Dog breed · Toy
Shih Tzu
Outgoing, affectionate, calm
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 4–7.5 kg (9–17 lb)
- Height
- 20–28 cm (8–11 in)
- Life span
- 10–16 years
- Origin
- China and Tibet
The coat
Long · Patches
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Shih Tzus right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Copes well in a flat
- Content with modest exercise
- Sheds little
Be ready for
- Coat needs regular grooming
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Shih Tzus weigh 4–7.5 kg (9–17 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus were kept as companions in Chinese palaces. They are friendly, adaptable and happy in small homes, but their long coat and prominent eyes need daily care.
Most owners keep their Shih Tzu in a short “puppy clip”, which cuts grooming down to a quick daily brush. Because of their short muzzle, they can struggle in hot weather and should not be over-exercised in summer.
Health to know about
- Breathing problems (brachycephalic)
- Eye injuries and dry eye
- Dental disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections
Care in short
- Daily brushing or a short "puppy clip"
- Clean around the eyes daily
- Brush teeth several times a week
- Short walks and indoor play are enough
Kit for a Shih Tzu
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Best everyday brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush
4.6Fine bent wires lift loose undercoat; a button pushes the hair off.
- Quick to clean
- Suits most medium and long coats
Best for long coats
Pin brush and comb set
4.5Pins get through a thick coat; the comb finds the knots it missed.
- Gentle rounded pins
- Comb has two tooth widths
Best for walks
Padded no-pull harness
4.5Front clip discourages pulling without pressure on the throat.
- Four adjustment points
- Reflective trim
Similar breeds
Questions owners ask
How big does a Shih Tzu get?
Adults usually weigh 4–7.5 kg (9–17 lb) and stand 20–28 cm (8–11 in) tall.
How long do Shih Tzus live?
Typically 10–16 years.
Are Shih Tzus good with children?
Generally very good (4 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Shih Tzus shed?
Very little.
What health problems are Shih Tzus prone to?
Breathing problems (brachycephalic); Eye injuries and dry eye; Dental disease; Hip dysplasia; Ear infections.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts