Dog · Small Breed
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate companion breed known for its long flowing coat, dark expressive eyes, and friendly personality. Originally bred to live closely with people, this dog typically thrives on attention and does well in apartments or smaller homes. Shih Tzus are generally cheerful, adaptable, and best suited to families that can provide regular grooming and close companionship.
The Calculator
How old is your Shih Tzu in human years?
At 1 year old
Your Shih Tzu is approximately 15 in human years.
Field Notes
About the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu has ancient roots in Tibet and China, where it was developed as a cherished companion dog for nobility. Its name means "lion dog," and the breed was prized more for its charming presence and affectionate nature than for any working role. Today, it remains a popular household pet because of its loyalty, compact size, and distinctive appearance.
In temperament, Shih Tzus are usually affectionate, social, and outgoing with the people they know well. They tend to enjoy being near their family and often have a playful but not overly demanding personality. Early socialization helps them become more confident with strangers, children, and other pets.
Care for a Shih Tzu centers heavily on coat maintenance, dental hygiene, and routine eye and skin checks. Their long coat can mat easily without regular brushing, and many owners choose a shorter "puppy cut" for easier upkeep. Because they can be prone to dental crowding and facial irritation, consistent tooth brushing and gentle cleaning around the eyes are especially helpful.
Exercise needs are modest compared with more athletic breeds, but Shih Tzus still benefit from daily walks and short play sessions. They are not built for intense endurance work and can struggle in hot or humid weather because of their short muzzle. Regular light activity combined with indoor play is usually enough to keep them fit and mentally content.
Temperament
Exercise Needs
moderate
Health Watch
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome
- Corneal ulcers and other eye problems
- Dental disease and overcrowded teeth
- Patellar luxation
- Intervertebral disc disease
Grooming
Shih Tzus need frequent brushing, regular bathing, routine face cleaning, and consistent trimming or professional grooming to keep their coat and skin in good condition.
Growth Curve
Shih Tzu weight chart
Typical weight progression from young to adult. The tinted band marks the healthy adult range — 4–7 kg.
Nutrition, Staged
Shih Tzu Feeding Guide
Stage-based portions tuned to breed energy requirements. Use as a starting point — your veterinarian tailors the final numbers.
Formative years
Young
Follow breed-specific puppy feeding guidelines
Peak years
Adult
Follow breed-specific adult feeding guidelines
Mature years
Senior
Follow breed-specific senior feeding guidelines
Questions, Answered
On the Shih Tzu
Are Shih Tzus good family dogs? Shih Tzus are often very good family companions because they are affectionate, adaptable, and usually enjoy human company. They do best with gentle handling and supervision around very young children, since their small size makes them easier to injure than larger breeds.
Do Shih Tzus bark a lot? Most Shih Tzus are alert and may bark when they hear visitors or unfamiliar sounds, but they are not usually extreme barkers compared with some other small breeds. Training, routine, and enough social interaction help prevent nuisance barking from becoming a habit.
Are Shih Tzus easy to train? Shih Tzus are intelligent but can be a little stubborn, so training usually works best with patience, repetition, and food or praise rewards. Short, positive sessions are more effective than harsh correction, especially for house-training.
How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need? A Shih Tzu usually does well with one or two short daily walks plus indoor playtime. Because of the breed's flat face, exercise should be adjusted in warm weather and stopped if the dog seems to struggle with breathing or overheating.
Do Shih Tzus need professional grooming? Many Shih Tzus benefit from professional grooming every few weeks, especially if their coat is kept long. Even with professional grooming, owners still need to brush regularly at home and keep up with eye, ear, nail, and dental care.
Adjacent Breeds
