Shih Tzu Care Guide

The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest and most distinctly purposeful dog breeds in existence. Unlike hunting dogs, herding dogs, or working dogs bred for utility, the Shih Tzu was developed for a single, explicit function: to be a companion to Chinese royalty. For centuries, these dogs were exclusively the property of the Chinese imperial court, bred in the Forbidden City, given as diplomatic gifts, and so valued that they were not made available to the outside world until the early 20th century. The name (Shih Tzu) translates from Mandarin as (Lion Dog), a reference to the breed's resemblance to traditional Chinese lion sculptures — the flowing mane, the regal bearing, the characteristic round, luxuriant face.

The Shih Tzu that arrived in Europe in the 1930s, shortly before World War II nearly erased the breed (all modern Shih Tzus trace back to just 14 dogs), was already a perfected companion animal. Today's Shih Tzu is remarkably true to that original design: affectionate without being clingy, playful without being hyperactive, confident without being aggressive, and adaptable to nearly any living situation from rural homes to urban apartments.

Physically, the Shih Tzu weighs 9-16 pounds and stands 8-11 inches at the shoulder. The defining physical feature is the (chrysanthemum face) — the long hair on the face that grows in all directions from a central point on the nose, creating a flower-like appearance. The eyes are large, round, and dark, contributing to an expression of warmth and curiosity that has made this breed beloved for centuries. The double coat is long, dense, and silky — it is one of the most dramatic dog coats in existence, and also one of the most demanding to maintain.

Because of their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy, Shih Tzus share some of the respiratory vulnerabilities of other flat-faced breeds, though generally to a less severe degree than English Bulldogs or Pugs. The compressed muzzle and palate create breathing that is often audible, a baseline snoring, and reduced heat tolerance. Shih Tzus should not be exercised in hot weather and should never be left in warm enclosed spaces.

The Shih Tzu's personality is genuinely charming. They are sociable with strangers, generally good with children and other pets, and adapt readily to multi-pet households. They are not particularly loud — they bark when alerted, but are not compulsive barkers. They have an independent streak but are not the stubborn-to-the-point-of-frustration type that many other small breeds display. They enjoy training in short, positive sessions and respond well to food and play-based rewards.

From a health standpoint, the Shih Tzu carries several breed-specific vulnerabilities beyond brachycephaly: the large, prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal injury and dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca); intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a concern given their long body relative to their legs; and small dog dental disease is endemic in the breed without proactive care. Each of these requires owner awareness and preventive management.

The Shih Tzu's adaptability is one of its greatest practical virtues. They do not require large outdoor spaces, are comfortable in apartments, tolerate variations in owner activity level, and travel well. For older owners, busy urban households, or anyone who wants a genuinely devoted companion without the demands of a high-energy working breed, the Shih Tzu is an outstanding match. The coat maintenance commitment is real and should not be underestimated — but for owners who embrace it, the Shih Tzu's appearance and personality make it deeply rewarding. Learn more at /dogs/shih-tzu.

The Shih Tzu's daily care routine is dominated by two priorities: coat maintenance and eye care. Both are non-negotiable for a comfortable, healthy dog.

Morning

Start with a quick visual check of the eyes. Shih Tzu eyes accumulate discharge overnight — dried (sleep) around the inner corners is normal and should be gently removed with a damp cloth before it builds up and causes irritation. Check for any redness, cloudiness, excessive tearing, or squinting that might indicate corneal injury or dry eye. The Shih Tzu's prominent eyes are beautiful but vulnerable.

If the coat is kept long, a morning brushing session prevents overnight tangle development from becoming daytime mats. Pay attention to the mustache and beard area (where food collects), behind the ears, the armpits, and the base of the tail.

A morning walk of 15-20 minutes suits most Shih Tzus well. Given their brachycephalic anatomy, monitor breathing during exercise and keep exertion moderate.

Feeding

Feed twice daily on a consistent schedule. Clean the face and beard area with a damp cloth after meals — food trapped in the facial hair accelerates staining and can irritate skin around the mouth.

Coat Care (Daily for Long Coats)

The Shih Tzu's full coat requires daily brushing to remain mat-free. Many pet owners opt for a (puppy cut) or (teddy bear cut) — a shorter all-over trim maintained every 6-8 weeks by a groomer — which dramatically reduces daily brushing to every other day or a few times per week while retaining the Shih Tzu's characteristic appearance.

Evening

A second short walk or indoor play session. Shih Tzus enjoy interactive play with their family — brief fetch games, gentle tug, or puzzle feeders. They are content to settle beside their owners in the evening and are not demanding of intense physical activity.

What to Check Daily

Shih Tzus have moderate energy requirements and a tendency toward weight gain if overfed. Proper nutrition also plays a significant role in coat quality — the Shih Tzu's signature silky coat requires nutritional support to maintain its best appearance.

Caloric Needs

Most adult Shih Tzus (9-16 lbs) require approximately 350-550 calories per day, varying by size, age, and activity level. Use body condition scoring to calibrate: ribs should be palpable with gentle pressure, and a visible waist should be apparent from above. An overweight Shih Tzu places additional stress on its already compromised airway and is more vulnerable to IVDD.

Feeding Schedule

Food Selection

A high-quality small-breed formula with a named animal protein as the first ingredient is appropriate for most Shih Tzus. Small-breed formulas provide higher caloric density and smaller kibble sizes that work well for the Shih Tzu's compact jaw.

Shih Tzus are prone to food sensitivities, and dietary triggers can manifest as skin issues (itching, redness), chronic ear infections, or gastrointestinal upset. If these signs are present, a veterinary consultation and possible food elimination trial are warranted.

Coat Nutrition

The Shih Tzu's double coat benefits greatly from omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Fish oil (appropriate dose for weight, per vet guidance) improves coat sheen, reduces dry skin, and decreases shedding of the undercoat. This is one of the most cost-effective grooming supplements available.

Dental Health Through Diet

Dental disease is common in Shih Tzus. Dental-specific kibbles that require chewing can help reduce tartar formation. Avoid exclusively soft food diets unless medically necessary, as they accelerate tartar accumulation.

Foods to Avoid

Grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, alcohol, and cooked bones. Avoid very hard treats (antlers, hard nylon chews) that risk cracking the Shih Tzu's teeth.

Age-Specific Notes

The Shih Tzu has modest exercise requirements that make them excellent apartment dogs and companions for less active owners. However, (modest) does not mean (none) — regular exercise maintains healthy weight, joint function, and mental wellbeing.

Daily Exercise Requirements

Most adult Shih Tzus do well with 20-30 minutes of walking per day, divided into two sessions. This can be supplemented with indoor play. They are playful dogs that enjoy short fetch games, gentle tug, and puzzle enrichment.

Heat Sensitivity

This is the most critical exercise constraint for Shih Tzus. Their brachycephalic anatomy reduces cooling efficiency, and they overheat faster than non-flat-faced breeds. Exercise in temperatures above 75°F should be limited to the minimum necessary. In summer, restrict walks to early morning (before 9 AM) and evening (after 8 PM). Watch for heavy panting, drooling, slowing pace, or lying down during a walk — all are signs to immediately cease exercise and move to a cool environment.

Suitable Exercise Types

Exercise to Avoid

IVDD Considerations

Shih Tzus are at elevated risk for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to their relatively long back. Avoid activities that involve repeated jumping on and off furniture — use pet stairs or ramps instead. This simple modification significantly reduces disc injury risk over a lifetime.

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Grooming is the most time-intensive aspect of Shih Tzu ownership. The double coat — a flowing outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat — is one of the breed's most distinctive features and one of its greatest maintenance demands.

The Two Coat Management Strategies

Most Shih Tzu owners choose between two approaches:

Brushing (Daily for Long Coat, Every Other Day for Short Trim)

Use a pin brush for the outer coat and a slicker brush to work through the undercoat. Always start at the ends and work toward the skin to avoid breaking hair. Mist lightly with a conditioning spray before brushing to prevent static and breakage. Section the coat for thoroughness — work through one section at a time. The areas most prone to matting are behind the ears, the armpits, the groin, and anywhere a collar or harness contacts the coat.

Bathing (Every 3-4 Weeks)

Use a high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner designed for silky coats. Rinse thoroughly — residue causes itching and coat dullness. Blow-dry on a low heat setting until completely dry; a damp Shih Tzu coat mats quickly and can develop skin issues.

Face and Eye Care (Daily)

Clean the eye area daily with a soft damp cloth. Trim the hair around and above the eyes carefully with blunt-tipped scissors — or ask your groomer to — so that hair is not constantly contacting the cornea. Many Shih Tzus benefit from the (top knot) style that pins the forehead hair away from the eyes.

Ear Cleaning (Weekly)

Drop ears trap moisture and debris. Check weekly for odor, discharge, or redness. Clean with a veterinarian-approved ear solution and cotton ball.

Nail Trimming (Every 3-4 Weeks)

Small, frequent trims are preferable to infrequent large ones. Overgrown nails alter gait and can curl into the paw pad.

Dental Care (Daily)

Brush teeth daily or at minimum every other day with dog-safe enzymatic toothpaste. Annual professional cleanings are typically necessary.

Shih Tzus are generally hardy dogs with a lifespan of 10-16 years, but they carry several breed-specific health vulnerabilities that owners should be actively monitoring and managing.

Brachycephalic Issues

Like all flat-faced breeds, Shih Tzus have compressed airways that cause audible breathing, snoring, and reduced heat tolerance. The degree of brachycephalic obstruction varies — some Shih Tzus breathe nearly normally, while others have significant BOAS requiring surgical evaluation. Stenotic nares (narrow nostrils) are the most common structural issue. If your Shih Tzu seems to struggle to breathe during minimal exertion or has significant exercise intolerance, a veterinary respiratory assessment is warranted.

Eye Conditions

The Shih Tzu's large, prominent eyes are beautiful but vulnerable. The most common eye issues include:

Any eye change — redness, cloudiness, discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye — warrants prompt veterinary evaluation. Eye conditions can progress rapidly in this breed.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

IVDD occurs when the cushioning discs between vertebrae bulge or rupture, pressing on the spinal cord. Signs range from neck or back pain, reluctance to move, and a hunched posture, to paralysis in severe cases. Use ramps and stairs to minimize jumping. Maintain a healthy weight. Prompt veterinary evaluation at the first sign of back pain or gait abnormality is critical.

Dental Disease

Dental disease is nearly universal in Shih Tzus without proactive prevention. The small jaw crowds teeth together, accelerating tartar buildup and gum disease. Professional dental cleanings every 12-18 months are typically necessary.

Hypothyroidism

Underactive thyroid gland causes weight gain, lethargy, coat changes, and cold intolerance. Manageable with daily medication once diagnosed.

Veterinary Schedule

Shih Tzus represent a moderate acquisition cost with ongoing grooming expenses that are among the highest of any small breed. Budget the grooming line carefully — it is the defining recurring cost of Shih Tzu ownership.

Acquisition Cost

One-Time Setup Costs

Monthly Operating Costs

Annual Veterinary Costs

Potential Major Medical Expenses

Total Annual Budget Range

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