Shih Tzu
Charming, affectionate, and outgoing, this breed thrives as a loyal lap companion. Renowned for its luxurious coat and cheerful personality, it fits well in most homes.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
20–28 cm (male)
20–27 cm (female)
WEIGHT
4.5–8 kg (male)
4–7.2 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–16 years
Shih Tzu: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Shih Tzu isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Shih Tzu's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Shih Tzu is known for its affectionate, friendly nature and enjoys close companionship with people. This breed is typically outgoing, gentle, and well-suited to family life.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate with people and enjoys companionship
Learns basic commands but not highly trainable
Prefers calm environments, limited exercise needs
Enjoys gentle games and interactive playtime
Adjusts well to new homes and routines
Strengths
- Affectionate with family members
- Generally good with children
- Low prey drive and gentle nature
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Minimal exercise requirements
Challenges
- Prone to eye and respiratory issues
- Requires regular grooming and brushing
- Can be stubborn during training
- May develop separation anxiety
- Sensitive to extreme temperatures
Protect your Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu can develop brachycephalic airway syndrome and eye problems. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Shih Tzus are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Shih Tzus are moderately intelligent and can learn basic commands, though they may display some stubbornness. Consistent, positive training methods work best to keep them engaged and cooperative.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–45 minutes daily
recommended per day
Shih Tzus have moderate energy levels and need daily short walks and interactive play for both mental and physical stimulation. They adapt well to indoor living but benefit from regular activity.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Shih Tzus are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Shih Tzu would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Easygoing temperament and manageable size make them well-suited for new dog owners
Apartment Living
Small size and low exercise needs suit compact living environments well
Active Lifestyle
Their calm nature and low stamina don't match highly energetic or outdoor-focused households
Kids
Gentle and tolerant, they often do well with respectful young children
Multiple Pets
Generally sociable and can get along with other pets if introduced properly
Being Left Alone
Can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Shih Tzus compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shih Tzu
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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