Photo: Canino21 (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons
Shih Tzu
DogThe Shih Tzu is a sturdy toy dog with a long double coat, an underbite and a lion-like look, known for eye, breathing and ear problems and a lifespan of roughly 11 to 13 years in UK studies.
Encyclopaedia
What is a Shih Tzu?
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Overview
The Shih Tzu is a sturdy little toy dog with a small snout and normally large, dark brown eyes. The breed standard asks for a height of no more than 26.7 cm at the withers and an ideal weight of 4.0 to 7.5 kg.
They have a soft, long double coat, floppy ears covered with long hair, and a heavily haired tail carried curled over the back. The coat can be any colour, though white with blazes of grey is often seen. A very noticeable feature is the underbite, which the breed standard requires.
Shih Tzu are kept as companion dogs. The Chinese have described their heads as "owl head" and "lion head", their mouths as "frog mouths" and their lips as "earthworm lips".
Origins and history
The Shih Tzu is a breed originating from Tibet and is believed to be bred from the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. The name comes from the Mandarin word for "lion", because the dogs were bred to resemble the lion of traditional oriental art. In England in the 1930s they were nicknamed the "chrysanthemum dog".
They were favourites of Chinese royals during the Ming Dynasty and were so prized that for years the Chinese refused to sell, trade or give any away. Empress Dowager Cixi ran a breeding programme, and many court eunuchs also bred them to win favour with the Emperor.
The first dogs reached Europe (England and Norway) in the 1920s and 1930s. Lady Brownrigg brought two to England in 1928, and the Kennel Club first classed them as "Apsos". After a gathering of the dogs at Crufts in 1933, it was realised that the Tibetan Terrier, Apso and Shih Tzu were distinct breeds. The Shih Tzu Club wrote the first European standard in 1935, the Shih Tzu Club of England was founded in 1934, and the Kennel Club (UK) recognised the breed on 7 May 1940.
In 1952 breeder Freda Evans introduced a black and white Pekingese into the breed, which was controversial. The UK and US Kennel Clubs now recognise the descendants of that cross as purebred Shih Tzu.
Temperament and behaviour
Shih Tzu have a long association with Buddhism. Legend says a small lion dog accompanied Buddha, or the Buddha of wisdom, Manjushri, and could turn itself into a lion. In the tale it frightened off robbers and was blessed for its courage.
Some Shih Tzu have a white patch on top of the head called the "Star of Buddha" or "Buddha's kiss". Stone guardian lion statues, often called Fu or Foo dogs, are suggested to be lionised forms of the Shih Tzu.
Health9 facts
Some health issues in Shih Tzu are hereditary. Mitral valve disease, a heart condition, is more common in smaller dogs including the Shih Tzu.
Their short nose can cause brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome, involving narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate and a narrow windpipe. Affected dogs may struggle with exercise, be prone to heat stroke and have trouble sleeping.
Eye problems are very common and increase with age, including cataracts, scratched eyes and ulcers, excess tearing with tear stains, and glaucoma. Ear infections are also common because of the long coat and hair growing in the ears. A UK study found a 4.02 times greater risk of impaired hepatic perfusion, reduced blood flow to the liver.
A 2022 UK study found a life expectancy of 11 years, while a 2024 UK study found 12.8 years. A Japanese study found 15 years.
This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.
Sourced facts
- 1
Shih Tzus have a flat, short muzzle (brachycephaly) that can cause breathing difficulties, trouble with exercise, and increased risk of heat stroke.[1]
- 2
A Japanese study found Shih Tzus made up 16% of glaucoma cases but only 8.2% of the dogs examined, and older Shih Tzus are known to develop cataracts.[1]
- 3
Ear infections are a very common issue in Shih Tzus, as they have a long coat and hair grows in their ears.[1]
- 4
The most common eye problem in Shih Tzus is epiphora (excessive tearing), caused by fur on the eyelids scratching the conjunctiva and the cornea.[1]
- 5
Their shortened muzzle can cause narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and a narrow windpipe.[1]
Common questions
What is a Shih Tzu?
It is a toy or pet dog breed originating from Tibet and believed to be bred from the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. The name comes from the Mandarin word for "lion".
How long do Shih Tzu live?
UK studies found 11 years in 2022 and 12.8 years in 2024. A Japanese study found 15 years.
How big do Shih Tzu get?
The standard says no more than 26.7 cm at the withers, with an ideal weight of 4.0 to 7.5 kg.
Does a Shih Tzu coat tangle?
Yes. The soft, long double coat tangles and mats easily if not brushed at least every 2 or 3 days.
What colours can a Shih Tzu be?
The coat may be any colour, though white with blazes of grey is frequently seen.
Fun facts1 fact
The Chinese refused for years to sell, trade or give away these prized dogs.
In contemporary Mandarin the breed is generally called the "Xi Shi dog", after one of the most beautiful women of ancient China.
In Israel the Shih Tzu was ranked the most popular breed in 2019.
Whether the breed should be called "Tibetan" or "Chinese" is a source of historical and political contention.
Sources1
This guide was AI-drafted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and reviewed before publishing.
Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shih_Tzu
- [1]Wikipedia (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
Shih Tzu guides
Looking after, getting and owning a Shih Tzu
Grooming & Hygiene1 guide
Handling & Hygiene9 tips
- 1
Shih Tzus are toy-sized dogs weighing 4-7.5 kg, so handle them gently and be aware they can be easily injured.[1]
- 2
As a brachycephalic breed with a short snout, they can struggle with exercise and are prone to overheating - keep activity gentle and avoid heat.[1]
- 3
The coat is long and floor-length if unclipped, so check for debris, tangles or matting after outdoor walks.[1]
- 4
They were bred as companions for Chinese royalty, suggesting they are people-oriented dogs that enjoy close human company.[1]
- 5
The short muzzle can also cause breathing difficulties during exertion - watch for laboured breathing and allow frequent rest breaks.[1]
Health & Veterinary2 guides
Legal & Rights1 guide
Nutrition & Diet3 guides
Reproduction & Breeding1 guide
Not veterinary advice. General guidance to help you care for your pet. For anything specific to your animal, speak to a vet.
