Shih Tzu Dog Breed

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
Type	Lifespan	Height	Weight
Purebred	10-15 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.

Breeds Similar to the Shih Tzu

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel171% Similar

Lhasa Apso271% Similar

Tibetan Spaniel370% Similar

Miniature Poodle467% Similar

Pug565% Similar

Coton De Tulear663% Similar

Kromfohrlander763% Similar

French Bulldog862% Similar

Tibetan Terrier961% Similar

Japanese Spitz1060% Similar

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.

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.