Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu: does it suit you?
11 quick questions, the same ones this page answers. After each answer you see what the breed needs, and at the end whether it fits your life.
Shih Tzu: a good fit for you
Shih Tzu: could work, with compromises
Shih Tzu: probably not the right dog for you
Your answers match what the breed needs.
Most of your answers fit. Check the points below before you decide.
Some of your answers don't fit what the breed needs. The points below show where.
What to think about
What fits
A better match for your answers:
None of the 42 breeds on this site fits your answers better.
The Shih Tzu has its roots in Tibet but was developed in China, where dogs like it lived in the imperial palaces.[1] Its name means ‘lion dog’.[2] Today it is a companion dog, and its standard calls it intelligent, alert, friendly and independent.[1] The short muzzle can cause breathing problems; more on this under Health.[3]
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 4.5–8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–16 years
Shih Tzu: origin and history
According to the American Kennel Club, imperial breeders in the palace of the Chinese emperor developed the Shih Tzu centuries ago from Tibetan breeding stock.[2] After China became a republic in 1912, examples of the breed found their way to the West, though the first recorded import to Britain did not come until 1931.[1]
In 1934 it was recognised as a breed separate from other Oriental breeds, and in 1940 The Kennel Club granted it a separate register.[1] The FCI accepted it on a definitive basis on 16 December 1957.[4] In the United States, the Shih Tzu entered the AKC Stud Book in 1969.[2] The FCI standard gives Tibet (China) as its country of origin and Great Britain as patron country, and places it in Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 5 (Tibetan breeds).[1]
Fact sheet
- Origin
- China
- Size
- Small
- Height at withers
- 20–27 cm
- Weight
- 4.5–8 kg [1]
- Life expectancy
- 10–16 years
- Coat
- Long
- Colours
- Parti-colour, gold, black, brindle, white
- Low-shedding coat
- Yes
Character and needs
Rated on a scale from very low to very high.
- Exercise needslow
- Trainabilitymoderate
- Grooming needsvery high
- Sheddingvery low
- Barkinglow
- Good with kidshigh
- Good with other dogshigh
- Good with catshigh
- Apartment-friendlyvery high
- Copes with being alonemoderate
- Watchdog instinctlow
- Good for first-time ownershigh
- Affectionvery high
Shih Tzu: questions and answers
Is it a good dog for first-time owners?
Yes. It rates 4 out of 5 for first-time owners. Training takes patience and consistency (3 out of 5 for trainability).
How long can it be left alone?
Up to 4 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. A few hours alone work if you build up slowly (3 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.
How much exercise does it need?
About 1 hour a day, spread over several walks. Relaxed walks are enough, and the dog is happy to doze at home for the rest of the day. The short muzzle makes heat hard to bear, so walk in the cool hours in summer.
How long does it live?
10–16 years is the typical life expectancy. That is about the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). Breed-typical health risks: brachycephalic airway syndrome, eye disease, dental problems, heart disease, ear infections.
How big does it get?
20–27 cm at the withers and 4.5–8 kg. Size class: small.
Is it a good family dog?
Yes. It rates 4 out of 5 with children. With other dogs it rates 4 out of 5, with cats 4 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.
Does it shed a lot?
Very little: 1 out of 5 for shedding. The low-shedding coat is often better tolerated by people with allergies, but no dog is allergen-free. The coat keeps growing: brush it every day and have it trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks.
Male or female?
Males are usually larger: they sit at the top of the range (up to 27 cm and 8 kg), females at the bottom (from 20 cm and 4.5 kg). Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.
Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Biggest difference: barking (low vs. moderate).
| Shih Tzu | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Weight | 4.5–8 kg | 3–4 kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–16 years | 12–15 years |
| Coat | Long | Long |
| Barking | Low | Moderate |
| Good with kids | High | Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | Moderate | Low |
Who it suits
A good fit if you…
- prefer relaxed walks to long hikes
- live in an apartment
- are getting your first dog
- have children
- have a cat
- want a dog that sheds very little
- want a quiet dog
- want a cuddly companion
Shih Tzu: the downsides
Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:
- Breathing problems
- The short muzzle makes many of these dogs snore, overheat easily and tire quickly; some need airway surgery.
- High-maintenance coat
- 5 out of 5 for grooming. The coat keeps growing: brush it every day and have it trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Breed-typical health risks
- Eye disease, dental problems, heart disease, ear infections. Choose a breeder who screens the parents, and consider health insurance.
