Origin China
Toy Group
Small
9–10.5 in
9–16 lbs
10–16 years
Meet the Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus were originally bred for royalty in ancient China, where they were cherished as palace companions. They are known for their sweet, gentle nature and love to be close to their people. Their beautiful long coat and expressive eyes make them irresistible.
Where It All Began
The Shih Tzu originated in Tibet and was later developed in China, where they became beloved companion dogs for Chinese royalty during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
Shih Tzus enjoy playtime but don't require a lot of exercise.
- ✓ 20-30 min of exercise daily
- ✓ Enjoys indoor games and toys
- ✓ Short walks and playtime
✂ Grooming Needs
Plan on frequent brushing and regular professional grooming to keep the coat healthy and mat-free.
- ✓ Brushing 3-5x per week
- ✓ Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks
- ✓ Regular ear and eye cleaning
❤ Keeping Healthy
Like all breeds, the Shih Tzu benefits from routine vet checkups and preventive care; the conditions below are the ones responsible breeders and owners watch most closely.
- • Dental Issues
- • Patellar Luxation
- • Ear Infections
$ Cost of Ownership
Estimated costs vary by breeder, location and individual dog; use these as a general planning guide.
Purchase Price: $800 – $2,500
Monthly Cost: $50 – $80
First Year Cost: $1,700 – $4,160
Lifetime Cost: $6,800 – $17,860
👍 Pros
- Adapts well to apartment or condo living
- Patient, gentle temperament around children
- Minimal shedding, easier on allergy sufferers
👎 Cons
- Requires regular grooming and coat maintenance
- May not be the ideal first dog for a brand-new owner
- Can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long
💡 Did You Know?
The Shih Tzu originally comes from China / Tibet and belongs to the Toy Group — a fitting background for a breed so often described as good Lap Companion.
Compare Shih Tzu
See how the Shih Tzu stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
