Is Shih Tzu a toy breed?

The Shih Tzu — meaning "lion" or "lion cub" — is a toy breed beloved for its pug tendencies and fun personality. These playful pups make excellent family dogs, but pet parents must commit to socialization and regular grooming to keep their coats long.

Shih Tzus generally live between 10 and 18 years, but they are prone to a number of health problems. The cost of managing or treating these conditions should be considered before purchasing or adopting this breed. Buying the best pet insurance can help keep costs down.

Shih Tzu physical characteristics

Shih Tzus are small but sturdy dogs, typically weighing 9 to 16 pounds and standing 9 to 10.5 inches tall at the shoulder, said Dr. Danny Cox, D.V.M., chief veterinary officer at Petzey, an on-demand veterinary consulting service.

The Shih Tzu's long, flowing double coat can easily tangle, so many pet parents choose to keep their Shih Tzu's coat trimmed shorter. Shih Tzus come in a variety of colors and patterns, including black, white, brown, and brindle.

"They are known for their distinctive short, upturned noses and large, expressive eyes," Cox said. "Their tails curl over their backs, giving them a regal appearance." Shih Tzus often have a pronounced underbite, which adds to their appeal.

Shih Tzus get the cute nickname "daisy-faced" because their facial hair grows in all directions from their muzzles, like the petals of a blooming chrysanthemum.

Shih Tzu Temperament and Personality Traits

The Shih Tzu is a small dog that looks like a lion but has a gentle temperament. When fully socialized, Shih Tzus make great companions, bringing love and attention to their owners.

positive temperament traits

Affectionate: Shih Tzus love to be around their owners and get along well with children and other pets.
Playfulness: According to Cox, Shih Tzus have relatively low energy but enjoy daily walks, playing with toys and may enjoy supervised exploration in a fenced-in backyard.
Adaptable: Their small size makes them easy to transport and care for, even for those with limited living space (such as small apartments).
negative temperament traits
Separation anxiety: "Because they love to care for their owners, separation anxiety can be an issue with this breed," says Traci Madson, a certified dog behavior consultant and owner of Three Little Pits Dog Training Center. To help prevent separation anxiety, Madsen recommends training your Shih Tzu to be comfortable with being alone, starting as a puppy. Start by leaving them alone for a short period of time, then gradually increase the amount of time you're away - making sure to give them plenty of love and attention when you return.
'Stranger danger': Madson said Shih Tzus may bark at strangers or anyone who comes near their owners.
Barking: Shih Tzus will bark at almost any sound other than strangers, such as a doorbell or knocking on the door.
That said, Shih Tzus can be especially affectionate and docile if properly trained and socialized from an early age.

Shih Tzu Socialization and Training

Despite their portability, Madsen stresses the importance of practicing independence and socialization with your Shih Tzu. Training them to be alone and interact with other pets and strangers for a period of time will go a long way in preventing separation anxiety and excessive barking.

Like all dogs, Shih Tzus thrive best with consistent, positive reinforcement training. With proper socialization and introduction, the Shih Tzu can get along well with children and other pets.