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Shih Tzu

Canis Lupus

Last updated: February 16, 2021
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
  1. Animals Home
  2. Pets
  3. Dog Breeds
  4. Shih Tzu

Can live for up to 15 years!

Continue Reading after the facts...


Shih Tzu Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis Lupus

Shih Tzu Conservation Status

  • Not Listed

Shih Tzu Locations

  • Asia
Shih Tzu Locations

Shih Tzu Facts

Diet
Omnivore
Common Name
Shih Tzu
Slogan
Can live for up to 15 years!
Group
Herd

Shih Tzu Physical Characteristics

Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
15 years
Weight
8kg (18lbs)

Shih Tzu Images

Click through all of our Shih Tzu images in the gallery.

View all of the Shih Tzu images!




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Shih Tzu is a Chinese word meaning “little lion,” and it’s the name of a toy dog breed under the scientific name Canis Lupus.

The Shih Tzu is thought to have originated from the cold mountains of Tibet, thus the long double-coat. It has coat colors of brown, white, gold, black, brindle, grey, or a combination of these. The breed was a favorite of the Chinese royals who enjoyed feeling their warmth as they lay sleeping by their feet at night. It is thought to be the result of a cross between a Pekingese or pug and the Llasa Apso. Its median lifespan is 13 years, and they usually live anywhere from 10 to 16. The small size and easygoing personality of the Shih Tzu make for an excellent companion dog.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning Shih Tzus

Pros!Cons!
They’re a toy dog breed.
They don’t need a lot of space, and are perfectly happy as long as they have other dogs or people to be around. They can come with you to many places.
They need regular brushing.
With a long double-coat, they need frequent grooming.
They’re very loyal.
Shih Tzus are famous for being fiercely loyal and even protective of their owners or family. They tend to get attached to one person in particular.
They have certain health issues.
Some are hereditary conditions. They include eye, breathing and back issues.
They’re hardy.
For such a small dog, they are sturdy in spite of any health issues.
They get anxious.
This breed separation anxiety, also known as owner absent behavior. They do not do well with sudden changes in routines.

Shih Tzu (Canis familiaris) - standing against white background

Shih Tzu Size and Weight

The Shih Tzu is a small toy-sized dog with a large, round face; large, brown eyes; and a soft, long double-coat. It has an average height of 10″ for males and 8″ for females. Males weigh 11.9-17.6lbs fully grown, while females weigh 11.5-17.6lbs fully grown. Shih Tzu puppies weigh 1.25-4lbs at 8 weeks of age and are considered fully grown at 10 months.

HeightWeight
Male10 inches8 inches
Female11.9-17.6 lbs11.5-17.6 lbs

Shih Tzu Common Health Issues

There are a few common health issues Shih Tzus have, some which are hereditary conditions. Breathing problems due to the shape of their head (brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome) causes difficulty breathing and can require surgery in severe cases. Eye issues causing irritation can occur at any age with the most common being epiphora, where the fur scratches the conjunctiva and the cornea, requiring prescription eye drops from a veterinarian. Many Shih Tzus experience ear infections, and invertebral disk disease is common in toy dog breeds. Hypothyroidism as a result of Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocortism) tends to affect middle-aged dogs. The breed tends to have teeth problems more often than other dogs. Liver problems, allergies and kidney disease are also unique to the breed. Finally, they are prone to obesity. In short, the most common health issues with Shih Tzus are:

  • Invertebral disk disease and other bone problems
  • Breathing problems and heart disease
  • Eye issues
  • Dental disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Ear infections
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney disease
  • Allergies
  • Obesity

Shih Tzu Temperament

Shih Tzus have a very people-oriented, housebound personality. They are stubborn, affectionate, happy and easygoing in temperament. They do not like to be left alone and demand attention to the point of becoming spoiled. They were not bred to guard, hunt, or anything else except to be a companion, so they don’t let you ignore them. One of the traits of this toy breed is being a lap dog with a natural tendency for human companionship. Another is that they don’t tend to excessively bark, unlike other toy breeds.

Shih Tzus are great in dog shows. They are proud and arrogant-looking but are sweet and less demanding and noisy than other toy breeds. Around other pets, they are peaceful, but they need socialization to learn how to trust strangers in order to be friendly or polite to them. They tend to get along well with other dogs, no matter their size.

How To Take Care of Shih Tzus

New pet owners will find unique differences in caring for Shih Tzus, especially Shih Tzu puppies. Shih Tzus have breed-specific factors such as the need for regular brushing and grooming and hereditary conditions that must be carefully taken into consideration.

Shih Tzu Food and Diet

Shih Tzus have different health considerations compared to other dog breeds. Hence, new owners should consider these factors when choosing a food for their pet.

Shih Tzu puppy food: Because of their unique build and health issues, Shih Tzus need a breed-specific food, if possible. Such a food is especially made for their underbite and short muzzle. It also has specific nutrients, antioxidants, proteins and prebiotics to support their immune system, skin, coat and digestion. Otherwise, get a premium dog food. Puppies under 3 months of age should be free-fed, and from 3-12 months they should be fed 3 meals a day.

Shih Tzu adult dog food: Dry food is better for their teeth than wet food. They should be fed premium dog food 2 to 3 times a day. Grain-free or gluten-free formulas can decrease or eliminate skin and digestive problems.

Best Shih Tzu Insurance

The best type of insurance for your Shih Tzu is one that considers their breed, age and any existing, diagnosed health conditions for the best coverage. Each coverage package has different deductible levels to choose from depending on the amount you’re willing to spend before the insurance kicks in. You should shop around and consider at least 2 or 3 different insurance companies.

