Dog Fluffy

Shih Tzu

A Shih Tzu is a lapdog that genuinely wants to be on the lap. Bred as a companion rather than a working dog, they are affectionate, stubborn in a comic way, and content in a flat. The coat is the commitment: without daily brushing it mats against the skin within days. Expect a dog that follows you room to room and dislikes being left alone.

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At a glance

Specimen · Shih Tzu
Height
23–28 cm (9–11 in)
Weight
4–7 kg (9–16 lb)
Coat
Long, double, silky
Shedding
Low — hair sheds into the coat, not onto the floor
Grooming
Daily brushing; professional groom every 6–8 weeks
Lifespan
10–16 years
Exercise
20–40 min/day
Good with
Children, other dogs, cats with proper introduction

Is a Shih Tzu right for you?

Right for you if…

  • You are home most of the day, or can arrange company
  • You will brush daily, not weekly — this is the whole deal
  • You want a companion dog rather than a hiking partner
  • You live in a flat or a house without a garden

Wrong for you if…

  • You are out at work ten hours a day
  • You want a low-maintenance coat
  • You want an off-lead running or hiking companion
  • You cannot budget for grooming every 6–8 weeks

Coat & grooming

  • Brush to the skin, not just over the top — surface brushing leaves mats forming underneath.
  • Work in sections with a pin brush, then check with a metal comb; if the comb snags, the brush missed it.
  • A shorter puppy cut cuts grooming time substantially and is a legitimate choice, not a failure.
  • Keep the topknot or trim the fall — hair in the eyes causes real irritation.

Health watch-points

  • Brachycephalic airway issues — the flat face restricts breathing, especially in heat
  • Eye problems including dry eye, corneal ulcers and proptosis, from prominent, exposed eyes
  • Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps
  • Dental crowding in a small jaw, needing regular dental care
  • Ear infections in the drop ears, particularly if hair is not kept clear

Feeding

  • Small stomachs and a tendency to gain weight — measure meals rather than free-feed.
  • A flat face can make large or round kibble hard to pick up; smaller pieces or a shallow bowl help.
  • Weight gain shows first over the ribs; you should be able to feel them under light pressure.

Start here: Shih Tzu guides

Grooming

Health

Living with one

Training & growth

Common questions

Do Shih Tzus shed?
Very little onto your floor. Hair sheds into the coat instead, which is exactly why daily brushing matters — that shed hair is what forms mats.
How often does a Shih Tzu need grooming?
Daily brushing at home, and a professional groom every 6–8 weeks if you keep the coat long.
Can a Shih Tzu be left alone all day?
Not comfortably. They were bred for company and often struggle with long days alone.
Are Shih Tzus good with children?
Generally yes, though they are small enough to be injured by rough handling, so supervise young children.
How long do Shih Tzus live?
Commonly 10–16 years, which is long even for a small breed.

How this page is maintained

Last reviewed July 25, 2026 · by Mo Ali

Sources

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