to serve as living hand-warmers. [S2][S21]
  • Every modern pedigree traces back to a tiny founding group of 14 dogs preserved in the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. [S2][S3]

Tips by life stage and weather

  • PuppyIntroduce gentle handling of paws, ears, and mouth daily so your puppy accepts lifelong grooming and vet visits without stress.
  • PuppySet up a consistent house-training routine with frequent outdoor breaks and crate training to guide their tiny bladder.
  • AdultWalk your dog using a fitted chest harness instead of a neck collar to protect their trachea from pressure.
  • AdultWipe your dog's facial folds and eye areas daily with a soft damp cloth to clear crusts and stop tear stains.
  • SeniorProvide ramps or low steps to help your dog reach sofas or beds so they avoid jumping and jarring their spine.
  • SeniorMoisten kibble with warm water to make chewing comfortable if your dog experiences dental wear or missing teeth.
  • Hot seasonLimit outdoor exercise to early mornings or late evenings and keep your dog in air-conditioned spaces during hot afternoons.
  • Hot seasonWatch your dog closely for loud panting or distress, providing immediate access to shade, cool resting spots, and fresh water.
  • Cold seasonDress your dog in a fitted sweater or coat during cold weather if their hair is styled in a short puppy cut.
  • Cold seasonDry your dog's chest, belly, and paws thoroughly after walks because their low ground clearance collects moisture from cold ground.
  • Rainy seasonDry the long coat completely with a towel after wet walks to prevent damp hair from tangling and forming tight mats.
  • Rainy seasonSwitch to indoor fetch and interactive enrichment games inside your home on days with continuous heavy rainfall.

In the Kiba Vet app, your pet's breed profile shows a tip of the day based on its age and the weather where you live.

This is general guidance. Always ask your vet.

Checked against sources; veterinary review pending. Updated on September 29, 2026.

Written with the help of AI from the cited sources and checked fact by fact against them by a second model.

Sources

Every health fact and every number on this page comes from these sources. Identifiers from Wikidata (CC0).