Shih Tzu Maintenance And Grooming

Like other dogs, Shih Tzus need regular baths about once a month or every 3 to 4 weeks. During puppyhood, they need more bathing due to soiling themselves. They also need daily grooming to keep their coats soft and tangle-free. For those with long coats, they need grooming everyday; those with medium-length coats need grooming every 2 days, while those with short or shaved coats need grooming every 3 days. Be sure to purchase both fine-toothed and a broader-toothed brushes to thoroughly groom their long double-coats. Their coat colors can change over time and can fade once they reach adulthood.

Shih Tzu Training

Shih Tzus need to be trained as soon as possible during their puppyhood. They are known for being stubborn and difficult to housebreak. Although they can learn tricks, they also have their own mind. Treats and snacks help to encourage them.

Shih Tzu Exercise

Adult Shih Tzus only need the exercise that comes from playing in the house or yard and daily walks twice a day for 20-30 minutes. They also enjoy toys. If they do not get enough exercise, they will become bored and show behavioral problems such as excessive barking, chewing, or overeating. They also have a higher impulse to chase and catch things than other dog breeds. However, they have a lower energy level than others.

Shih Tzu Puppies

Taking care of Shih Tzu puppies means fulfilling their playtime, food and grooming needs. They need socialization and housebreaking early on. They also need a lot of attention.

Shih Tzu (Canis familiaris) - puppy running

Shih Tzus And Children

Shih Tzus get along well with children. However, they’re not a good choice for families with very young children due to their small size, which increases their risk of injury. Those who are badly socialized since puppyhood can bite children.

Dogs similar to Shih Tzus

Other dog breeds similar to Shih Tzus are the Maltese, Pekingese and the Llasa Apso as well as any popular Shih Tzu mix, such as Shih Poo (Shih Tzu Toy Poodle mix), Shorkie (Shih Tzu Yorkie mix) or Havashu (Shih Tzu Havanese mix). All fall under the scientific name of Canis lupus for domestic dog.

  • Maltese: Looks similar but with higher energy and only one coat.
  • Pekingese: Slightly smaller than the Shih Tzu, its coat is less dense, less smooth and shorter.
  • Llasa Apso: A close lookalike that’s also from Tibet, this breed has a longer snout and a hard coat.

Famous Shih Tzus

With a history going back 1,000 years, the “little lion dog” or “chrysanthemum dog” is one of the most popular breeds. It has been a prominent feature in several films and a couple of video games:

  • Miss Agnes in Best in Show, a mockumentary comedy film from 2000
  • Bonny in Seven Psychopaths, a dark comedy from 2012
  • Daisy in The Secret Life of Pets 2, a 3D animated comedy film from 2019
  • Isabelle, the mascot of the Animal Crossing series, first appeared in Animal Crossing: New Leaf (2012)
  • Isabelle is also a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Popular Names for Shih Tzus

Some of the most popular names for this breed are:

  • Charlie
  • Max
  • Jack
  • Buddy
  • Leo
  • Daisy
  • Gigi
  • Zoey
  • Poppy
  • Lola
View all 84 animals that start with S


Shih Tzu FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How long do Shih Tzu dogs live?

Shih Tzus can live for up to 18 years but typically live between 10 to 16.

How do you pronounce Shih Tzu?

Westerners pronounce the name “Sheed-zoo” or “Sheet-su,” while the Chinese say “Sher-zer.”

Are Shih Tzus good pets?

Shih Tzus are excellent companion dogs, especially for people living in small apartments or who are seniors.

Do Shih Tzus shed?

No, they do not shed as much as other dog breeds and are good for people with allergies. They only shed when being bathed or brushed. The exception is only when they turn one and change their coats.

Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?

They can, especially if they were not socialized well during puppyhood. Most, however, do not bark as much as other toy dog breeds.

How much does a Shih Tzu cost to own?

A Shih Tzu can cost anywhere from $2,000 to up to $10,000 depending on the breeding, but the average price is $500-$1,500. Show-quality dogs cost more.

Are Shih Tzus good with kids?

Yes, they are great with kids as long as they have generally been socialized well since puppyhood.

Are Shih Tzus herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Shih Tzus are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.

What Kingdom do Shih Tzus belong to?

Shih Tzus belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What class do Shih Tzus belong to?

Shih Tzus belong to the class Mammalia.

What phylum to Shih Tzus belong to?

Shih Tzus belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do Shih Tzus belong to?

Shih Tzus belong to the family Canidae.

What order do Shih Tzus belong to?

Shih Tzus belong to the order Carnivora.

What type of covering do Shih Tzus have?

Shih Tzus are covered in Hair.

What genus do Shih Tzus belong to?

Shih Tzus belong to the genus Canis.

What is an interesting fact about Shih Tzus?

Shih Tzus can live for up to 15 years!

What is the scientific name for the Shih Tzu?

The scientific name for the Shih Tzu is Canis Lupus.

Sources
  1. My Dog's Name (1970) https://www.mydogsname.com/200-fantastic-shih-tzu-names/ Jump to top
  2. K9 Deb, Available here: https://k9deb.com/shih-tzu-mixes/
  3. ipupster.com, Available here: https://ipupster.com/shih-tzu-insurance/
  4. American Shih Tzu Club, Available here: https://shihtzu.org/?q=separation_anxiety
  5. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shih_Tzu
  6. Dogtime.com, Available here: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/shih-tzu#/slide/1
  7. Hills.com, Available here: https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/shih-tzu#:~:text=As%20with%20most%20toy%20breeds,and%20a%20good%2Dsized%20head.

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