Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is an ancient companion breed, originally developed in China and Tibet as a palace dog, and registered with the Kennel Club in the Utility Group. They are affectionate, playful and adaptable dogs that suit a wide range of households and living situations. Their modest exercise requirements and sociable character make them popular with urban and flat-dwelling owners.

They are also a brachycephalic breed. Their flat face produces the same respiratory challenges seen in French Bulldogs and Pugs, though typically in a less extreme form. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) can range from mild snoring to more serious respiratory restriction requiring surgical correction. The Kennel Club's Respiratory Function Grading Scheme is available for Shih Tzus and responsible breeders should be testing their breeding dogs under this scheme. Any reputable Shih Tzu breeder should be able to show you the respiratory grades of both parents.

Eye conditions are a meaningful concern in the breed. Shih Tzus have prominent eyes that are less protected than in longer-muzzled breeds, making them prone to corneal ulcers and other conditions. Proptosis, the prolapse of the eye from the socket, while less common than in Pugs, is a real risk. Any eye injury or sudden change in eye appearance requires prompt veterinary assessment.

The Shih Tzu's coat is one of its defining features: long, flowing and double-layered. It requires significant maintenance. Most owners choose professional grooming every six to eight weeks in addition to daily or near-daily brushing at home. Many owners keep their Shih Tzu in a practical puppy clip rather than the full show coat, which reduces the maintenance commitment considerably.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders typically range from £800 to £2,000. Monthly running costs are moderate, though insurance of £40 to £80 per month reflects the breed's brachycephalic health profile. Lifespan is typically 10 to 16 years.

For the right owner, a Shih Tzu is a rewarding and warm-natured companion who fits comfortably into a wide range of living situations. The key to successful Shih Tzu ownership is preparation: understand the brachycephalic health needs before buying, buy from a breeder using the KC Respiratory Function Grading Scheme, insure comprehensively from day one, and decide from the outset whether you will maintain the full coat or opt for a practical shorter clip. A Shih Tzu bought from a health-tested breeder, insured from day one and introduced to grooming as a positive routine from puppyhood, will reward that preparation with years of warm, gentle companionship.

Shih Tzus are warm, sociable and reliably affectionate. They were bred exclusively as companion dogs and this purpose is evident in their character: they want to be with their people, they adapt readily to the pace and routine of the household, and they offer consistent warmth and companionship in return.

They are typically good with children and sociable with other dogs, making them suitable for a range of family setups. Their gentle, non-aggressive nature is one of the most consistent breed characteristics. Supervision with very young children is still advisable: a small dog that feels cornered or handled roughly will respond defensively.

Shih Tzus have an independent, self-assured quality that reflects their palace dog heritage. They are not highly driven or anxiously eager to please in the way some working breeds are. They enjoy interaction and training but on their own terms: patience and positive reinforcement work well; pressure and forceful methods do not.

They can be prone to separation anxiety if not taught from puppyhood that periods of independence are safe and normal. A Shih Tzu accustomed to constant company will not always cope well when left alone. Building this gradually and positively from day one prevents it from becoming a significant issue.

Vocality varies between individuals. Some Shih Tzus are quiet and undemanding; others are alert barkers who will announce visitors and changes in the environment loudly. This can be managed with training but is worth anticipating, particularly in a flat setting.

Shih Tzus are trainable but require a patient approach that acknowledges their independent character and respiratory limitations. Sessions must be kept short, cool and highly rewarding. Never train a Shih Tzu to the point of heavy panting or apparent respiratory effort.

Four priorities for a new Shih Tzu owner:

1. Toilet training. Shih Tzus can be slow to housetrain. A strict routine of outdoor trips after every meal, nap and play session is more effective than reprimands. Patience and consistency will get there: punishment-based approaches rarely work with this breed.
2. Independence training. Build short, positive periods of alone time from day one. Introduce a crate positively and increase alone time gradually. A Shih Tzu that is never left alone will develop anxiety when separation is unavoidable.
3. Grooming desensitisation. Shih Tzus require regular professional grooming and daily brushing at home. Handle the puppy's face, ears, paws and coat from the start, and introduce grooming and professional visits positively early. A Shih Tzu that tolerates grooming makes ownership significantly easier.
4. Socialisation. Thorough exposure to people, environments, sounds and other dogs during the 8 to 16 week window produces the most confident adult. A well-socialised Shih Tzu is adaptable and settled in a wide range of situations.

Common mistakes: Allowing a Shih Tzu puppy to be carried constantly and never left alone. This creates a dog that cannot cope with independence. Prioritise building confidence and self-sufficiency from the start.

Shih Tzus need modest daily exercise, typically 20 to 30 minutes for an adult dog. Their brachycephalic conformation limits their exercise tolerance, and longer or more vigorous activity can cause respiratory distress. Two shorter walks per day are preferable to one long one.

Exercise must always take place in cool conditions: before 10am or after 6pm in warm months. Never exercise a Shih Tzu in direct sunshine or on a warm afternoon. Heat is a genuine danger and Shih Tzus, like all flat-faced breeds, can develop heatstroke rapidly.

