Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu, meaning "little lion," is an affectionate, happy, and outgoing companion dog. Originally bred for companionship, they love following their owners and make great lap dogs. Recently, they've excelled in obedience and agility sports. Shih Tzus are excellent family pets, good with other animals and gentle children. They're perfect for apartment living, offering unconditional love and snuggles. If you seek a small, adaptable best friend, the Shih Tzu is ideal.

Written byHarper JefcoatHarper Jefcoat

Clock12 min read

Breed GroupBreed Group

Toy Group

Breed HeightHeight

9 to 10 inches

Breed WeightWeight

9 to 16 pounds

Breed Life spanLife Span

10 to 16 years

Breed CostAverage Cost

$750 to $ 3500

Breed ColorsColors

Black, Gray, Brown, Red, Silver, White, Brindle

Breed UKC GroupUKC Group

Companion Dog Group

All About Breed

Get to know the characteristics, temperament, health, and care needs of the Shih Tzu to find out if this charming little dog will be a good addition to your home:

In This Article

  • History/Origin
  • Personality
  • Physical Appearance
  • Gender Differences
  • Feed/Nutrition
  • Health
  • Care and Grooming
  • Rescue Groups
  • Breed for Sale
  • Interesting Facts
  • Best For
  • Top Names
  • Pet Ratings
  • Key Takeaways
  • FAQs

Pet Ratings

Adaptability

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Friendliness

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Health and Grooming Needs

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Trainability

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Exercise Needs

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Key Takeaways

Adorable Appearance: Shih Tzus are adored for their charming flat faces, flowing coats, and expressive eyes.
Friendly and Affectionate: Renowned for their friendly and affectionate nature, they make excellent companions and cuddly lapdogs.
Great with Families: They are typically great with families and children and are known for their gentle and patient demeanor.
Low Exercise Needs: With modest exercise requirements, they are well-suited for apartment living and less active households.
Low Shedding: Featuring a hypoallergenic coat, they shed minimally, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.
Intelligent and Trainable: Despite their regal appearance, Shih Tzus are surprisingly intelligent and respond well to training.
Historical Roots: Boasting a fascinating history, they originated from Tibetan and Chinese imperial courts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Shih Tzu dogs have a lot of health problems?

What is the most common cause of death in Shih Tzus?

What are the cons of owning a Shih Tzu?

What is the life expectancy for a Shih Tzu?

Why is Shih Tzu expensive?

What is special about Shih Tzu?

What are the pros and cons of a Shih Tzu?

Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?

Are Shih Tzus friendly?

What are Shih Tzu dogs like?

What are Shih Tzus good for?

What is the rarest color Shih Tzu?

Harper Jefcoat
Written by

Harper Jefcoat

Harper Jefcoat is a dedicated pet enthusiast and expert author at ThePetWorld.org. With a deep-seated passion for animals, Harper brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to his writings. Specializing in canine behavior and wellness, he aims to help pet owners understand and care for their furry friends better.

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