Shih Tzu Dog Breed

Shih Tzu in Grass
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  • Other names:
  • Chinese Lion Dog
  • Chrysanthemum Dog
Overview

The Shih Tzu is among the most popular small dog breeds in the world. The breed is known for their humorous, friendly, and bold attitude which makes the breed favorable even with individuals not fond of the breed.

Shih Tzu's were bred for companionship and so by instinct they are very friendly dogs and want to be with their owner all day. It is not uncommon for shih tzus to follow their owner room to room without any incentive.

Shih Tzu Breed Details

Breed Specs
TypeLifespanHeightWeight
Purebred10-15 yrs.9-10 in.9-16 lbs
  • Friendliness
  • Overall
  • Family Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Pet Friendly
  • Stranger Friendly
  • Maintenance
  • Easy to Groom
  • Energy Level
  • Exercise Needs
  • General Health
  • Shedding Amount
  • Behavior
  • Barks / Howls
  • Easy to Train
  • Guard Dog
  • Playfulness
  • Watch Dog
  • Ownership
  • Apartment Friendly
  • Can Be Alone
  • Good for Busy Owners
  • Good for Novice Owners
  • Intelligence
* The more green the stronger the trait.

Below are common characteristics and traits associated with the shih tzu breed:

Shih Tzu Breed Description

The shih tzu is one of the worlds oldest dogs. The breed can be found in paintings and writings as old as 618 A.D., but it is likely the breed is far older than that. The breed was first noticed in China and have been associated with that region ever since.

The shih tzu was bred to be a companion dog, most likely for royalty and well off individuals in the China region. This instinct has stayed with the breed ever since as today's shih tzus only want to be with their owner and any attempts to teach shih tzus other skills generally result with a confused look on the dog's face.

As a strictly companion breed, shih tzus do exceptionally well with children and other pets as well as with strangers. The breed's small size makes them easy to be carried around and they have adapted to be flexible with any environment (as long as it's with their owner) whether it's in the car or in a small apartment.

Shih Tzu Coloring

Below are common coat colors for the Shih Tzu dog breed.

Shih Tzu Photos

Below are pictures of the Shih Tzu dog breed.

Gold & White Shih Tzu
Red & White Shih Tzu
Gold & White Shih Tzu
Live & White Shih Tzu
Silver & White Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu in Grass

Shih Tzu Health

Below are health issues and concerns most common in Shih Tzus

  • Allergies
  • Bladder Stones
  • Distichiasis
  • Dry Eye
  • Ear Infections
  • Ectopic Cilia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
  • Keratitis
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Portosystemic Liver Shunt
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Proptosis
  • Retained Baby Teeth
  • Reverse Sneezing
  • Snuffles
  • Umbilical Hernias
  • View all 17...

Shih Tzu Breed Recognition

The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Shih Tzu as a dog breed:

  • American Canine Registry
  • American Kennel Club
  • America's Pet Registry
  • Australian National Kennel Council
  • Canadian Canine Registry
  • Canadian Kennel Club
  • Continental Kennel Club
  • Dog Registry of America Inc.
  • Federation Cynologique Internationale
  • Kennel Club of Great Britain
  • National Kennel Club
  • New Zealand Kennel Club
  • North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
  • United Kennel Club
  • American Canine Association, Inc.
  • View all 15...

Shih Tzu Breeders

Interested in the Shih Tzu? Contact a breeder below:

Breeder Name
Lori's Pups
Burgs Kennel LLC
Tian Mi Shih Tzu
All breeders with 'Quality Breeder' recognition have met our Quality Breeder Requirements.
* Please note - we are not endorsed or affiliated with any of the breeders listed above. However, we do our best to only list reputable and established breeders.