Shih Tzu: temperament, coat and eye care, health, and cost

The Shih Tzu wins people over fast: small, cheerful, low on exercise demands, and so sociable that they fit in with families, seniors, and apartment dwellers alike. They were bred for centuries with one job in mind, being a companion, and it shows.

That round face and silky coat come with some fine print, though. The short muzzle makes them sensitive to heat and breathing problems, their large, prominent eyes need daily attention, and a long coat calls for brushing almost every day. This guide covers the AKC and FCI standards, breed history, temperament, everything involved in daily care, common health problems and parent screening, what a puppy costs, and the option of adopting.

Quick facts

Shih Tzu history

The breed traces back to companion dogs from Tibet that were sent to the Chinese imperial court as gifts. There they were bred for centuries, likely with some Pekingese influence, into the Shih Tzu, whose name is usually translated as “lion dog.” They were palace dogs, especially prized at the Qing court during the time of Empress Dowager Cixi.

• 1930s: the first dogs reach England, and the breed spreads through Europe from there.
• 1940: the UK Kennel Club recognizes the Shih Tzu as a separate breed.
• After 1949: the breed nearly vanishes in China; today’s population descends from a very small number of dogs (14 is the figure usually cited).
• 1969: the American Kennel Club recognizes the breed in the Toy Group.

That narrow genetic base helps explain why some inherited conditions are fairly common in the breed.

Shih Tzu temperament

Shih Tzus are affectionate, outgoing, and easygoing, and they value human company above almost everything. Unlike many small breeds, they’re rarely nervous or suspicious: they greet visitors happily and seldom show aggression.

• Deeply attached to their people: they want to be wherever you are and don’t handle long hours alone well.
• Adaptable: they’re as happy in an apartment as in a house with a yard or with a retiree’s quiet routine.
• A little stubborn: they learn well, but at their own pace, and tune out if a session runs long or gets boring.
• Moderate barkers: they’ll alert you to the doorbell, but they’re not usually excessive barkers when they have company.

With kids and other pets

Shih Tzus get along well with kids who handle them calmly. Their small size and prominent eyes make them vulnerable: a fall from a child’s arms or a bump to the face can cause serious injuries. Teach kids to pet the dog while sitting on the floor and not to pick it up without an adult. Most Shih Tzus get along fine with other dogs and cats, especially when raised together.

Brachycephaly: what that short muzzle means

The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic breed, with a broad skull and short muzzle, though less extreme than a Pug or French Bulldog. That can narrow the airway: small nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and a narrower-than-normal windpipe. Together, these are called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).

Signs your dog is struggling to breathe:

• Loud snoring, even while awake.
• Noisy breathing with little effort, or excessive panting.
• Tiring quickly or needing to stop on walks.
• Gagging, regurgitation, or restless sleep (sleeping with the head propped up or waking often).

Plenty of Shih Tzus don’t have significant problems, but if you notice these signs, talk to your vet. In some cases, surgery to widen the nostrils or shorten the soft palate makes a big difference in quality of life.

Heat is the biggest risk

Dogs cool themselves by panting, and narrow airways make that system less efficient. That’s why Shih Tzus are at higher risk of heatstroke than many breeds.

Never leave them in a car, not even for a few minutes, and always have fresh water available. Use a harness instead of a collar, since pressure on the neck makes breathing harder. Learn the symptoms and first steps in our guide to heatstroke in dogs.

Eye care

Their big, prominent eyes are more exposed than most: hair irritates them, they’re easily injured, and in some dogs the eyelids don’t fully close during sleep. A good daily routine:

1. Clean away discharge every day with gauze moistened with sterile saline, a fresh piece for each eye, wiping from the inner corner outward.
2. Keep hair out of the eyes with a topknot or by keeping the face trimmed short.
3. Dry the area under the eyes well to prevent tear stains and skin irritation.
4. Check daily that the eyes are bright, with no redness or green discharge.

If the discharge changes color or increases, our guide to dog eye discharge explains what each type can mean.

Grooming a Shih Tzu

The coat is long and double, with an undercoat. Shih Tzus shed very little, but that doesn’t make them “hypoallergenic.” No dog truly is, and the dead hair that doesn’t fall out gets trapped in the coat and forms mats. Our guide to dog shedding explains how coat types differ.

You have two options:

• Long coat: 10–15 minutes of brushing every day, in layers and down to the skin, with a pin brush and a metal comb. It takes real commitment.
• Puppy cut: hair trimmed to about 1–1.5 in (2–4 cm) all over, maintained with brushing 2–3 times a week and a grooming appointment every 6–8 weeks. It’s the most practical choice for most families.

