Introduction
The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular small companion breeds, and for good reason. Small enough to live comfortably in a flat or smaller home, affectionate without necessarily demanding hours of exercise, and generally happy to spend time with its owner, the Shih Tzu can make an excellent companion dog.
But behind that appealing little face is a surprisingly confident and sometimes stubborn character. The Shih Tzu isn’t simply a decorative lapdog. It is an intelligent, playful dog with its own opinions and needs.
For the right owner, however, few small breeds offer quite the same combination of companionship, personality and manageable exercise requirements.
Breed Details
Breed: Shih Tzu
Origin: Tibet and China
Breed group: Toy/companion dog
Height: Approximately 20–28 cm
Weight: Approximately 4.5–8 kg
Life expectancy: Around 10–16 years
Coat: Long, dense double coat
Exercise: Low to moderate
Trainability: Moderate
Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, confident, playful and occasionally stubborn
A Brief History
The Shih Tzu has an ancient history associated with Tibet and China.
Small dogs resembling the modern Shih Tzu were kept in Tibetan monasteries and were subsequently given as gifts to the Chinese imperial court. They became valued companion dogs within the Chinese royal household.
The name Shih Tzu is generally translated as “lion dog”, reflecting the importance of the lion in Buddhist and Chinese cultural imagery.
Unlike breeds developed to herd livestock, retrieve game or perform other specific working tasks, the Shih Tzu was primarily developed as a companion.
That history remains important when considering the breed today. A Shih Tzu generally wants to be with its people. It isn’t a dog that needs a job to do all day; its job, in its mind, is often simply to be involved in whatever its owner is doing.
Temperament
The typical Shih Tzu is affectionate, sociable and confident.
They often form extremely strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being close to people. Many will happily curl up beside their owner for a quiet afternoon, but they can also be surprisingly lively when playtime begins.
They can have a mischievous streak, too.
One of the breed’s defining characteristics is its independence. A Shih Tzu may understand exactly what you are asking it to do and then decide that your suggestion isn’t particularly interesting.
This is why the breed can sometimes be described as stubborn.
It is generally better to think of this as an independent temperament rather than a lack of intelligence.
How Trainable Is a Shih Tzu?
A Shih Tzu is perfectly capable of learning basic obedience, tricks and household routines.
However, it isn’t generally considered one of the most naturally biddable breeds.
A Border Collie, for example, has been selectively bred for generations to work closely with humans and respond to instructions. The Shih Tzu was bred primarily to be a companion.
Consequently, training tends to work best when it is:
- Short
- Positive
- Reward-based
- Consistent
- Fun
Food rewards can be particularly effective, although praise and play can also be valuable.
House Training
House training can sometimes be more challenging with Shih Tzus than owners expect.
The solution is usually patience and consistency rather than punishment. Establishing a routine, taking the puppy outside regularly and rewarding successful toileting can make a substantial difference.
Because of their small size, it is also easy for owners to underestimate how frequently a young puppy needs to go outside.
Exercise Requirements
A Shih Tzu does not need the amount of exercise required by a working breed, but “small” does not mean “no exercise”.
A healthy adult will generally benefit from regular daily walks, combined with play and mental stimulation.
Two moderate walks a day can suit many adult Shih Tzus, although the appropriate amount depends on the individual dog’s age, health and fitness.
Walks aren’t simply about physical exercise. Sniffing, exploring different environments and meeting other dogs can provide valuable mental stimulation.
For older Shih Tzus, exercise may need to be reduced according to their mobility and health.
Suitability for Older Owners
The Shih Tzu can be an excellent choice for an older person who wants canine companionship without the exercise demands of a larger or working breed.
Its small size also makes handling easier than with many larger dogs.
However, there is an important distinction between being suitable for an older owner and being suitable for somebody who cannot provide any exercise.
A Shih Tzu still needs to go outside, experience the world and have its basic physical and mental needs met.
For an older or less mobile owner, having another person provide the dog’s walks can therefore make a significant difference.
A professional dog walker, family member, friend or other reliable helper can potentially provide the exercise the owner is unable to provide themselves.
Shih Tzus and Housebound Owners
A Shih Tzu can potentially be an excellent companion for a housebound person provided appropriate arrangements are made for exercise and care.
This is where the breed’s relatively modest exercise requirements can be an advantage.
For example, a housebound owner living on their own wil be unable to take the dog for its daily walks but could still provide companionship, feeding, training, play and affection at home while a trusted professional dog walker handles the walks.
In such circumstances, the dog’s quality of life depends less on whether the owner personally walks it and more on whether the dog’s overall needs are reliably met.
There are, however, practical considerations.
Someone needs to be available to deal with:
- Toilet breaks
- Veterinary appointments
- Grooming
- Emergency situations
- Dog walking
- Transport when necessary
- Care if the owner is admitted to hospital
A realistic backup plan is therefore essential.
Shih Tzus and Cats
Shih Tzus can often live very happily alongside cats.
Their history as companion dogs means they generally aren’t driven to hunt in the way that some terrier or hound breeds can be. However, individual temperament matters enormously.
A calm, well-socialised Shih Tzu may completely ignore the household cat.
Another might discover that chasing the cat is an entertaining game.
A puppy raised carefully around cats can often learn that the cat is simply another member of the household.
With an adult rescue dog, it is worth finding out as much as possible about its previous behaviour around cats before introducing it into a home with resident cats.
Introductions should be gradual, with the cat always having places where it can escape from the dog.
Grooming: The Price of That Beautiful Coat
The Shih Tzu’s magnificent coat is one of its defining features, but it is also one of its biggest maintenance requirements.
A long-coated Shih Tzu requires frequent brushing to prevent tangles and mats.
