A Shih Tzu is an intelligent, loving, affectionate, and social dog with a cheerful disposition and sometimes a mischievous streak. They are one of the most affectionate dog breeds and are the quintessential companion and lap dog. Although they can have an independent streak, they absolutely love being around people.

Shih Tzu are alert and lively, but tend to be relatively quiet and will seldom bark unless they have been trained into it purposefully or as an accidental bad habit. Well-socialized, they tend to get along well with children and other pets. In fact, they tend to be very affectionate toward children. Due to their small size, a Shih Tzu can be easily injured by accidental falls or rough play, so interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised.

This dog breed is highly adaptable. They are perfect for apartment living and will also enjoy larger homes as long as they get to be inside with people. They do well in most climates and, as with many dog breeds, are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Due to their small size, they may need to layer up with some winter dog products when winter sets in to help keep them warm on walks.

If it’s kept long, they have a heavy coat. That, paired with their short snout, means they can overheat easily, so you will want to keep a close eye on them when you are outside during the summer months. A Shih Tzu is a true companion that is happiest living life as a lap dog, which means they don’t do well with a lot of alone time and can be prone to separation anxiety if you do not socialize them and work with them early on.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Shih Tzu can include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and a few eye issues. Some things to look out for in the eyes are dryness and inflammation, retinal detachment, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts.

The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Shih Tzu puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies.

Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. This type of transparency, good breeding practices, a willingness to answer questions, and more are all qualities to look for in a great breeder.

The Shih Tzu is an intelligent dog breed. They are eager to please, but can also have a stubborn streak. Despite this, they are still considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. However, training classes are recommended for consistency and reinforcement.

Because these dogs are social and crave human affection, they do not respond well to harsh tones or corrections. Instead, they respond best to positive training that is also consistent. Consistency is essential in the training process, which includes some resistance on your part.

Shih Tzu are known for charming their owners and getting them to give in even when they are misbehaving. It’s important to resist your dog’s innate charm during training and ignore them until they settle down. Once they do, then reward and praise them. Giving in during undesired behavior results in inconsistent training and can end up reinforcing the behavior you don’t want.

Shih Tzu are one of the fluffiest dog breeds. They have long-haired coats that can be clipped shorter into a “puppy cut”. The coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, beige, red, and white, and tends to be high maintenance, especially if kept to a longer cut.

A Shih Tzu’s coat is prone to tangles and mats, so they need to be brushed every day. If the fur around the eyes is not kept trimmed short, it’s common to use a hair bow or something similar to keep the hair out of the dog’s eyes. A bath every 3-4 weeks and professional grooming every two months are recommended.

You will also need to use a damp cloth to gently clean the corners of your dog’s eyes to promote healthy eyes and prevent tear stains on their face. In dogs with light-colored coats, moisture from the eyes and saliva are some top causes of discoloration around a dog’s eyes and mouth. Gently cleaning and wiping these areas on a regular basis can keep your dog’s coat looking great as they age.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Shih Tzu’s nails, ears, and teeth. Nails should be trimmed once or twice monthly, or more often as needed, to keep them from getting too long. Long nails can make movement uncomfortable for your dog and they can get caught on things.

Shih Tzu also have long, floppy ears. These can trap dirt, debris, and moisture, which can lead to an ear infection. By checking your dog’s ears regularly and carefully cleaning them as needed, you can help prevent ear infections.

It’s also important to take care of your dog’s dental health. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs, and it is also the most preventable. Proper dental care for dogs starts with brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day along with cleanings at the vet when needed. From there, you can further supplement your efforts by feeding your dog a special dental care diet or periodically giving them dental chews.

It’s recommended to get your Shih Tzu used to having their mouth, ears, and paws handled as a puppy and rewarding them for grooming sessions. This will keep the experience a positive one for your dog and will help make grooming a much easier process for both of you throughout their life. It can even help you build a bond with your dog and could even become something your dog looks forward to!

The Shih Tzu is a low-energy dog breed. They may have bursts of energy and play hard, but they require minimal exercise to stay healthy. They are a true house companion and were bred to be lazy lapdogs, so they are just happy to sit and cuddle with you.

A few short daily walks and some playtime inside will usually be plenty for this small dog. If you live a more active lifestyle, your Shih Tzu will likely be up for more activity if you are. They’ll likely just be happy to be spending time with you. Just make sure they’re not overheating trying to keep up with you.

As a brachycephalic dog, the Shih Tzu is very sensitive to heat and can overheat easily, especially in warm weather and especially if they overdo it. Taking breaks and doing activities in short bursts are some safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs that you can use to help your Shih Tzu tackle more activities with you.

A fully-grown Shih Tzu usually stands 9-11 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 9-16 pounds. This makes them a toy breed and one of the smallest dog breeds.