Shih Tzu
About the Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus originated in Tibet as companions to Buddhist monks and later became favoured by Chinese emperors, particularly during the Ming Dynasty. Bred as lap dogs and companions for royalty, they combine the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese heritage. Their name means "little lion" in Chinese, reflecting their bold personality.
Temperament
Shih Tzus are affectionate, friendly, and outgoing companion dogs with regal bearing and considerable charm. They're social and playful, though sometimes stubborn, and thrive on human companionship and attention.
Care Guide
Moderate exercise (30-45 minutes daily) satisfies their needs; they adapt well to apartment living. Their long flowing coat requires daily brushing and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, or can be kept in a shorter practical cut. Monitor for eye problems and respiratory issues.
Did you know?
Shih Tzus were bred by Chinese emperors as "little lions" and were never sold, only given as gifts of the highest honour.
Shih Tzu weight by age
Broad planning estimates derived from adult breed weights; individual dogs vary by build, sex and neuter status
Age
8 weeks
Planning estimate
0.8-1.3 kg
Bring-home baseline; compare weekly, not daily.
Age
3 months
Planning estimate
1.4-2 kg
Growth should be visible but ribs should still be easy to feel.
Age
6 months
Planning estimate
3-4.1 kg
Many puppies look lanky here. Avoid overfeeding to make them fill out.
Age
12 months
Planning estimate
5.1-6.3 kg
Small breeds may be adult; large breeds may still be maturing.
Age
Adult
Planning estimate
5.6-6.9 kg
Use body condition score with your vet, not weight alone.
These are not diagnostic ranges. Woofio will replace them with owner-reported averages once enough dogs are tracked by age, sex and body condition.
Check your dog's weight
Planning estimate only — not diagnostic. Confirm with your vet.
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Feeding guide for Shih Tzu
General feeding rhythm by size; use your food label and vet advice for exact portions
Puppy meals
3-4 small meals/day
Adult meals
2 meals/day
Best practice
Use tiny portions and watch for skipped meals
First 30 days with a Shih Tzu puppy
The early routine that prevents most avoidable stress
Book the first vet visit
Take vaccination history, microchip details, food label, and any breeder or rescue paperwork.
Choose one food and transition slowly
Keep the puppy on the same food for the first few days, then transition over 5-7 days if changing.
Start toilet and crate routines
Use short, predictable routines after sleep, meals, play, and before bedtime.
Handle paws, ears and mouth daily
Gentle handling now makes grooming, nail trims and vet checks much easier later.
Vaccination timeline
Core and non-core timing can vary by country, product and vet protocol
Intranasal or injectable. Required for boarding/daycare.
Core combination. Puppy series at 8/12/16w, booster at 1yr, then every 1-3yr.
Recommended for dogs with water/wildlife exposure.
First dose at 12w, booster at 1yr, then every 1-3yr per local law.
Parasite prevention
Flea, tick, worm, and heartworm schedule
Treatment calendar (indicative)
Green = treatment month. Always follow your vet's specific product instructions.
Health checks to discuss
Screening reminders to confirm with your vet for Shih Tzu dogs
ACVO eye examination with results registered with OFA.
Veterinary evaluation of patellar luxation with results registered with OFA.
Optional basic or advanced cardiac exam.
OFA RFGS added Shih Tzu to breeds eligible for official respiratory function exams in April 2026.
Grooming guide
long, dense double coat; flowing outer layer coat · Daily brushing starting point
Common tools to discuss
Routine starting points
Exercise & mental stimulation
low energy · 30-45 min/day
Daily exercise estimate
30-45 min/day
Gentle walks, relaxed play
Mental enrichment
Adjust exercise for age, heat, breathing, joint health and your vet's advice. Puppies need shorter sessions than adults.
Health risks to discuss
Conditions listed as more common in Shih Tzu dogs; ask your vet what matters for your dog
This list represents conditions with elevated prevalence in this breed. It does not mean your dog will develop them. Early screening and regular vet checks significantly reduce risk.
When to call a vet
Do not wait for community answers when symptoms are urgent
Common Shih Tzu owner questions
Short answers for the questions new owners search most often
How much should a Shih Tzu weigh?
Shih Tzu weight depends on sex, frame and body condition. The age table is a planning estimate derived from adult breed weights, so confirm with your vet if your dog is gaining or losing quickly.
How often should I groom a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzu grooming is usually very high. Brush more often during shedding, after muddy walks, or if you notice mats forming.
What should new Shih Tzu puppy owners do first?
Book a first vet visit, confirm vaccine history, keep food consistent for the first few days, and start a calm toilet, sleep and handling routine.
Owner reports and vet answers
Coming next: community data that improves this page over time
Weight by age, food amount, activity level, grooming frequency and common owner concerns, filtered by sex and age once enough reports exist.
Sources and review
Woofio separates official guidance, breed-specific screening references and future owner-reported averages.
WSAVA vaccination guidelines
Global small-animal veterinary guidance used for core and non-core vaccine framing.
OFA / CHIC breed screening
Breed-specific health screening protocols developed with parent breed clubs.
Royal Kennel Club health testing
UK health testing, screening schemes and breed health resources.
ESCCAP parasite guidelines
European parasite guidance for companion animals.
CAPC parasite guidelines
US companion animal parasite guidance and regional parasite risk resources.
Track all of this for your dog
The Woofio app puts your dog's entire health calendar on your phone — vaccine reminders, weight tracking, vet & groomer bookings, and more.
Something not right about Shih Tzu?
Our breed profiles use the available breed data we have today and will improve as owners submit real-world reports. If you spot something inaccurate or missing, tell us so we can tighten the plan for every Shih Tzu owner.