Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small toy dog bred specifically as a household companion. Adults typically weigh between 4 and 7.2 kilograms and stand roughly 20 to 27 centimetres at the shoulder, placing the breed squarely in the lap-dog category. The long double coat and rounded face give the breed its recognisable appearance.

Temperament defines the breed. The Shih Tzu is friendly, affectionate, playful, good-natured, and sociable. It bonds closely with the people in its household and generally gets along well with children, visitors, and other pets when socialised from an early age. This is a dog bred to live indoors alongside people, not to work or hunt.

The coat requires regular attention, and the flat face means owners should monitor for breathing and eye concerns. With consistent grooming and moderate daily exercise, the Shih Tzu adapts readily to apartments and houses of any size.

Who it suits

The Shih Tzu is well matched to owners who want a small indoor companion and can commit to coat care. It works for apartment dwellers, families with children, and those who prefer short daily walks over high-energy outings. Owners who cannot manage regular brushing or professional grooming may find the long coat more work than expected.

The Shih Tzu traces its origins to Tibet, where small long-coated dogs were kept as companions and occasionally presented as gifts to Chinese rulers. The breed as it is recognised today was developed within China, where it lived primarily as a palace companion rather than a working animal.

The name is generally translated as "lion dog," a reference both to the breed's appearance and to symbolic lion imagery common in the region. For much of its history the Shih Tzu remained within imperial and noble households and was not available to outsiders.

The breed arrived in Europe in the early decades of the 20th century, and breeding programmes in England helped establish the modern type from a small founding group. From Europe the Shih Tzu spread to North America and elsewhere through the middle of that century.

Today the Shih Tzu is kept worldwide as a companion and ranks among the more common toy breeds. Its long history as an indoor palace dog is still evident in its preference for close human contact and life inside the home.

The Shih Tzu is compact and slightly longer than it is tall, with a solid build beneath the coat. The head is round, with large dark eyes set well apart, a short muzzle, and a defined stop. The tail is set high and carried curving over the back. The hair on the head grows long enough that it is often tied up to keep it clear of the eyes.

Coat and colours

The coat is double-layered, with a soft undercoat beneath a long outer coat. Texture is generally soft rather than wiry. A wide range of colours and markings is accepted, including gold and white, black and white, brindle, solid black, and liver shades. A white blaze on the forehead and a white tip on the tail are common and are often favoured in show dogs. The long coat can be kept at full length with frequent grooming or trimmed into a shorter puppy clip for easier day-to-day upkeep.

The Shih Tzu has a warm and outgoing character. The breed is affectionate and sociable, seeks out human company readily, and is content to settle in a lap for long stretches. It is described as good-natured and playful, with energy that suits short bursts of activity followed by rest.

With family the Shih Tzu is typically devoted and gentle, which makes it a reasonable choice for households with children who know how to handle small dogs calmly. Toward strangers the breed is usually welcoming rather than wary, so it does not function as a watchdog. It generally gets along with other dogs and with cats, particularly when introduced as a puppy.

The Shih Tzu can be stubborn at times, and housetraining often takes patience. Some individuals bark to solicit attention, though the breed is not especially vocal. Because it is bred for companionship, the Shih Tzu does not handle extended periods alone well and may become anxious when left by itself for much of the day.

Grooming

• Brush the full-length coat daily to prevent mats and tangles.
• Schedule professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, or maintain a shorter clip for easier upkeep.
• Clean around the eyes daily to remove tear staining and discharge.
• Check and clean the facial folds to keep them dry.
• Trim or tie up the topknot so hair stays clear of the eyes.

Exercise

• Provide one or two short walks each day, totalling around 20 to 30 minutes.
• Add indoor play sessions for mental stimulation.
• Avoid strenuous activity in hot or humid weather.
• Keep walks easy, as the flat face limits hard exertion.

Environment

The Shih Tzu is an indoor dog and settles well in apartments. It is sensitive to heat because of its short muzzle and should be kept in cool, well-ventilated spaces during warm weather. In Canada's summer months this is worth watching closely; never leave the dog in a hot car or yard. The breed prefers to be near its people for most of the day.

The Shih Tzu does well on a complete, balanced diet formulated for small or toy breeds. Because the breed is small and not particularly active, portion control matters to prevent weight gain, which can worsen both breathing and joint problems. Small kibble or moistened food can be easier to eat given the short muzzle and crowded teeth. Fresh water should be available at all times.

Treats and supplements

Keep treats to about 10 percent of daily calories and account for them in the total. A healthy adult on a complete commercial diet generally needs no additional supplements. Discuss any joint, skin, or coat supplement with a veterinarian before adding it, and adjust portions if the dog starts gaining weight.

The Shih Tzu is a long-lived breed overall, with a typical lifespan of 10 to 16 years. Most health concerns relate to its short muzzle and prominent eyes. Responsible breeding and routine veterinary care reduce both the risk and severity of many of these conditions. In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) encourages breeders to conduct relevant health screening before breeding.

Preventive care

• Keep up annual veterinary checkups and core vaccinations.
• Brush the teeth regularly and schedule dental cleanings as advised.
• Maintain a healthy weight to ease pressure on joints and airways.
• Clean ears and check eyes as part of routine care.
• Use year-round parasite prevention as recommended by a veterinarian.

The Shih Tzu is bright and people-oriented, which helps with training, but it also has an independent streak that can present as stubbornness. Short, upbeat sessions work better than long repetitive drills. Housetraining is often the most time-consuming part and may require several extra weeks of patience and a consistent schedule. Early socialisation with people, other dogs, and ordinary household sounds helps the breed remain confident and agreeable.

Basics

1. Start socialisation and gentle handling as early as possible.
2. Establish a fixed potty schedule and reward success right away.
3. Teach name recognition and a reliable recall.
4. Add basic cues: sit, stay, down, and come.
5. Practise calm leash walking in short, frequent sessions.
6. Get the dog comfortable with grooming and having its face and feet handled.

Shih Tzu females generally reach physical maturity before they are ready to be bred, and responsible breeders wait until the dog is fully grown and health-tested. Gestation lasts approximately 63 days from conception. Litters are small, usually two to four puppies.

Because the breed is brachycephalic and the puppies can have relatively large heads, whelping difficulties are more likely than in many other small breeds. Some litters are delivered by caesarean section under veterinary supervision. Close monitoring of the dam during late pregnancy and at whelping is important.

Newborn puppies are small and need a warm, clean environment. They are weaned gradually onto solid food from around 3 to 4 weeks of age, and most breeders keep puppies with the dam and littermates until about 8 to 12 weeks to allow proper socialisation. Eye and breathing health should be assessed early. Breeding pairs should be screened for hip, knee, eye, and airway problems before mating. CKC-registered breeders in Canada are expected to follow the breed club's health protocol.

Shih Tzu registration and microchip registration in Canada

Canadian shelters and vet clinics scan strays at intake as a matter of routine, and the scan helps only when a registry ties your Shih Tzu to a phone that still rings. Registering your dog with United Pet Club takes a few minutes, never costs anything, and works whether or not a chip is in place yet. Add the breed, a photo, and your postal code, and the record is live.

Sixty seconds with a scanner reads the chip; whether your Shih Tzu gets home depends on the record behind the number. Microchip registration with United Pet Club is free for life, takes every brand sold in Canada, and keeps the record searchable on both sides of the border. Sign up free and give the number somewhere to point.