Literally translated as ‘little lion’, the Shih Tzu’s temperament is affectionate, playful and a little bit feisty. Shih Tzus are generally accepted to have originated as temple dogs in China or Tibet and fall into the Utility and Toy categories.
Facts & advice
Shih Tzu
An affectionate and playful companion that loves being around people.
Vital stats
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| Size: | Small to medium |
| Coat: | Long & silky requiring daily brushing |
| Exercise | Up to 30 minutes a day |
| Life span: | 10+ years |
| Breed group: | Toy/ Utility |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, playful, extroverted |
Shih Tzu temperament & personality
Bred to be companions Shih Tzus are affectionate, playful and extroverted, although they can be a little stubborn at times!
- Shih Tzus relish human company and are happiest when they’re at your feet or side so are best suited for owners who can be home most of the time.
- This breed tends to be wary of strangers and prefer getting to know people on their own terms meaning they need lots of socialisation as puppies.
- Usually comfortable with other dogs and pets, as long as introductions are careful.
- Keep an eye on playtime with small children – Shih Tzus don’t tolerate rough play and can be quick to make their feelings known.
Shih Tzu training & exercise
Shih Tzus love to learn and training is a great way for the two of you to bond. But you shouldn’t leave training too late as they can be strong-willed.
Training tips
- Shih Tzu puppies are so small and fluffy that their cuteness often tricks owners into thinking they can delay training. In truth, this breed can have a stubborn streak so it’s best to start training from 8 weeks old.
- Keep training sessions short – around five to ten minutes – to stop your pup getting bored.
Keeping them happy
- They may be small, but Shih Tzu puppies can be hyper! A combination of short walks and games will help expel excess energy and avoid unwanted behaviours.
- Shih Tzus love treats but there’s one thing they love more — their humans! Proper socialisation will help to avoid any possessiveness the breed is known for.
- Shih Tzus can be prone to separation anxiety, so should only be left alone for short periods of time.
Exercise
- An adult Shih Tzu needs between 30 minutes and one hour of exercise per day, ideally split into two walks with playtime in between.
- As a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, your Shih Tzu’s exercise regime should include plenty of chances to rest and cool down, especially in summer.
Game ideas
- Hide and seek is the perfect game to play with your Shih Tzu because finding you is the reward!
- A ‘lucky dip’ is another great way to keep your Shih Tzu entertained. Fill a large box with mundane filler items, like old toilet roll tubes or newspaper, and hide his or her toys at the bottom. Your dog will love rifling through the box to find buried treasure.
Common Shih Tzu health conditions
There are certain health conditions that affect Shih Tzus more frequently than other dog breeds. We’ve outlined some of our recent claims data to help you understand some of the health issues we see more in Shih Tzus than in other dog breeds. If you’re buying a puppy, you can increase your chances of having a happy and healthy dog by choosing a reputable Shih Tzu breeder.
Developed to have a short face, Shih Tzus have large eyes that stand proud of their heads. This means their eyes are more exposed than other breeds’ and can be more easily injured, which can result in a corneal ulcer, which can become serious if they don’t receive prompt treatment. Another common Shih Tzu eye problem is keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also known as dry eye. Your vet will prescribe eye drops or ointment to restore moisture, or even antibiotics if an infection is present.
Shih Tzus can suffer from skin allergies, infections or eczema. Signs to look out for include your dog biting or scratching themselves, as well as a visible rash, redness or soreness. In some cases, the affected area can start to lose hair. Speak to your vet to find out what’s causing your Shih Tzu’s skin problem, as they’ll be able to help you find the best course of treatment.
Urinary system problems can affect the kidneys, bladder or urethra. Urinary disorders can crop up in any of these areas. Shih Tzus are particularly prone to a condition where crystals and stones form in the bladder (urolithiasis). Treatment often involves changing the dog’s diet, or occasionally surgical removal of the stones, allowing the dog to enjoy a normal and happy life.
Cushing's disease occurs when an excessive amount of cortisol (or 'steroid') builds up in a dog's body. This can happen naturally or as a side-effect of the long-term use of corticosteroid medication. Either way, the ongoing increase of this hormone leads to a significant disruption in normal metabolism. Cushing's can be managed and controlled using medication, allowing the dog to continue to live a normal life.
