Shih Tzu: At a Glance
The Shih Tzu — Shih Tzus were bred to be palace dogs in the Forbidden City of Beijing — they were so prized that the Chinese refused to...
Is the Shih Tzu Right for You?
Shih Tzu Trait Profile
| Shih Tzu Trait Profile | Rating | What It Means | Owner Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | Low-Moderate | Needs low-moderate daily exercise | Plan exercise accordingly |
| Trainability | Moderate | Moderate learning curve | Training commitment needed |
| Grooming Needs | Very High | Professional grooming recommended | Budget time/money for grooming |
| Good with Kids | Yes | Family-friendly | Supervision level needed |
| Good with Dogs | Yes | Pack-friendly | Multi-dog home suitability |
| Shedding Level | Minimal | Minimal shedding | Cleaning commitment |
| Barking Level | Moderate | Moderate alert barking | Noise considerations |
Shih Tzu Health Screening Checklist
| Brachycephalic Syndrome | |
| Eye Proptosis | |
| Patellar Luxation | |
| Hip Dysplasia | |
| Intervertebral Disc Disease | |
| Regular veterinary checkups essential for this breed | |
| Genetic testing available for most listed conditions | |
| Ignoring breed-specific health screenings |
Shih Tzu Key Trait Strengths
The Shih Tzu is ideal for: Apartment dwellers, families, seniors, those wanting a devoted lap companion. This breed thrives when matched with the right lifestyle and owner experience level.
Not ideal for: Hot/humid climates, those unwilling to groom, homes wanting an athletic dog, rough play with large dogs. Carefully consider whether this breed matches your lifestyle before committing.
Shih Tzus are compact, affectionate companion dogs bred for centuries as palace pets in China and Tibet. Their flat face (brachycephalic anatomy) makes respiratory issues and eye problems the primary health concerns. They need daily facial coat cleaning around the eyes, regular professional grooming or owner commitment to coat maintenance, and monitoring for BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) symptoms. They are low-exercise dogs well-suited to apartment living, but their coats and facial anatomy require significant ongoing maintenance.
Palace Dogs of China and Tibet
Shih Tzus were kept as palace dogs by Chinese emperors during the Tang and Ming dynasties. The name translates to 'lion dog' in Mandarin -- the dogs were bred to resemble the lions of Buddhist iconography. Imperial breeding programs maintained the dogs as status symbols, and for centuries they rarely left the imperial palace. The breed reached the West via gifting to European royalty in the early 20th century; the AKC recognized it in 1969. The breed standard calls for a long, flowing double coat, flat face with large eyes, and a specific lion-like facial expression.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
The Shih Tzu's flat face, while characteristic of the breed, compresses and distorts the upper airway anatomy. BOAS involves some combination of: stenotic nares (narrow nostrils restricting airflow), elongated soft palate (excess tissue that obstructs the glottis), hypoplastic trachea (abnormally narrow windpipe), and everted laryngeal saccules (tissue pulled into the airway from chronic negative pressure). Signs: chronic snoring, exercise intolerance, open-mouth breathing in mild exertion, cyanotic gums with exercise, sleep apnea, and in severe cases collapse. Heat and humidity worsen symptoms dramatically. BOAS grading: Grade 0 (none), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), 3 (severe). Grades 2-3 benefit from surgical correction (nares widening, soft palate trimming), which significantly improves quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
Eye Problems
Large, prominent eyes in brachycephalic breeds are more exposed and vulnerable to: corneal ulcers (trauma, incomplete blinking), exposure keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye from incomplete lid closure), entropion (eyelid rolling inward, causing lashes to rub the cornea), distichiasis (extra lash row), and proptosis (eyeball displacement from the socket, a medical emergency from trauma). Any Shih Tzu with a squinting eye, excessive discharge, redness, or cloudiness needs prompt veterinary evaluation. Daily gentle cleaning around the eyes with a damp cloth removes discharge and prevents tear staining and secondary skin infections.
Coat Maintenance
The traditional long coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting. Most pet owners choose to keep their Shih Tzu in a 'puppy cut' -- a uniform short trim every 6-8 weeks at a groomer. The topknot (traditional tied-up head fur) requires daily maintenance in long-coated dogs. Avoid tying the topknot too tightly -- it causes hair breakage and discomfort. Bathing every 2-4 weeks maintains coat and skin health.
Other Health Concerns
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): chondrodystrophic breeds with short legs and long backs (though Shih Tzus are more cobby than Dachshunds) have elevated risk. Hypothyroidism: common in middle-aged to older dogs. Kidney disease: some lines have hereditary renal dysplasia. Hip dysplasia: OFA data shows moderate prevalence. Patellar luxation: frequent, particularly in toy-sized specimens.
Sources: BOAS pathophysiology from Lodde et al. (2018) Veterinary Medicine International; surgical outcomes from Roedler et al. (2013) Tierarztliche Praxis; breed history from CFA Shih Tzu breed standards; eye complications in brachycephalic breeds from Stades et al. (1991) Veterinary Quarterly; coat genetics from Cadieu et al. (2009) Science.