Puppies need very limited exercise: five minutes per month of age, twice daily, protects developing joints. Cool indoor play is appropriate and preferred over extended outdoor activity for young dogs.

Mental stimulation through gentle games, puzzle feeders and short training sessions provides valuable engagement without placing respiratory strain on the dog. Many Shih Tzus enjoy gentle interactive play indoors, which suits their modest exercise requirements well.

Shih Tzus have several health conditions associated with their brachycephalic conformation and other breed-specific factors.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is the primary health consideration. The flat face produces narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate and a restricted airway. Shih Tzus are generally less severely affected than French Bulldogs or Pugs, but BOAS still ranges from mild snoring to significant respiratory restriction. The KC Respiratory Function Grading Scheme grades dogs from 0 to 3: ask to see breathing grades for both parents when buying a puppy. Surgical correction for severe BOAS costs £1,500 to £4,000 in the UK. Shih Tzus cannot tolerate heat and must not be exercised in warm weather.

Eye conditions are a regular concern. Shih Tzus have prominent, exposed eyes that are prone to corneal ulcers, entropion (inward-rolling eyelid) and other conditions. Proptosis, though less common than in Pugs, is a risk with any trauma to the head. Any change in eye appearance including cloudiness, redness, squinting or apparent discomfort requires prompt veterinary attention. Surgical correction for eye conditions typically costs £300 to £800 per eye.

Dental disease is very common in the breed due to crowded teeth in a small jaw. Regular toothbrushing and professional dental treatment under anaesthetic may be needed periodically.

Hip dysplasia is assessed through the KC/BVA Hip Scoring scheme. Ask for hip scores on breeding dogs.

Monthly insurance typically costs £40 to £80 for comprehensive lifetime cover. Typical lifespan is 10 to 16 years.

Shih Tzus are prone to weight gain if not managed, and excess weight worsens respiratory function in a breed already dealing with brachycephalic conformation. Keeping your Shih Tzu at a healthy weight is a priority.

Feed a complete, high-quality food appropriate for small breeds. Follow the feeding guidelines carefully and adjust based on body condition. Do not free-feed. Treats should be counted within the daily calorie allowance.

Shih Tzus can eat slowly due to their flat face and short muzzle: shallow bowls are easier for the breed than deep ones. Some are prone to food sensitivities: if persistent digestive upset or skin irritation occurs, a vet can advise on dietary options. Dental disease is common in the breed, so dental chews and regular toothbrushing should be incorporated into the routine alongside food management.

The Shih Tzu has a long, dense double coat that requires substantial grooming commitment. In full show coat, the hair grows to floor length and requires daily brushing to prevent matting. Most pet owners choose to keep their Shih Tzu in a shorter puppy clip, which requires professional grooming every six to eight weeks but is far more manageable day-to-day.

Even in a short clip, regular brushing two to three times per week is needed, particularly around the face, ears and underside where tangles develop most readily. Professional grooming typically costs £50 to £80 per session depending on coat length and condition.

Daily face care is essential. Clean the eyes and the folds around the nose daily with a damp cloth. The exposed eyes accumulate discharge that should be gently removed every day. Watch for any changes in eye appearance that could indicate a developing condition.

Ears should be checked and cleaned weekly: Shih Tzus are prone to ear infections due to their ear flap shape and coat. Nails should be trimmed every three to four weeks. Teeth should be brushed daily with dog-safe toothpaste: dental disease is common and regular brushing is the most effective prevention.

Purchase price: A Shih Tzu puppy from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder (including KC Respiratory Function Grading Scheme) typically costs £800 to £2,000 in 2025 to 2026. Rescue rehoming fees range from £100 to £350.

Setup costs: Crate, bedding, shallow food bowl, grooming tools, initial vet check, vaccinations, microchip and neutering typically total £400 to £800.

Monthly running costs:

• Food (small breed): £25 to £45
• Insurance (comprehensive lifetime): £40 to £80
• Professional grooming (averaged monthly): £25 to £45
• Routine vet care and parasite prevention: £15 to £25
• Total monthly estimate: £105 to £195

Annual estimate: approximately £1,260 to £2,340, before unexpected vet costs.

Lifetime costs: With a lifespan of 10 to 16 years, total lifetime costs typically range from £13,000 to £34,000 including purchase. Dogs requiring BOAS surgery or eye procedures will sit at the higher end.

Well suited to: flat and urban dwellers (Shih Tzus are genuinely well-suited to smaller living spaces given their modest exercise requirements); older owners or those with limited mobility; families with calm children; owners who enjoy grooming as part of the routine.

Not suited to: owners who cannot commit to regular professional grooming and daily facial care; very active owners expecting an exercise companion; those unable to afford consistent insurance premiums; owners unprepared for brachycephalic health management.

Flat suitability: excellent, subject to heat management. The Shih Tzu is one of the more genuinely flat-suitable breeds in the UK, provided the home can be kept cool in summer.

The Shih Tzu suits an owner who welcomes a close companion dog, is committed to the grooming routine, and has researched the brachycephalic health needs and insurance costs before committing.