Shih Tzu: puppy price and monthly costs
£800 – £2,000 for a puppy from a breeder in the UK (Agria Pet Insurance, 2026). From £69 a month in running costs in the UK (PDSA, 2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
| Country | Puppy from a breeder | Running costs per month |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £800 – £2,000 [5] | from £69 [6] |
| United States | $1,000 – $3,000 [7] | $116 [8] |
| Canada | no data | CA$367 [9] |
| Australia | no data | A$210 [10] |
| New Zealand | no data | NZ$100 [11] |
- Set-up costs at the start: £415 – £560 for basic equipment, first vaccinations, wormers and neutering (PDSA, 2024).
- Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
- Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
- Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
- Groomer: £39 – £85 per visit, every 6 to 8 weeks (Asda Money).
- Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.
Health
Breed-typical health risks
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome [3]
- The short muzzle can cause breathing problems and heat intolerance.
- Eye disease [18]
- Inherited conditions such as PRA or cataracts. Good breeders have the eyes tested.
- Dental problems [18]
- Small jaws build up tartar quickly. Regular brushing helps.
- Heart disease [19]
- Breed-typical heart conditions. Regular heart checks are sensible.
- Ear infections [18]
- Floppy ears trap moisture. Check them regularly.
Health tests for the parent dogs
5 health tests appear in the breeding rules for the breed.
- No health test is required for breeding in the UK (The Royal Kennel Club); the table shows what is recommended.
- Needed for a CHIC number in the US (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals): kneecap check and eye exam.
- No health test is required for breeding in Canada (Canadian Shih Tzu Club); the table shows what is recommended.
- No health test is required for breeding in Australia (Shih Tzu Club of Victoria); the table shows what is recommended.
- No health test is required for breeding in New Zealand (Dogs New Zealand); the table shows what is recommended.
| Test | United Kingdom [20] | United States [21] | Canada [22] | Australia [23] | New Zealand [24] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip X-ray (HD)Hip dysplasia | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | Recommended |
| Kneecap checkPatella luxation | not in the rules | Required | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Eye examInherited eye disease, by a certified vet ophthalmologist | Recommended | Required | not in the rules | not in the rules | Recommended |
| Heart examInherited heart disease, by a cardiologist | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Breathing or fitness testBreathing problems from a short muzzle (BOAS) | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
● Required. ○ Recommended: advised, not required. – Not in the rules. The clubs and their rules are in the source list.
United Kingdom: the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Standard requires no test, so every test is ○ recommended.
United States: ● means the test is needed for a CHIC number from the OFA; taking part in CHIC is voluntary.
Canada and Australia: ● means the breed club’s code of ethics requires the test of member breeders; the kennel club registers litters without it.
New Zealand: the kennel club lists these tests as advice and requires none, so every test is ○ recommended.
What to ask the breeder
- Certificates for both parents: kneecap check and eye exam. A claim that the parents are “health tested” is not enough.
- To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
- The pedigree papers (United Kingdom: Royal Kennel Club registration certificate; Canada: CKC certificate of registration; Australia: Dogs Australia pedigree, issued by the state body; New Zealand: Dogs NZ certificate of registration). [25] [26] [27] [28]
- 8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [29] [30] [31]
- Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [32] [33] [34] [35]
No dog is completely allergen-free. If someone in your home has an allergy, spend time with the breed before you decide.
Similar breeds
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Sources
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 208: Shih Tzu (2026)
- American Kennel Club: Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information
- PLOS ONE (Packer R.M.A. et al.): Impact of Facial Conformation on Canine Health: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (2015)
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Shih Tzu (FCI nomenclature)
- Agria Pet Insurance (UK): Shih Tzu Pet Insurance - The UK's Most Trusted Pet Insurer (2026)
- PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
- PetMD: Shih Tzu Dog Breed: Health, Care, and Lifestyle (2025)
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
- Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
- Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
- Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
- nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
- American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
- City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
- Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
- PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
- Asda Money (Asda Pet Insurance, administered by Insurance Factory Ltd): Dog Grooming Costs - Average UK Costs
- Canine Medicine and Genetics (VetCompass, Royal Veterinary College): Demography, common disorders and mortality of Shih Tzu dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK (2024)
- Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Mattin M.J. et al., VetCompass): Prevalence of and risk factors for degenerative mitral valve disease in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England (2015)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Shih Tzu – Breeds A to Z
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): CHIC Program Requirements: Shih Tzu
- Canadian Shih Tzu Club: Code of Ethics
- Shih Tzu Club of Victoria: Health
- Dogs New Zealand: Accredited Breeder Health Tests for the SHIH TZU (former Accredited Breeders Scheme test list)
- The Royal Kennel Club: What should the breeder give me?
- The Canadian Kennel Club: By-Laws (incl. Code of Ethics (2025)
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Importance of Pedigree Papers
- Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club Inc.): Registration Regulations (Section 4, Reg. 24: Litter Registration Limitations (2026)
- UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
- The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
- Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?
Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.
Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.
Breed traits describe typical tendencies. Every dog is an individual, shaped by genes, upbringing and training.