Shih Tzu
A lion in miniature, bred for a thousand years of laps.
Vital stats
| Size | Small · 20–27 cm |
| Weight | 4–7 kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–16 years |
| Energy | Low–moderate — 30–45 min/day |
| Shedding | Low — the coat mats rather than moults |
| Coat | Long, dense double coat · all colours |
| Group | Toy · FCI №208 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
The Shih Tzu was bred for one job — keeping Chinese emperors company — and it has never forgotten it. Expect a confident, outgoing little dog that assumes it is welcome everywhere, greets guests as admirers, and treats training as a negotiation best settled with snacks. Not needy, exactly; simply certain of its place.
Habits & quirks
The palace strut
Head high, tail plumed over the back — it moves like it remembers the Forbidden City.
Professional snuggler
A millennium of lap work shows; it will locate the softest seat in any room.
Snorts and snores
The short muzzle comes with a soundtrack — endearing, mostly.
Selective hearing
It knows its name perfectly well; it's weighing whether coming is worth its while.
Care
| Grooming | Brush to the skin daily, or keep a short puppy cut and brush twice a week — this coat mats fast. |
| Heat | The flat face makes hot, humid days genuinely risky — walk early, rest in the shade. |
| Eyes | Large, prominent eyes need daily face-washing and quick attention to any redness. |
| Training | Patient, food-based sessions work; housetraining tends to take longer than average. |
Common questions
Do Shih Tzus shed a lot?
Very little — the long coat behaves more like hair and tangles instead of dropping. Daily brushing or a regular clip is the real commitment.
Are Shih Tzus good for first-time owners?
Yes — they're small, sturdy, affectionate and forgiving of beginner mistakes. Budget time or money for coat care, though.
Can a Shih Tzu be left alone?
A few hours is fine once it's used to the routine — this is a companion breed that expects company. Build alone-time up gradually from puppyhood.