Shih Tzu—meaning “lion” or “little lion”—is a toy breed beloved for their lap dog tendencies and fun-loving personalities. The playful pups are excellent family dogs, but pet parents must be devoted to socialization and a regular grooming schedule to maintain their long coat.
Shih Tzus generally have a lifespan of 10 to 18 years, but they are prone to a handful of health conditions. The cost of managing or treating these conditions should be taken into consideration before purchasing or adopting this breed. Purchasing the best pet insurance can help mitigate the cost.
Shi Tzus are one of the oldest dog breeds, with their ancestors documented as far back as 1000 B.C. Thought to have originated in Tibet, these ancient dogs were presented as royal gifts to the emperors of China.
A mix of Tibetan lion dogs and other small breeds such as the Pekinese, Shi Tzus were bred to look like little lions and alert their people of incoming visitors. But in the royal hands of Chinese emperors, the small dogs become companion animals, lavished in satin clothing and cared for by their own servants. The breed was so revered that only royalty was permitted to own a shih tzu.
The shih tzu breed was eventually introduced to England, parts of Northern Europe and Scandinavia in the 1930s. In the aftermath of the 1945 Communist revolution, most, if not all, Shi Tzus in China were killed due to their symbolism of wealth.
By 1955 these small dogs became popular in the West, and their numbers grew rapidly in countries such as England and the United Kingdom. In 1969, the American Kennel Club recognized the Shih Tzu as an official breed, placing them in the Toy Group. Today, Shi Tzus are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.
Small but sturdy, Shi Tzus typically weigh between 9 to 16 pounds and stand 9 to 10.5 inches tall at the shoulder, says Dr. Danny Cox, D.V.M, chief veterinary medical officer at Petzey, an on-demand veterinary consultation service.
Their long, flowing double coats tend to tangle easily, so many pet parents choose to keep their Shih Tzu’s coat trimmed short. Shi Tzus come in a variety of colors and patterns, including black, white, brown and brindle.
“They’re known for their distinctive short, upturned nose and large, expressive eyes,” Cox says. “Their tail curls over their back, giving them a regal appearance.” Adding to their charm, Shi Tzus often sport a prominent underbite.
Shi Tzus earn the endearing moniker “chrysanthemum-faced,” for their facial hair that grows in all directions from their muzzle, like the chrysanthemum flower petal in bloom.
Shi Tzus are small dogs with a lion-like appearance, but are gentle in nature. When well-socialized, Shi Tzus make wonderful companions who shower their owners with love and attention.
Shi Tzus are generally fun-loving and affectionate throughout their lives. However, you can expect slight temperament changes that influence their care as they transition through life stages.
Like most puppies, Shih Tzu puppies are outgoing and busy exploring their new world. They will need frequent potty breaks and feeding times. During their critical socialization period, it’s important to expose your puppy to new people, places and experiences in a positive way. This will help them grow into well-adjusted and well-behaved adult dogs.
With proper socialization as puppies, adult Shi Tzus are generally affectionate, gentle and adaptable dogs. They don’t require a lot of activity but are rather content to sit on your lap and go on a few walks a day. Due to their small size and exercise needs, they’re ideal apartment dwellers, as long as they’ve been trained not to bark.
Senior Shi Tzus are just as affectionate as their younger counterparts, but they may require some additional care due to age-related changes, such as vision loss and arthritis. The best pet insurance for senior dogs can help cover age-related veterinary costs.