Shih Tzu
Sweet-natured and friendly
Shih Tzus 101
Toy groupAlthough they were developed to reign in the royal courts of China, the Shih Tzu has never been a dog to look down on anyone. Today they are just as comfortable in posh pied-à-terres as they are in more modest homes, a friendly face to all and a happy companion to families of all kinds.
What we love about Shih Tzus
Few breeds are more loving than this one
Bright and eager to please, Shih Tzus are especially good companions for seniors. As is common with short-nosed dogs, they are prone to overheating. Their favorite place will always be the closest lap, preferably in air-conditioned home.
Energy level
Energy level: 75% (High)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively
Size
Size: 9 to 10.5 inches tall. This is a Small sized Dog.
- Energy level
- High (75%)
- Bark level
- Talkative
- Height
- 9 to 10.5 inches
- Lifespan
- 10 to 18 years
- Weight
- 9 to 16 lbs
The Shih Tzu stands 9 to 10.5 inches tall and weighs 9 to 16 lbs. Shih Tzus have a lifespan of 10 to 18 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a talkative bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Shih Tzus get?
- Shih Tzus stand 9 to 10.5 inches tall and typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds.
- How long do Shih Tzus live?
- The average lifespan of a Shih Tzu is 10 to 18 years.
- Are Shih Tzus good for first-time dog owners?
- Shih Tzus are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?
- Shih Tzus are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This Shih Tzu health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Shih Tzu
Risk level for common Shih Tzu conditions
Mid-life Shih Tzus should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Corneal (eye) ulcer poses very high risk. Urinary bladder stones is at high risk.
- Corneal (eye) ulcer
- Very High Risk
- Urinary bladder stones
- High Risk
- Ocular (eye) trauma
- Moderate Risk
80% on risk scaleSenior Shih Tzu
Risk level for common Shih Tzu conditions
Senior Shih Tzus face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Cataracts and Urinary bladder stones and Valvular heart disease pose very high risk.
- Cataracts
- Very High Risk
- Urinary bladder stones
- Very High Risk
- Valvular heart disease
- Very High Risk
Shih Tzu puppy
Risk level for common Shih Tzu conditions
Shih Tzu puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Umbilical hernia and Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and Ear infection pose very high risk.
- Umbilical hernia
- Very High Risk
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
- Very High Risk
- Ear infection
- Very High Risk
Young adult Shih Tzu
Risk level for common Shih Tzu conditions
As Shih Tzus grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Corneal (eye) ulcer and Constipation and Ocular (eye) trauma are at moderate risk.
- Corneal (eye) ulcer
- Moderate Risk
- Constipation
- Moderate Risk
- Ocular (eye) trauma
- Moderate Risk
Mature adult Shih Tzu
Risk level for common Shih Tzu conditions
Mid-life Shih Tzus should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Corneal (eye) ulcer poses very high risk. Urinary bladder stones is at high risk.
- Corneal (eye) ulcer
- Very High Risk
- Urinary bladder stones
- High Risk
- Ocular (eye) trauma
- Moderate Risk
Senior Shih Tzu
Risk level for common Shih Tzu conditions
Senior Shih Tzus face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Cataracts and Urinary bladder stones and Valvular heart disease pose very high risk.
- Cataracts
- Very High Risk
- Urinary bladder stones
- Very High Risk
- Valvular heart disease
- Very High Risk
Shih Tzu puppy
Risk level for common Shih Tzu conditions
Shih Tzu puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Umbilical hernia and Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and Ear infection pose very high risk.
- Umbilical hernia
- Very High Risk
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
- Very High Risk
- Ear infection
- Very High Risk
Young adult Shih Tzu
Risk level for common Shih Tzu conditions
As Shih Tzus grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Corneal (eye) ulcer and Constipation and Ocular (eye) trauma are at moderate risk.
- Corneal (eye) ulcer
- Moderate Risk
- Constipation
- Moderate Risk
- Ocular (eye) trauma
- Moderate Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your Shih Tzu's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 6 months)
- Umbilical hernia: Very High Risk, Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): Very High Risk, Ear infection: Very High Risk
- Young Adult (7 months to 5 years)
- Corneal (eye) ulcer: Moderate Risk, Constipation: Moderate Risk, Ocular (eye) trauma: Moderate Risk
- Mature Adult (6 years to 9 years)
- Corneal (eye) ulcer: Very High Risk, Urinary bladder stones: High Risk, Ocular (eye) trauma: Moderate Risk
- Senior (10+ years)
- Cataracts: Very High Risk, Urinary bladder stones: Very High Risk, Valvular heart disease: Very High Risk
In Mandarin, "Shih Tzu" translates to "lion dog" due to the breed's resemblance to traditional Chinese guardian lions, also known as "foo dogs." Statues of foo dogs were believed to have protective qualities and were often placed around palaces and temples. The breed’s name pays homage to its majestic appearance and the role it held as a cherished companion in ancient China.
Shih Tzu coat care and colors
The Shih Tzu has a glorious coat, but without daily combing and brushing it quickly becomes a tangled mess. For that reason, most Shih Tzus are kept clipped short by a professional groomer. While that makes home coat care easier, it does make for cold dogs on winter days, so it’s best to have a sweater on hand for warmth as needed. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.
Can I groom my Shih Tzu's hair in different styles, or should I stick to a specific cut?
Can I groom my Shih Tzu's hair in different styles, or should I stick to a specific cut?
Do Shih Tzus shed a lot?
Do Shih Tzus shed a lot?
How often should I groom my Shih Tzu?
How often should I groom my Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzu exercise & training
Shih Tzu fun facts
Top girl names for Shih Tzus
of Shih Tzus are female
of Shih Tzus are male
Top boy names for Shih Tzus
Nationwide loves Shih Tzus of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among Shih Tzus insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
Shih Tzu statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Shih Tzus
Best. Shih Tzu insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free