Either way, bathe every 3–4 weeks with a dog shampoo, blow-dry thoroughly on a warm setting (damp hair under mats irritates the skin), and check the paw pads, ears, and rear end. Our guide on how to brush your dog shows the line-brushing technique step by step.

Exercise, training, and feeding

Exercise: 30–60 minutes a day spread over 2–3 easy walks, plus play indoors, is plenty. This isn’t a dog for long runs or intense sports, especially in warm weather.

Training: Shih Tzus learn with positive reinforcement and 3–5 minute sessions. Priorities are house-training (some take a little longer), building up alone time gradually, getting comfortable with brushing and having their face and paws handled from puppyhood, and walking on a harness without pulling.

Feeding: as a rough guide, a 13 lb (6 kg) adult with normal activity needs about 350–450 calories a day. They put on weight easily with lots of treats, and extra pounds make breathing and joint problems worse. Their teeth are crowded into a short jaw and build up tartar quickly, so brush daily or at least several times a week.

Shih Tzu health problems

The breed is long-lived but prone to several health problems tied to its shape and its narrow genetic base.

At a minimum, the parents should have an eye exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, a patella evaluation, and hip X-rays. Ask about any kidney problems in the line, and watch the parents yourself: they should breathe quietly at rest and handle a walk without struggling. Be wary of “teacup,” “mini,” or “imperial” Shih Tzus; these aren’t recognized varieties, and breeding ever-smaller dogs increases health problems.

Is a Shih Tzu right for you?

A Shih Tzu is a great fit if you live in an apartment, want a calm, affectionate dog with modest exercise needs, you’re a senior or a family with gentle kids, and you’re willing to spend a few minutes every day on coat and eye care.

It’s not the breed for you if:

• You want a running or hiking partner.
• You live somewhere very hot and can’t keep your home cool.
• You don’t have the time or budget for brushing and regular grooming.
• You’re away from home for long hours every day.

If you’re weighing several small breeds, our guide on how to choose the right dog can help.

How much does a Shih Tzu cost? Price and adoption

In the U.S., a Shih Tzu puppy from a breeder who health-tests the parents typically costs roughly $1,000–$2,500. Prices vary by breeder, lines, and region. Be wary of very low prices, “teacup” ads, and anyone who won’t let you meet the mother or sends puppies home before 8 weeks. Budget for grooming too, which is among the higher ongoing costs for this breed: a professional groom often runs about $50–$100, depending on where you live.

Consider adoption as well. Many adult Shih Tzus land in shelters and breed rescues because of changes in their owners’ lives, and some seniors just need a quiet home for their golden years. An adult’s personality is already set, and you can learn about any eye or breathing issues before bringing them home. Rescue adoption fees typically run about $150–$400 and usually include vaccines, a microchip, and spay or neuter surgery. Our guide to adopting a dog walks you through the process.

Frequently asked questions

Do Shih Tzus shed?

Very little. Their hair grows continuously, and most of the hair that dies stays trapped in the coat, so you won’t find much on the couch, but it will mat without brushing. They aren’t truly hypoallergenic, since allergies come mostly from proteins in saliva and dander. Some people with allergies tolerate them better, but spend time with one before committing.

Why does my Shih Tzu snore so much?

It’s the short muzzle: a long soft palate and narrow nostrils make airflow harder, especially during sleep. Light snoring is common in the breed, but if your dog snores while awake, tires quickly, gags, or wakes up often struggling for air, they may have BOAS, which is worth evaluating with your vet.

How do I get rid of tear stains on a Shih Tzu?

Wipe the area every day with gauze moistened with sterile saline, dry it well, and keep hair out of the eyes. If tearing is heavy, have your vet rule out rubbing lashes, blocked tear ducts, or irritation. Skip non-veterinary whitening products near the eyes, since they can irritate them.

How long can a Shih Tzu be left alone?

An adult who’s been gradually conditioned can usually handle about 4–6 hours alone, with water, a comfy bed, and a stuffed food toy. This breed depends heavily on company, so frequent long absences can lead to stress, barking, or anxious behavior. In summer, make sure the house stays cool while you’re gone.

How often does a Shih Tzu need grooming?

With a puppy cut, every 6–8 weeks is typical. If you keep the coat long, professional grooming can be less frequent, but daily brushing at home becomes essential. Between appointments, trim the hair around the eyes and between the paw pads with round-tip scissors, or ask your groomer to show you how.

Sources

• American Kennel Club (AKC): official Shih Tzu breed standard and breed profile.
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): Shih Tzu breed standard No. 208.
• American Shih Tzu Club and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): recommended breed health screenings.
• The Kennel Club (UK): breed history and information on brachycephalic breeds.
• Merck Veterinary Manual: brachycephalic airway syndrome and corneal disease in dogs.