Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are a long-lived small breed, typically reaching around 12–15 years, and many comfortably pass into their mid-teens with good care. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, staying on top of dental and eye care, providing regular veterinary check-ups, and buying from a breeder who health-tests all help yours reach the longer end. Because they are a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, protecting them from heat and overexertion also matters for a long, comfortable life.

Yes. The Shih Tzu has a long, dense, double coat that grows continuously and mats easily, so a kept-long coat needs daily brushing and combing down to the skin, plus professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Many owners keep their dog in a shorter 'puppy clip' to make daily care far easier. Beyond the coat, Shih Tzus need regular eye care, the facial folds kept clean and dry, ears checked, nails trimmed and teeth brushed.

Generally yes. Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs and are known for being affectionate, friendly and people-focused, which makes them a popular choice for families and for older or less active owners. They are small, adaptable and usually get on well with children and other pets. As with any breed, children should be taught to handle them gently, interactions with very young children should be supervised, and the dog needs its grooming and health needs met.

A well-bred Shih Tzu puppy from a responsible UK breeder who health-tests and registers with The Kennel Club typically costs several hundred to over a thousand pounds. The larger figure is the lifetime cost: across 12–15 years, food, insurance, regular professional grooming, vaccinations, parasite control and veterinary care add up to a substantial commitment. Grooming in particular is a recurring cost that many first-time owners underestimate for this coat-heavy breed.

Yes. The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic, or flat-faced, breed, meaning it has a shortened muzzle and skull shape. This can make some dogs prone to breathing difficulties (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or BOAS), reduced heat tolerance, and eye problems because the eyes are large and prominent. Not every Shih Tzu is badly affected, but it is an important consideration: avoid overexertion and heat, and choose a breeder who selects for more open nostrils and a slightly longer muzzle.

Because Shih Tzus have large, prominent eyes set in a flat face, they are prone to several eye problems. These include corneal ulcers and injuries, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), and 'cherry eye' (a prolapsed tear gland). Hair growing around or rubbing on the eye can also cause irritation. Any squinting, redness, cloudiness, discharge or a dog rubbing at its eye should be seen by a vet promptly, as eye problems in this breed can worsen quickly.

Shih Tzus are not known as excessive barkers compared with some toy breeds, but as alert companion dogs they will often bark to announce visitors or unfamiliar sounds. How much an individual barks depends on temperament, training and whether their needs for company and stimulation are met. Early socialisation, consistent positive-reward training and avoiding accidentally rewarding attention-seeking barking all help keep it to a sensible level.

Shih Tzus are companion dogs that form close bonds with their people, so they are not suited to being left alone for long periods and can be prone to separation-related behaviour if regularly left for hours. They are happiest in homes where someone is around much of the day. If you do need to leave them, build up time alone gradually from puppyhood, leave them comfortable and occupied, and consider a dog walker or sitter for longer absences.

Shih Tzus are a small, fairly low-energy breed and do not need huge amounts of exercise — around an hour a day split into shorter walks plus play is generally suitable for a healthy adult. Because they are brachycephalic, avoid strenuous exercise in warm weather and watch for any laboured breathing. Mental stimulation through play, training and enrichment is just as important as physical exercise for keeping them happy.

They can. The Shih Tzu's coat, facial folds and hairy ear canals can predispose them to skin irritation, fold dermatitis and ear infections if not kept clean and dry. Allergic skin disease is also seen in the breed. Regular grooming, keeping the facial folds and ears clean and dry, and seeing your vet at the first sign of redness, odour, scratching or head-shaking all help keep skin and ears healthy and comfortable.

Good with children. As a general guide, Shih Tzus tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.

As a healthy adult, a typical Shih Tzu needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.

Minimal shedding. Coat upkeep is daily / professional — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.

Good for first-time owners. Shih Tzus are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.

Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.

Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Flat-friendly. A Shih Tzu can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.