A sturdy little dog cloaked in a long, flowing top coat over a moderate undercoat; a slight wave is fine but the coat should never feel woolly. Hair on the muzzle grows upward and outward, framing the face in a way often compared to a chrysanthemum flower. The eyes are large, dark and round, and a well-plumed tail curls up over the back.246
Coloursall colours permitted (FCI, AKC, UKC)commonly seen: black and whitegold and whitebrindlegrey and whitesolid blacksolid goldliverwhite blaze and white tail tip prized in parti-colours (FCI)246
Personality what they are like
Bred purely to keep people company, the Shih Tzu is cheerful, outgoing and affectionate, and tends to greet strangers as friends. It is bright and alert with a streak of independence, carries itself with a proud, almost self-important air, and usually gets along well with other pets. It is more of a lap-and-sofa companion than a guard dog, though it will happily announce visitors.2457
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Modest. Hill's suggests under 20 minutes of exercise a day and the Royal Kennel Club up to an hour; short walks and indoor play keep it fit. As a flat-faced breed it is best walked in the cooler parts of the day in hot, humid weather.73
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
High. A full coat needs daily brushing to stay tangle-free, plus regular bathing; many pet owners keep the coat clipped short for easier care. Facial hair is usually tied up in a topknot or trimmed so it stays out of the eyes. The coat sheds very little.376
Home where they are happiest
Well suited to a flat or apartment in town or country; a small to medium garden is plenty. It is an indoor companion that wants to be where its people are.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete food portioned for a small, fairly low-energy dog. Keep treats in check, as the breed gains weight easily when spoiled.7
Company who they like around
High. The breed exists to be a companion and bonds closely with its family, and it usually mixes well with other people and animals.74
The story where it all began
The Shih Tzu's roots lie with small 'lion dogs' kept in Tibet, which were sent as prized gifts to the Chinese imperial court. In the palaces of Peking they were bred for centuries, probably with some mixing with Pekingese or similar Chinese dogs, and in the 19th century Dowager Empress Cixi ran a careful breeding programme for them. After China became a republic in 1912 a few dogs reached the West. Lady Brownrigg brought a black-and-white pair to England in 1928, and a third dog went to Ireland in 1933; with a handful of imports to Scandinavia these became the foundation of the breed abroad. First shown alongside Lhasa Apsos, the Shih Tzu was separated as its own breed in 1934, its club took the Shih Tzu name in 1935, and it gained its own Kennel Club register in 1940. In 1952 a single Pekingese cross was made in England to broaden the gene pool. The breed became rare in China after 1949, so the modern Shih Tzu descends from the dogs taken to the West. American servicemen brought dogs home from Europe, the American Shih Tzu Club formed in 1963, and the AKC recognised the breed in 1969.8926
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
'Shih Tzu' comes from the Chinese word for lion, as the dogs were bred to look like the stylised lions of Chinese art.6
2
The FCI standard describes its face as 'chrysanthemum-like' because the hair on the nose grows upward and outward like flower petals.2
3
A white spot on top of the head is traditionally called the 'Buddha's kiss' or 'Star of Buddha'.6
4
According to the AKC, every modern Shih Tzu traces back to just 13 dogs imported to England and Scandinavia between 1928 and 1952, plus one Pekingese.9
5
Buddhist legend links the little lion dog to Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, whose small companion dog could turn into a full-size lion.8
6
Shu-ssa, one of the two dogs Lady Brownrigg brought to England in 1928, won Best of Breed at Crufts in 1936.8
7
The AKC and UKC standards say all coat colours are to be judged equally, so no colour is 'better' than another in the ring.4
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed name 'Shih Tzu' comes from the Chinese 'shih-tzu kou,' meaning 'lion dog,' because of its hairy face and long, flowing hair.10
Name ideas for your new friend
Bao BaoMing MingLing LingPing PingChou ChouMei MeiPebbleNoodleTofuWontonMochiSunny
A day in the life told by a Shih Tzu
This morning, I woke up on my royal cushion and stretched my tiny legs. My human brought me breakfast, but I was more interested in the sunbeam on the floor. I did my proud little trot to the window and announced a passing squirrel. Then I inspected my kingdom, napped in the warm spot, and gave my human a look that said, 'Pick me up.' We had a short walk in the cool air, and I greeted every neighbor like a long-lost friend. Back home, I curled on the sofa, let my human brush my luxurious coat, and fell asleep dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 208, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 5 (Tibetan breeds); definitive acceptance 16 Dec 1957; current standard published 22 Aug 20171
The Royal Kennel Club
Utility Group; shown as a separate breed from 1934 and given its own register in 19408
AKC
Toy Group; entered the AKC Stud Book in 1969; standard approved 9 May 19899
Popularity Ranked 21st of AKC-registered breeds in 2025 (20th in 2024)116
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Shih Tzu. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery day
Bathevery 3 weeks
HaircutMany owners keep a short puppy cutevery 6 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
ExerciseAbout 45 minutes a dayevery day
Heat care summerWalk in the cool morning and eveningevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Shih Tzu tip
Treats should be very limited and make up no more than 5% of daily calories, as Shih Tzus gain weight easily. Safer options include small pieces of regular kibble or tiny amounts of dog-safe produce like plain apple slices (without seeds).
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Shih Tzu, and at what times?
Feed your Shih Tzu at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four for puppies. Stick to a complete food portioned for a small, fairly low-energy dog, and avoid free feeding. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your dog.712
What should a Shih Tzu eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced dog food portioned for a small, low-energy breed. Keep treats in check as Shih Tzus gain weight easily. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others; never give these to your dog. For specific amounts, follow the food label and your vet's advice.713
How often should I bathe a Shih Tzu?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every three weeks, but many owners bathe more often if the coat is kept long. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a dog-safe shampoo and dry thoroughly.37614Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Shih Tzu need brushing?
Your Shih Tzu's long coat needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every day. If you keep the coat clipped short, you may brush less often, but daily is ideal for a full coat.37614Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Shih Tzu's nails, and how often?
Trim your Shih Tzu's nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If you're unsure, ask your vet or groomer to show you.14Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?
Your Shih Tzu needs modest exercise, around 20 to 45 minutes a day, split into short walks and indoor play. Because it's a flat-faced breed, walk in the cool morning or evening to avoid overheating. Furry Diary's plan suggests about 45 minutes daily.73Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Shih Tzu's teeth and ears?
Brush your Shih Tzu's teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, as Furry Diary suggests. Check ears weekly for moisture and dirt, and gently dry them; never push anything into the ear canal. Also wipe the face folds and eyes daily to keep them clean.14Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Shih Tzu live?
A Shih Tzu typically lives between 11 and 15 years, with many enjoying a long, happy life as a companion. Regular vet checkups and good care can help them thrive.763
Is a Shih Tzu good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Shih Tzu is bred to be a companion and usually gets along wonderfully with children and other pets. They are cheerful and affectionate, though they prefer gentle handling. Always supervise interactions with young children to ensure respect.2457
Can a Shih Tzu be left alone?
Shih Tzus are companion dogs that bond closely with their family and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. They can be left for short times if they have toys and a comfortable space, but they thrive with company. If you're away often, consider a pet sitter or doggy daycare.743
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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