Toy Group · China / Tibet · Lives 10-18 yrs
The Shih Tzu is a small companion that is deeply affectionate, relaxed. It is content with modest exercise and adapts well to calmer homes. Be ready for meaningful grooming and coat care.
Twelve core traits scored 1–10 from kennel-club and veterinary consensus.
A five-second gut check before you read the details.
This is a lower-energy breed; roughly 30 minutes of daily walks plus light play keeps it content, but it still needs consistent routine.
Consistency matters more than talent here. Keep sessions short, positive, and frequent for best results.
Expect regular coat maintenance and hair around the home — budget time and, for clipped coats, professional grooming costs.
This breed carries above-average health considerations — work with a reputable breeder who screens for known conditions and budget for preventive vet care.
Plan for roughly $208/month across the dog's life — larger, higher-maintenance dogs cost more, and one emergency can add thousands. Regional prices vary, so treat these as planning estimates, not quotes.
A day with a Shih Tzu is happy to ease into the morning with a gentle walk and some quiet company. It handles reasonable alone-time better than many breeds, though company is always preferred. Afternoons suit short, positive training and enrichment — mental work tires this breed as much as a walk. By evening it melts into full companion mode, leaning in and content simply to be near its people.
After roughly 30 minutes of real activity across the day, the Shih Tzu finally downshifts, content and ready to do it all again tomorrow.
Drawn to the Shih Tzu but still weighing your options? These breeds share a similar temperament or lifestyle fit.
