An affectionate little "lion dog" bred purely for companionship.
Origin
Tibet and China
Size
Small
Weight
4–7 kg
Lifespan
10–16 years
Apartment-friendly
Yes
Energy
Grooming needs
Trainability
Affection
Shih Tzus were bred as companions for Chinese royalty, and companionship remains their specialty. They are affectionate, outgoing, and adaptable to small homes.
Their long coat needs daily care or a short "puppy cut", and their flat face means they can be sensitive to heat and prone to eye problems.
With children: Good with gentle children; small size means they can be injured by rough play.
The full profile
Temperament, exercise, grooming, training, feeding, health watch-list, and the ideal home — unlocks with a short ad.
💛 Temperament
Friendly, affectionate, and outgoing. Usually good with other pets. Can be stubborn about house-training.
🎾 Exercise
Short daily walks and indoor play are enough. Avoid heat and strenuous exercise.
🪮 Grooming
Long, flowing coat needs daily brushing, or regular professional clips. Keep the hair out of the eyes and clean facial areas.
🎓 Training
Responds to gentle, reward-based training. Be patient with house-training.
🥣 Feeding
Small, measured meals; small dogs can gain weight quickly on treats.
Health watch-list
Brachycephalic breathing problems
Noisy breathing and heat intolerance are common.
Eye problems
Prominent eyes are prone to injury, dry eye, and infection.
Dental disease
Crowded teeth need regular dental care.
Ear infections
Hairy ear canals need regular checks.
The ideal home
Apartment dwellers, seniors, and families wanting a low-exercise companion — and willing to commit to grooming.
Fun fact
"Shih Tzu" means "little lion" in Chinese.
Breed profiles describe general tendencies — every animal is an individual. Health information here is
general and not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian about screening, diet, and care for your own pet,
and choose breeders or rescues who health-test and can answer your questions openly.
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