Shih Tzu
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
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Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Group | Toy |
| Size | Small (9-16 lbs) |
| Height | 9-10.5 inches |
| Lifespan | 10-18 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing |
| Good with Kids | Good (with gentle children) |
| Good with Other Dogs | Excellent |
| Shedding | Low (hair, not fur) |
| Exercise Needs | Low-Moderate (30-60 min daily) |
| Trainability | Moderate (can be stubborn) |
Recommended for Shih Tzus
Ollie Fresh Food - Small breed portions with quality ingredients | Embark DNA - Health screening for genetic conditions | Spot Insurance - Coverage for eye conditions & more
Save on Shih Tzu Care
Because a feeding plan lives or dies on small personal details, loop in a veterinarian who has actually examined the Shih Tzu.
Top Food Choices for Shih Tzus
Ollie - Custom fresh food in small breed portions | The Farmer's Dog - Fresh, pre-portioned meals | Hill's Science Diet - Small breed formulas with dental benefits
A long life under a topknot
Shih tzu stand about 9 to 10.5 inches and weigh 9 to 16 pounds. The lifespan on a healthy one stretches from 10 years into the high teens. The coat is hair. It wraps around a foot, traps shampoo, and turns into a pelt if it is brushed only on Sundays. A short clip is a legitimate way to live with the breed.
They are outgoing with people and usually polite with other dogs. Children have to be gentle around the eyes and the back. Exercise is a walk around the block and a game on the floor, then a nap. That low need is not permission to let the dog get round. Extra weight makes the breathing worse.
Face, spine, and a wet chin
Brachycephalic airway trouble, dry eye, corneal ulcers, and ear infections under the hair are the weekly problems. Intervertebral disc disease shows up in this long-backed toy dog. A dog that cries when picked up, or that drags a foot, needs a clinic the same day, not a day of crate rest you invented. Dental disease hides behind the beard. VCA explains corneal ulcers. Eye squinting is also covered by the urgency sort on the checker.
Shih tzu questions
Do Shih tzu snore because they are relaxed?
Some noise is the flat face. Sleep apnea, blue gums, or collapse after a short walk is airway disease. Heat makes it worse. Ask a vet about the nostrils and the palate before summer.
How do you keep the coat from matting?
Comb to the skin every day, or keep a short pet trim. A bow on top does not count as grooming. Mats hide skin infections.
Why are the eyes so vulnerable?
The eyes stick out. A thorn, a cat scratch, or a drying shampoo can ulcerate the cornea in an afternoon. Squinting is an emergency.
Decision Guides for Shih Tzu
Use these only when comparing food, insurance, ownership budget, or beginner fit for this specific pet.