Dog Breed Toy China/Tibet Small

Shih Tzu

2 min read

Affectionate, playful, outgoing. Bred to be a lap dog for Chinese royalty. Low exercise needs.

Lifespan 10-18 years

Weight 4-7 kg

Height 20-28 cm

Energy 2/5

Size

Small

Lifespan

10-18 yrs

Energy

2/5

Trainability

3/5

Quick Stats

Size: Small
Weight: 4-7 kg
Height: 20-28 cm
Lifespan: 10-18 years
Origin: China/Tibet
Coat: Long flowing, hypoallergenic

Good For...

Families Apartments First-time Owners Active People Allergy Sufferers

Trait Ratings

Energy Level 2/5

Trainability 3/5

Shedding 1/5

Grooming Needs 5/5

Good with Kids 4/5

Good with Dogs 4/5

Apartment Friendly 5/5

Barking Level 3/5

Common Health Issues

Brachycephalic Syndrome

Eye Problems

Hip Dysplasia

Dental Disease

Did You Know?

✦ Shih Tzus are couch potato champions — they're perfectly happy with short walks and lots of nap time.
✦ Shih Tzus barely shed at all, making them a great choice for people who prefer a fur-free home.
✦ Despite their small size, Shih Tzus adapt wonderfully to apartment living — they're one of the top apartment-friendly breeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Shih Tzus are excellent with children, scoring 4/5 for kid-friendliness. They are patient and gentle, making them great family pets.

Shih Tzus typically live 10-18 years. Lifespan can be affected by diet, exercise, genetics, and regular veterinary care. Common health concerns include Brachycephalic Syndrome, Eye Problems, Hip Dysplasia.

Shih Tzus are low shedders (1/5), making them a better option for people who prefer less hair around the house.

Is Shih Tzu good with kids?

Yes, the Shih Tzu is excellent with children, scoring 4 out of 5 for kid-friendliness. They are known for being patient and gentle, making them a top choice for families with young kids.

Does Shih Tzu shed a lot?

No, the Shih Tzu is a low shedder with a score of just 1/5. This makes them a better option for people who prefer a cleaner home or have mild allergies.

How long does a Shih Tzu live?

The typical lifespan of a Shih Tzu is 10-18 years. Longevity depends on diet, exercise, genetics, and regular veterinary care. Common health concerns include Brachycephalic Syndrome and Eye Problems, so routine check-ups are important.

Is Shih Tzu easy to train?

The Shih Tzu has moderate trainability (3/5). They can learn commands well with consistent, patient training. Positive reinforcement methods work best.