The Shih Tzu is a Tibetan-origin Chinese palace companion bred for one job — sitting on people and being adored — and it does that job better than almost any breed. Expect a 9-16 pound dog with a long flowing double coat, a short pushed-in muzzle, large dark eyes, and a temperament that is outgoing, affectionate, and famously stubborn in a cheerful way. They are not a sporting dog and were never meant to be; they are a lap breed with a confident, sometimes comic personality. The single most important thing a prospective owner must understand is that the Shih Tzu is brachycephalic — flat-faced — and that this is not a cosmetic detail but the source of most of the breed's real costs and risks. The same skull shape that gives the breed its appealing face also crowds the airway, makes the eyes shallow-set and exposed, and contributes to dental crowding. A responsible Shih Tzu owner is, in practice, signing up to manage a brachycephalic dog for life. Temperamentally they are excellent companions: people-focused, generally good with children and other pets when socialized, adaptable to apartments, and low in exercise demands. They do not tolerate heat well and should never be left in warm cars or exercised hard in the sun — overheating is a brachycephalic emergency. Who the Shih Tzu is right for: an owner who wants a devoted lap companion, is home enough to provide company, will commit to daily coat care or regular professional grooming, and accepts the realistic veterinary budget of a flat-faced breed. Who it is wrong for: someone wanting a low-maintenance coat, a jogging partner, an outdoor dog, or a breed with minimal vet costs. The face you fell for is also the bill you are accepting — go in with eyes open.
Origin
🇨🇳 Tibet/China
Life Span
10–16 years
Weight
4.1–7.3 kg
Height
20.3–27.9 cm
low
Exercise
moderate
Shedding
Yes
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Friendly
Apartment
The Shih Tzu's roots are Tibetan and its development is Chinese. Small Tibetan companion dogs were given to the Chinese imperial court, where they were refined over centuries — most strongly during the Qing dynasty — into the small, long-coated lap dog kept by Chinese royalty and the Dowager Empress Cixi's court being a frequently cited high point of the breed's palace history. The name is usually rendered as 'lion dog,' reflecting the breed's ro…
Shih Tzu dog breed portrait
The name 'Shih Tzu' literally translates to 'Lion Dog' in Chinese, likely because of their flowing manes and association with Buddhist lion iconography.
They were bred to resemble small lions as depicted in traditional oriental art, as lions symbolized royalty in Buddhist lore.
Shih Tzus were so treasured by Chinese royalty that for many years, it was illegal for ordinary citizens to own them.
Despite their long, luxurious coats, Shih Tzus are considered a hypoallergenic breed as they have hair rather than fur, which results in less shedding and dander.
All modern Shih Tzus are believed to have descended from just 14 dogs - 7 males and 7 females - that were used to establish the breed outside of China.
Purchase Price
500–2000 USD
Monthly Cost
~$100 USD
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A Shih Tzu costs $500–$2,000 to purchase from a reputable breeder, plus roughly $100/month in ongoing expenses — food, veterinary care, grooming, and insurance. Over a 10–16-year lifespan, total lifetime ownership cost runs $12,000–$19,200. Adopting from a rescue ($50–$500) reduces the upfront cost significantly. The first year is always the most expensive due to initial setup costs ($300–$800) on top of the purchase price.
Prices vary based on lineage, breeder reputation, location, and whether the Shih Tzu is pet-quality or show-quality. Adopting from a rescue or shelter typically costs $50–$500 and gives a Shih Tzu a second chance at a loving home.
| Expense | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Food & treats | $35–$45/mo |
| Veterinary care (wellness) | $20–$30/mo |
| Grooming | $10–$15/mo |
| Pet insurance | $30–$70/mo |
| Toys, supplies & misc | $8–$12/mo |
| Total monthly estimate | ~$100/mo |
Purchase
$500–$2,000
Initial setup
$300–$800
crate, bed, bowls, collar, leash
12 months care
~$1,200
This estimate includes routine food, veterinary wellness visits, grooming, insurance, and supplies — but does not include emergency veterinary care, boarding, or specialized training. Actual costs vary by location, lifestyle choices, and your Shih Tzu's individual health needs.
All costs are approximate U.S. averages and vary by location, breeder, veterinary clinic, and individual needs. Updated March 2026.
Shih Tzu care splits cleanly into two non-negotiable jobs: the coat and the brachycephalic body. Coat: the long double coat mats fast. A full coat needs daily brushing and combing to the skin, not just the surface; most owners are realistically better off keeping the dog in a 'puppy cut' with professional grooming every 4-8 weeks ($50-$90 per visit in most areas). Mats are not cosmetic — they trap moisture, cause skin infection, and are painful to remove. Eyes: large, shallow-set eyes need daily wiping of tear staining and routine checking for redness or cloudiness. The breed is at real risk of corneal ulcers and, in trauma, eye proptosis (the globe popping forward) — a same-day emergency. Airway and heat: never exercise a Shih Tzu hard in heat, never leave one in a warm car, and treat heavy panting, blue gums, or collapse as an emergency. Keep the dog lean; even modest excess weight worsens brachycephalic breathing. Face folds and teeth: clean the nose-fold a few times a week to prevent dermatitis, and brush teeth most days — the crowded brachycephalic jaw makes dental disease early and expensive. Decision rule: noisy breathing at rest, blue or grey gums, a bulging or suddenly painful eye, dragging back legs, or collapse are not 'watch and wait' — they are same-day or emergency veterinary visits, because in this breed they map directly to BOAS, proptosis, and IVDD.
Dive deeper into everything Shih Tzu — costs, care, and expert insights.
How Much Does a Shih Tzu Cost?
Purchase price, monthly costs, and lifetime expenses
Shih Tzu Care Guide
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