Shih Tzu

• Time for a language lesson! Shih Tzu means “Little Lion” in Chinese. Since it was believed that Buddha rode down to earth on the back of a lion, the Shih Tzu was loved and respected by Chinese royalty.
• The Shih Tzu shares more DNA with wolves than most other breeds. The only breed group with more shared wolf DNA is the Nordic spitz group (Huskies, Samoyeds, and Malamutes).
• The breed almost went extinct in the early 1900s after the death of Empress Tzu Hsi. Thankfully a dedicated group of breed enthusiasts brought the Shih Tzu back from the brink! All Shih Tzus around today are descendants of a group of 13 Shih Tzus and 1 Pekingese!
• After the Chinese Revolution in 1949, the Shih Tzu went extinct in China and the only living Shih Tzus were thought to be in Europe and America.

Breed Summary

Lifespan

10 to 16 years

Weight

9 - 16 pounds

Energy level

Couch potato

Mall walker

Breed Group

Toy

About the Shih Tzu

There's a good chance you're familiar with these sweet, small dogs. But how much do you really know about them?

 

Physical features

• Shih Tzus got the nickname “Chrysanthemum-faced Dogs” because the fur on the top and sides of their muzzle grows straight out, resembling the flower.
• They’re brachycephalic, meaning they have a shortened muzzle or “flat-face.”
• Their coat, if properly cared for and allowed to grow, is very luxurious and beautiful (but takes lots of work to maintain)!

Personality

Shih Tzus are sweet and love life! They take their noble origins seriously and love to be pampered — definitely living up to their responsibility as “royal lap dog!” But don’t let their glamorous appearance fool you — they’re quite sturdy little dogs. They love to play and will bond closely with their family.

Similar breeds to the Shih Tzu

• Lhasa Apso
• Maltese
• Tibetan Terrier
• Pug
• Pekingese

History of the Shih Tzu breed

The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed, originating in Tibetan monasteries and often given to Chinese royalty as gifts. They’re seen in tapestries dating back more than 2000 years! These dogs were so cherished by many Chinese dynasties that they lived in the royal court and were kept hidden from the public eye. Shih Tzus were companion dogs and considered “warmers” for their humans, often kept in sleeves or placed on the feet of royalty to help generate heat.

Empress Tzu Hsi (Cixi) was gifted a breeding pair of Shih Tzus by the Dalai Lama, when she came to power in the late 1800s, and started a strict breeding program to create her ideal “Imperial Dog.” After she died, the breeding program was discontinued and the breed almost went extinct.

A pair of Shih Tzus eventually found their way to England in 1930, with the Shih Tzu Club of England forming in 1934. The Kennel Club (UK) officially recognized the Shih Tzu as a separate breed from the Lhasa Apso in 1940.

North American History of the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu made its way to the United States when American soldiers stationed in Europe and Asia brought them home after World War II. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Shih Tzu breed in 1969 and they have become increasingly popular as family pets and companions.

Shih Tzu behavior and training

Shih Tzus were bred as alert dogs, trained to let larger guard dogs know someone was approaching by barking. But they found their niche as the perfect lap dog for Chinese royalty. They love being companions, which makes training a joy with this fun-loving breed. They’re smart and quite athletic, even at their small size, and love to learn new things (although it can take them some time to truly “get it.”)

Does the Shih Tzu do well with others?

Shih Tzus are known for being outgoing and social. Proper proactive exposure to new sights, sounds, people, dogs, and other animals as a young puppy is essential for their socialization.

They’re known for doing well with children, due not only to their sweet nature but also their sturdiness. Make sure they’ve been properly introduced and socialized with children as a puppy to set them up for success. Young children and dogs should always be supervised, and it’s helpful for a dog to have their own “safe space” where they can go when they need some quiet time.

Shih Tzus can enjoy the companionship of other animals in the home, as long as they have been properly socialized since puppyhood and introduced.

Exercise requirements

As a small breed, Shih Tzus don’t require a high level of physical exercise to stay in shape. They do best with a short daily walk and a little play time with their human family or other dogs in the home. You might see them get the “puppy zoomies” every once in a while, which is completely normal (and pretty funny). Heavy exercise, or exercise in warmer temperatures, should be avoided to prevent health issues and heatstroke. Shih Tzus, like all flat-faced breeds, should always be monitored for heatstroke symptoms, which often include: heavy panting, drooling, bright red tongue or gums, rapid pulse, and wide, panicked eyes.

Mental enrichment needs

While their physical exercise needs are minimal, Shih Tzus need lots of mental enrichment to keep their minds engaged and prevent unwanted puppy behaviors (such as destructive chewing). Daily training for obedience and tricks are a great way to provide enrichment and keep their brain sharp, as well as providing puzzles or other interactive toys.

Activities the Shih Tzu Enjoys

Shih Tzus enjoy activities that keep them close to their human and require a little quick thinking:

• Rally Obedience
• Trick Training
• Conformation
• Canine Freestyle
• Small Dog Agility

Shih Tzu grooming and care

Shih Tzus have a long and dense double coat. When left long, they often sport a fashionable top knot to keep the hair out of their eyes to prevent irritation.

The Shih Tzu coat is high maintenance and needs consistent upkeep to prevent matting. Daily brushing, especially of the top knot and beard, and regular bathing is needed to keep the coat clean. Dirty coats are much more likely to tangle.

Many owners prefer to keep the coat shorter, to simplify maintenance. This is best done through regular professional grooming. Introducing your Shih Tzu puppy to positive grooming and handling while they’re young will make their lifelong grooming needs easy for everyone.

Best brush for a Shih Tzu: Pin comb, Pin brush, Slicker brush

Shih Tzus in pop culture

The breed has gained global popularity over the years and is adored for its friendly nature and glamorous appearance. Is it any wonder the dog has been spotted many times in pop culture?

Famous Owners of the Shih Tzu

• Beyonce (Singer)
• Bill and Melinda Gates (Philanthropists)
• Nicole Richie (Actress)
• Mariah Carey (Singer)
• Geri Halliwell (Singer)
• Katherine Heigl (Actress)
• Elizabeth Taylor (Actress)
• Jon Stewart (Comedian, TV Host)
• Colin Ferrell (Actor)

Shih Tzus in art and media

• Daisy in The Secret Life of Pets 2
• Bonny in Seven Psychopaths
• Miss Agnes and sibling in Best in Show