Particular attention needs to be paid to areas such as:
- Behind the ears
- Under the front legs
- Around the legs
- Around the tail
- Under the collar or harness
- Around the rear end
Many pet owners choose to have their Shih Tzu clipped regularly.
A short “puppy cut” can be considerably easier to maintain and may be particularly practical for an older owner or somebody who cannot manage extensive grooming.
Professional grooming every four to six weeks should be regarded as an ongoing cost rather than an occasional luxury.
Other Routine Care
The coat isn’t the only thing that needs attention.
Shih Tzus can benefit from regular:
Dental care: Small breeds can be particularly susceptible to dental problems, making tooth brushing and regular veterinary dental checks important.
Eye checks: Their prominent eyes can be vulnerable to injury and irritation.
Ear care: Their hairy, floppy ears can require monitoring and cleaning.
Nail trimming: Nails should be kept at an appropriate length.
Weight management: Even a relatively small amount of excess weight can make a significant difference to a small dog’s health and mobility.
Health Considerations
As with every breed, Shih Tzus can be affected by inherited and acquired health problems.
Their short facial structure means that owners need to be particularly conscious of breathing difficulties and overheating. They should not be treated as dogs that can safely exercise hard in hot weather simply because they are small.
Potential health problems can also include eye conditions, dental disease, patellar problems and other inherited disorders.
This doesn’t mean that every Shih Tzu will experience these problems. A responsible breeder should use appropriate health screening and select breeding dogs for good health and sound structure.
For rescue dogs, prospective adopters should ask what is known about the dog’s medical history and whether any ongoing treatment is required.
Buying a Shih Tzu
Anyone considering buying a Shih Tzu puppy should research breeders carefully.
A responsible breeder should be willing to discuss:
- The health of the parents
- Relevant health testing
- The puppy’s veterinary care
- Vaccinations and worming
- Microchipping
- Socialisation
- The puppy’s living environment
- The temperament of the parents
Be cautious about anyone who appears primarily interested in taking a deposit and arranging a quick collection.
The puppy’s welfare should be the priority.
Adopting a Shih Tzu
Rescue can be an excellent option for someone who wants a Shih Tzu.
Adult rescue dogs have the advantage that their personality is already much more apparent than that of a young puppy.
A rescue organisation may also be able to provide valuable information about the dog’s behaviour, including whether it has lived with cats, children or other dogs.
For an older or housebound owner, an adult Shih Tzu may sometimes be more practical than a puppy.
A puppy requires considerably more supervision, toilet training, socialisation and general management.
An older, settled dog may be perfectly content to spend much of its day quietly beside its owner, provided it still receives appropriate walks and stimulation.
Is a Shih Tzu Suitable for a Flat or Apartment?
Generally, yes.
Its small size and relatively moderate exercise requirements mean that a Shih Tzu can adapt well to apartment or flat living.
However, living in one doesn’t remove the need for walks.
A Shih Tzu should still be taken outside regularly, even if it has access to an indoor toilet area.
Owners should also consider how easily the dog can be taken outside in an emergency and whether there are stairs or other access problems.
Separation and Companionship
The Shih Tzu’s greatest strength as a companion can also become a weakness.
Because they are people-oriented dogs, some individuals can struggle when left alone for extended periods.
A Shih Tzu should therefore be gradually taught that being alone is safe and normal.
Someone looking for a dog that can routinely be left alone for eight or ten hours a day may want to consider a different breed.
Conversely, someone who spends a great deal of time at home and wants a dog that enjoys their company may find the Shih Tzu particularly rewarding.
The Shih Tzu as a Professional Dog-Walking Client
For professional dog walkers, Shih Tzus are generally manageable clients, but they should not simply be treated as “small dogs”.
Their individual personalities can vary considerably.
Some are confident and sociable, while others can be nervous or selective about canine companions.
As we would with any other breed a professional walker should therefore assess each Shih Tzu individually rather than assuming that all members of the breed will behave in the same way.
Because of their size and facial structure, consideration should also be given to weather conditions and the intensity of exercise.
A Shih Tzu may be perfectly happy with a leisurely sniffing walk rather than being expected to keep up with a group of much larger, high-energy dogs.
Who Is the Shih Tzu Best Suited To?
A Shih Tzu can be a particularly good choice for someone who wants:
- A small companion dog
- A dog that enjoys human company
- Moderate rather than extensive exercise requirements
- A dog suitable for many flats and smaller homes
- A playful but generally manageable companion
- A breed that can potentially live happily with cats
- A dog that doesn’t require a large garden
It may be less suitable for someone who:
- Wants a highly obedient working dog
- Has little time for grooming
- Will leave the dog alone for most of the day
- Wants a dog capable of accompanying them on strenuous hikes
- Lives in a very hot environment without adequate cooling
- Is unable to arrange alternative exercise if they cannot walk the dog themselves
Final Verdict
The Shih Tzu is a classic companion breed in every sense of the word.
It doesn’t need a job, a huge garden or hours of strenuous exercise. What it generally wants most is to be part of its owner’s life.
That makes it potentially well suited to many households, including some older or housebound owners when reliable arrangements are in place to provide walks, grooming, veterinary care and emergency support.
Its small size shouldn’t, however, lead to its needs being underestimated. It is still a dog that needs exercise, training, socialisation, mental stimulation and appropriate healthcare.
And then there is the personality.
A Shih Tzu may be small, but it certainly doesn’t think it is insignificant. Behind those big eyes and flowing coat is often a confident little character who knows exactly what it wants—and isn’t afraid to let you know.
For someone looking for a genuine companion rather than simply a small dog, that personality may be precisely what makes the Shih Tzu such a rewarding breed.
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