Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs for Chinese emperors and spent centuries living in palaces being devotedly pampered. They remember this. A Shih Tzu does not walk purposefully — they saunter. They do not make requests — they issue expectations. They are, despite their small size and fluffy exterior, dogs of considerable self-assurance who know their value. They're also affectionate, surprisingly sturdy, and endlessly entertaining to live with.
3 Things Nobody Tells You About Shih Tzus
- The coat is a significant commitment. A full-length Shih Tzu show coat is a daily brushing project and a regular bathing and grooming appointment commitment. Most pet owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut" every 6–8 weeks. Either way, this is a dog who requires consistent grooming attention.
- They can be surprisingly stubborn. Imperial companion dogs were not bred to take direction. Shih Tzus know what they want, are not easily persuaded otherwise, and have an excellent ability to appear deaf when it suits them. Short training sessions with high-value rewards work far better than repetition and commands.
- They're better with adults or older children. Shih Tzus are small and can be overwhelmed by rough handling. Homes with very young children should supervise all interactions carefully.
Health Things to Actually Watch For
- BOAS: Shih Tzus are brachycephalic. Noisy breathing, exercise intolerance in heat, and frequent reverse sneezing indicate airway issues that may benefit from surgical assessment.
- Eye problems: Shallow eye sockets mean the eyes are prominent and vulnerable. Corneal ulcers (scratches to the eye surface) are common. Any squinting, excessive tearing, or visible cloudiness on the eye is urgent — corneal ulcers can deteriorate within hours.
- Dental disease: Small crowded mouth = rapid tartar build-up = early dental disease. Brush teeth from puppyhood.
- Kidney disease: Shih Tzus are overrepresented in chronic kidney disease diagnoses. Annual blood panels from age 5+ help catch early changes.
Your Shih Tzu Care Cheat Sheet
- Daily eye checks — clean any discharge gently, watch for squinting or cloudiness.
- Brush daily or keep in a short coat maintained every 6–8 weeks.
- Teeth brushing 3× weekly — dental disease is the commonest unaddressed welfare issue in small breeds.
- Never leave in a hot car or exercise in heat — overheating risk is high.
- Blood panel annually from age 5 to monitor kidney function.
Get your Shih Tzu's full health and vaccine calendar on the Woofio Shih Tzu care page.