Shih Tzu: Breed profile

Shih Tzus originated from Tibet and you can trace their ancestral history as far back as 3,000 years. Associated with the Tibetan Buddhist God of Learning, their name translates from Mandarin to English as Little Lion but, far from being fierce, they’ve been bred to be friendly and loyal – a playmate for a palace more than anything else.

Over the years, they’ve proven to be very popular with a host of celebrities who like nothing better than to pamper their pooch (while finding a dog who is very receptive to the attention). So while they’re never going to be the best guard dog and while their bark is definitely worse than their bite, that’s the appeal. So let’s take a look at whether this breed should be on your list for consideration.

Do Shih Tzus need a lot of exercise?

Shih Tzus are small, one of the low-energy dog breeds and were bred to be indoor dogs. But you can’t get away with simply allowing them to play within the house or even in the yard. You still need to get them walking outside each day – but the good news is that you won’t need to devote lots of time to the task.

“Shih Tzus require moderate amounts of exercise – approximately 30–60 minutes each day, depending on their age and health status,” says expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan.

This can be split into two or three sessions and simply consist of a brisk walk around the block. Make sure it’s not strenuous and mix it with some indoor play to keep their minds sharp and you’ll find a Shih Tzu will be more than happy and healthy.

Are Shih Tzus prone to barking?

Shih Tzus have a reputation for being a bit yappy and they can bark at pretty much anything, be it people or other animals walking by or even a passing vehicle. As Dr MacMillan says: “Shih Tzus can be quite vocal dogs, so excessive barking is common.: And yet they don’t have to be like that.

“Appropriate training and early socialization will help to curb these urges,” Dr MacMillan adds. “Making sure that your Shih Tzu is receiving enough exercise and mental stimulation will also help because anxiety and boredom can make vocalizing much worse.”

Are Shih Tzus easy to train?

Shih Tzus actually rank low in the degree of working/obedience intelligence according to canine psychology expert Stanley Coren. He places them in the bottom 11 smartest dog rankings in his book “The Intelligence of Dogs” which means they will need as many as 100 repetitions before they understand a new command. They’ll only obey the first command a quarter of the time or worse.

So, no, Shih Tzus are not the easiest dogs to train. They are stubborn and they need an abundance of patience coupled with lots of positive reinforcement. Training sessions will also need to be brief because they become bored all too easily which can become frustrating. And yet you need to persevere and see it as a challenge, more so if you’re going to try and overcome problems associated with separation anxiety.

“Shih Tzus are prone to separation anxiety issues,” says Dr MacMillan. “These little dogs must be trained to be left on their own for short periods from an early age so that they learn to be happy in their own company.”

Do Shih Tzus make good family pets?

Despite the training challenges, Shih Tzus do make good family pets primarily because they’ve been bred to be around humans and act as a loving companion.

“They are extremely sociable and playful dogs and they enjoy the company of their owners,” says Dr MacMillan. Their calm demeanour and even-temper makes them great to have around, but it’s always worth warning children not to be too hands on because that can make this breed nervous. Shih Tzus are also a particularly good breed for introverted owners.

Do Shih Tzus need a lot of grooming?

Shih Tzus have long fur but they are actually average shedders, which may come as a surprise – they generally only shed lots when they change their coats as puppies.

But the fur still needs to be kept in check to the point where you’re going to be giving them a bath almost every week. Without regular grooming, a Shih Tzu can become unhealthy and unhappy and you will need to pay particular attention to certain areas such as around the mouth, nose and eyes.

“Shih Tzus are generally considered high-maintenance dogs due to their grooming needs,” says Dr MacMillan. “Their coat needs daily brushing with a trip to the groomers for a trim every six weeks or so to help prevent tangles and mats. Shih Tzus are also prone to dental disease, which makes oral hygiene essential. Daily teeth brushing is recommended for all dogs, but especially Shih Tzus.”

What are a Shih Tzus’ most common health problems?

The Shih Tzu is a generally healthy little dog, but like many small dog breeds, it is prone to a condition called patellar luxation.

“This is where the patella, or kneecap, slides out of its normal position. This can lead to limping and the early onset of osteoarthritis,” says Dr Rebecca MacMillan.

Shih Tzus are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they have flattened faces.

“We see other issues alongside this like dental abnormalities, as well as narrowed nostrils and airways,” Dr MacMillan adds. “This can affect their breathing and ability to exercise freely. I also see plenty of Shih Tzus with eye problems such as corneal ulcers, cherry eyes, and dry eye.”

Should I get a Shih Tzu?

A Shih Tzu has been bred to appeal to people who generally desire an indoor dog – a canine who is quite happy pottering around your home for much of its time on earth. They’ll happily sit on your lap, engage in a cuddle and embark only on short walks to get some fresh air. Their small size also makes them a suitable breed for apartment living. They won’t be taking up much space, that’s for sure.

But a breed such as this isn’t for everyone. For as good as Shih Tzus are with children and as great as they are at just pottering around, they’re not ideal if you’re highly active and outdoorsy. They’re not wonderful if you want to teach a dog lots of tricks and neither are they a good choice if you worry about brachycephalic breeds in general.

Expert comment from

Expert comment from

Dr Rebecca MacMillan

Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).

She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!

Edited by Georgia Guerin.