Shih Tzu

A Guide to Shih Tzus The Shih Tzu is a friendly, happy, and outgoing companion dog. The breed has a long history and can trace its roots back to Tibet and China. The Shih Tzu we see today was originally bred in China during the 17th Century and descends from a mix between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso breeds. In Mandarin Chinese, the name Shih Tzu translates as “little lion” or “lion dog.” Shih Tzus were popular within the Chinese Royal court. The breed remained largely unknown to the West until the 20th Century when the first Shih Tzus arrived in Europe. In 1933, the breed was first shown in England alongside the Lhasa Apso breed. Shih Tzus nearly became extinct in China during the 20th Century following the takeover of the Chinese Communist party in 1949. A small number survived, and 14 Shih Tzus became the foundation of all Shih Tzus that now exist. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969. Shih Tzu Temperament and Characteristics Shih Tzus are an affectionate, lively, and sweet-natured companion breed. They love to be petted and pampered and are happiest when spending time with their family and giving (and receiving) lots of attention. As small dogs, they’re capable of living in a variety of different homes, from small apartments to larger houses. They don’t mind where they live as long as they’re with their owner. Like other companion breeds, they can develop separation anxiety and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time. They make great family pets and are loyal and affectionate toward their owners. They’re good with children in general, though they’re perhaps a bit better suited to older children. Regardless of age, it’s important to introduce pets and children in a positive way so they can interact safely. Shih Tzus aren’t always an easy breed to train. It can take some time, and plenty of patience to socialize and potty train them. Because they’re companion dogs, training should always involve lots of praise and rewards. When it comes to exercise, Shih Tzus aren’t an overly active breed. But like all dogs, they do need some form of exercise. 20 to 30 minutes of play and exercise each day should be enough. Shih Tzus aren’t always thrilled to go on long walks; after 30 minutes, you may find that they’ve had enough and want to go home or at least do something else. Shih Tzus are a flat-faced breed, and dogs with this feature are known as “brachycephalic.” Shih Tzus and other flat-faced breeds are known to be loud snorers and can sometimes have problems managing their own body temperature, which leads to heavy panting. Shih Tzu coats and colors Shih Tzus’ glossy double coats make them instantly recognizable. Their coats come in a variety of colors. The most common breed standard colors include: Grooming a Shih Tzu Owning a Shih Tzu can involve a great deal of grooming, so be prepared! The coat and undercoat require a lot of daily grooming just to keep them in good condition. Their hair grows quite quickly, and they’ll need regular haircuts. Keeping their coats trimmed and relatively short makes them much easier to maintain and groom. This short style is known as the “puppy cut” and is a popular choice for Shih Tzu owners. There is also the “teddy bear,” which is similar to the “puppy cut” but accompanied by a rounder face. You may want to take your Shih Tzu to the groomer instead of handling grooming at home. How often you do so will depend on the length of their coat. As a general rule, you should be taking them to a groomer once every four to six weeks — but it will ultimately depend on your particular circumstances and the needs of your particular dog. When it comes to grooming, there are lots of different cuts and styles to choose from, depending on how long or short you want your Shih Tzu’s coat to be. A groomer can suggest some ideas for a style that suits both you and your pup. How much does dog insurance cost for Shih Tzus? Shih Tzus are cheaper than many other breeds to insure. In fact, Shih Tzus are one of the cheapest types of purebred dogs to insure in the US. In 2022, the average ManyPets premium for Shih Tzus was $31 per month. That's less than the average 2022 premium across all dog breeds and ages, which was $37 per month. This low cost says a lot about just how healthy Shih Tzus tend to be, since breeds that are more prone to health conditions tend to cost more to insure. Keep in mind that these are just averages based on data from all customer premiums. Your pet's age and location will heavily affect your monthly price, and your pet's premium may differ from the average. Learn more about insuring your Shih Tzu . Just remember: It’s a good idea to purchase dog insurance when your Shih Tzu is still young. That way, you're far less likely to encounter any pre-existing condition exclusions, and your dog will still be covered if conditions develop later in their life. Shih Tzu health conditions Despite the breed’s relatively low insurance costs, Shih Tzus do suffer from a few common health conditions. In 2022, the average claim ManyPets received for Shih Tzus was $381, but we received Shih Tzu claims that ran as high as about $5,700. Here are some common Shih Tzu health conditions you should be aware of: If you're buying a Shih Tzu puppy, you should ask the breeder if the parents have been health tested. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you with health screening results and advice about your pup and its parents. That way, you’ll be aware of any conditions that may affect their health. Shih Tzu popularity

Shih Tzu

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Good with kids

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Good for new owners

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Frequently asked questions about Shih Tzus

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