Traits and Characteristics
type
weight
height
family
Compact, yet slightly longer than they are tall, the Shih Tzu hides a sturdy body beneath their mantle of luxurious hair. They have a smooth, effortless stride with good reach and drive. Their expression is often warm, sweet, and wideeyed, imparting the impression of trust and friendliness. Their long, dense coat is double and fairly straight.
Ready to see what dogs fit you best? Take our short quiz to find out!
Energy Level
Exercise Requirements
Playfulness
Affection Level
Friendliness to Dogs
Friendliness to Other Pets
Friendliness to Strangers
Watchfulness
Ease of Training
Grooming Requirements
Heat Sensitivity
Vocality
Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.
Temperament
The spunky but sweet Shih Tzu can be both a gentle lapdog and a vivacious companion. They have an upbeat attitude and love to play and romp. They are affectionate to their family and often good with children. They can be surprisingly tough and may have a stubborn streak.
Upkeep
Despite their small size, Shih Tzus need daily exercise. Because of their small size, they can meet their requirements with vigorous indoor games or with short walks on leash. They do not do well in hot humid weather. Their luxurious coat needs brushing or combing every other day. They may need professional grooming.
Health
- Major concerns: CHD
- Minor concerns: renal dysplsia, entropion, trichiasis, PRA, KCS, otitis externa, portacaval shunt, inguinal hernia, patellar luxation
- Occasionally seen: cataract, dental problems
- Suggested tests: eye, hip, DNA for renal dysplasia
- Life span: 11–14 years
History
The Shih Tzu (or more properly, Shih Tzu Kou) means Lion Dog, designating the breed as one of the most esteemed animals in China because of its association with Buddhism. Even though the Shih Tzu is most often associated with China, they probably originated in Tibet as early as the seventeenth century, where they enjoyed status as a holy dog.
The Shih Tzu as they are known today developed most distinctively in China during the reign of the Dowager Empress Cixi (Tz’u-shi, 1861–1908). The Shih Tzu and Pekingese share similar histories; however, the Shih Tzu can usually be differentiated from the Pekingese in Chinese art by the presence of bumps on the tops of their head, denoting a topknot, or pien-ji. The Shih Tzu was a favored house pet during the Ming dynasty and was highly prized by the royal family.
When the British looted the Imperial Palace, most of the dogs were lost, and the breed suffered a great setback. The Shih Tzu was first exhibited in China as the Lhassa Terrier or Tibetan Poodle. In 1935, they were exhibited as the Lhassa Lion Dog; by that time, they were becoming very popular.
A similar state of confusion existed in England, where the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu were both lumped together as the Apso (meaning shaggy). In 1934 they were divided into two separate breeds, with the smaller, wider-skulled, shorter-nosed dogs from Peking dubbed Shih Tzu, their colloquial Chinese name. In the United States, the breed began to become extremely popular in the 1960s, leading to AKC recognition in 1969. Their popularity has continued to grow, and they are one of the most popular toy breeds.
