Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a distinctive small companion breed with a rich heritage as a royal favourite in ancient China.
Recognised by the Kennel Club in the Utility Group, these charming dogs were bred solely to provide companionship and joy to their owners, a purpose they fulfil exceptionally well today.
4-7kg
Weight
Small
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Shih Tzu
Physically, they are compact and sturdy, standing 20–28 cm tall and weighing 4–7 kg, making them ideal for apartment living and smaller homes. Their most striking feature is their luxurious long coat, which frames a characteristic "chrysanthemum face" that gives them considerable appeal. Temperamentally, Shih Tzus are gentle, affectionate, and sociable dogs that form close bonds with their families. They are generally excellent with children and other pets, though they will alert their owners to approaching strangers before their natural friendliness takes over. Playful yet calm indoors, they thrive on human companionship and dislike prolonged periods alone. With modest exercise needs of up to one hour daily and a non-shedding coat, they suit attentive families and first-time owners seeking a spirited yet manageable companion. Their coat does require consistent grooming to maintain its beauty and health, representing an important commitment for prospective owners.
Shih Tzu at a Glance
- Group
- Utility
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 4–7 kg
- Height
- 20–28 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Long
- Sheds
- No
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £700–£1400
Shih Tzu Temperament
The Shih Tzu is a gentle, affectionate, and sociable companion breed whose sole purpose throughout history has been to give love and bring joy to those around it. Playful and endearing, they form close bonds with their families and are generally excellent with children and other pets. Though not a working breed, they will alert their owners to strangers approaching the home, though their friendliness quickly overtakes any initial wariness. They are adaptable and relatively calm indoors, making them well suited to apartment living. Shih Tzus enjoy being with people and dislike being left alone for long periods. Easy-going and charming, they are an ideal companion for attentive families.
Shih Tzu Lifestyle
The Shih Tzu is content in a flat or small apartment and appreciates a small to medium garden to explore. Whether in the city or the countryside, they tend to settle well.
Dog Food for Shih Tzu
Top-rated foods for Small breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Shih Tzu weighing around 6 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£1.48 - £1.58
Per month
£44 - £47
Per year
£541 - £577
Shih Tzu Characteristics
The Shih Tzu enjoys regular outdoor activity without being overly demanding and is highly trainable and learns new things fast. They are excellent with children of all ages and cope well with periods of time alone. The coat requires significant time and effort to keep looking its best and is neither a heavy nor light shedder. This is a very clever breed that benefits from puzzle toys and training to keep their mind busy.
Shih Tzu Pros & Cons
Pros
- Their distinctive chrysanthemum face and flowing coat give them a wonderfully unique look
- Highly adaptable, fitting comfortably into flat or country living without fuss
- Sociable and people-oriented, making them a lovely option for first-time owners
- Lively and fun despite their small size, suiting a wide range of lifestyles
Cons
- Their coat demands daily brushing and regular professional trims to stay healthy
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone too often or for too long
- Can become persistent barkers without early and consistent training
- Their flat faces make them susceptible to brachycephalic health issues, including breathing difficulties