Like several other breeds with long backs and short legs, Shih Tzus are susceptible to back disorders such as slipped discs, also known as ‘intervertebral disc disease’. This occurs when the discs between the vertebrae (backbones) become damaged and brittle with age or general wear and tear. This makes the discs prone to rupturing, moving (‘slipping’) and pressing against the spinal cord itself. Treatment depends on the cause and location of the problem but may include medication, rest and possibly even surgery to help the dog live a comfortable life.
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Shih Tzu grooming
Shih Tzus’ enviable, luxurious coats require some extra grooming, but they shed less often than their long locks might suggest.
- Shih Tzus typically have long, dense outer coat that can be straight or wavy, and a soft, woolly undercoat. Their most distinctive Shih Tzu traits include their full, cascading tail and a fringe that grows over their eyes, leading to the top knot style favoured by many owners.
- The breed can require extra grooming time and some owners do choose to visit professional groomers and have their Shih Tzu’s hair cut short.
- Shih Tzus don’t shed seasonally and can be a good option for some allergy sufferers – but it’s important to remember that no dog can be totally hypoallergenic.
- The breed has slight underbite which can mean that their teeth become overcrowded and more prone to issues such as abscesses and gum disease. Regular tooth brushing can help keep any problems at bay.
Shih Tzu nutrition
Because this breed can be prone to heart disorders and spinal problems (conditions that can be made worse by obesity) it’s especially important to give your Shih Tzu a healthy diet.
- Feed them a breed appropriate food twice a day, sticking to the portion size guidelines and making sure to consider their age, lifestyle and activity level.
- Shih Tzus can be fussy eaters. A combination of dry kibble and a moist food will give them some variety and help keep your Shih Tzu healthy.
What to know before you buy or rehome a Shih Tzu
Considering welcoming a ‘little lion’ into your home? Before you buy or adopt a Shih Tzu, here are a few important things to remember.
- Bred to be companions, Shih Tzus make family pets who love spending time with their humans, and tend to get on well with children and other animals.
- Training a Shih Tzu can be challenging due to their independent streak, so be realistic about how much time you have for training.
- Choose a licensed and reputable Shih Tzu breeder if you’re buying a puppy. ‘Lucy’s Law’ dictates that new puppies or kittens must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue. Third party sellers are illegal.
- Like all dogs, Shih Tzus can suffer from a range of health conditions so always look carefully at the veterinary cover provided when shopping around for pet insurance as not all policies are the same.
Shih Tzu frequently asked questions
As a smaller Toy breed, Shih Tzus grow more quickly than larger breeds and usually reach their full adult size by around 10 months. A fully-grown Shih Tzu can be anywhere from 20cm – 28cm tall and will weigh between 4kg and 7kg.
Whilst they can be a little feisty, Shih Tzus are generally affectionate and friendly pets who fit perfectly into a family environment. Their playful nature and smaller size makes them a good fit for families with younger children but they don’t tolerate rough play well and children should be taught how to handle dogs properly. However, as with any dog breed, you should always supervise your Shih Tzu around children.
Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs who are keen to please their owners. However, they can also be stubborn and this can make training a challenge. Keep training sessions short and fun and make sure your Shih Tzu has lots of play time and physical exercise to keep them happy.
Shih Tzus are considered to be a highly cat-friendly breed as they are sociable and affectionate. It’s always best to introduce your Shih Tzu to other pets carefully and early on to give your animals the best chance of learning how to live side by side.
Shih Tzus can be prone to a number of health conditions that require a carefully controlled diet, but they can also be picky eaters. In general, look for a protein-rich, grain-free food and feed your pet a mixture of kibble and wet food to keep things interesting for them. It’s always best to ask your vet for advice on what, and how much, to feed your pet if you’re not sure.
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Shih Tzu insurance considerations
Most Shih Tzus live long and happy lives, but they can suffer from eye problems and other health problems. As some of these conditions can be lifelong, it’s important that when choosing dog insurance, you consider the length of time policies cover different conditions. Petplan’s Covered For Life® plans refresh the veterinary fees each year allowing you to claim for ongoing conditions for the rest of your pet’s life providing there is no break in cover.
We always offer these things as standard:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy & pet therapies
Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).
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