Shih Tzus are generally lively, friendly, and playful. They get along well with almost everyone they meet. They can tell when you’re happy to see them, and will gladly clown around if it will make you laugh. However, they also have a penchant for causing mischief when your back is turned, and are experts in pulling off puppy-dog eyes to get out of trouble.

Instead of going for long walks or outdoor exercise, most Shih Tzus prefer to snuggle up next to you while you try to watch TV. They love being close to humans and thrive in the presence of their family. 

Despite being companion dogs, Shih Tzus still need proper exercise, training, and socialization, as a spoiled Shih Tzu may develop negative behaviors. Due to their strong bond with their family, some Shih Tzus may struggle with separation anxiety. However, a properly trained and well-exercised Shih Tzu can be a gentle, affectionate, and loyal companion. 

Despite being bred to be companion animals, Shih Tzus still need regular exercise. Shih Tzus are surprisingly robust dogs underneath their long, flowing hair. They can do well with agility training and can pull strongly for their size and weight. 

They’re moderately energetic and daily walks are necessary to keep them healthy. However, there are some considerations that must be made due to the structure of their mouths and noses. Brachycephalic dogs such as the Shih Tzu are not able to pant very well, and heatstroke is a risk when exercising for too long. 

Around 45 minutes of walking per day is advisable, broken up into 20 to 30 minute sessions. If your Shih Tzu appears to be panting excessively, give them a break so they can cool down and recover. Be mindful of the heat when bringing your Shih Tzu outdoors. 

Thankfully, Shih Tzus are also small enough that they can have their play sessions indoors. Mental and physical stimulation in the form of games and puzzles are a good idea for all Shih Tzus, even ones kept as family pets instead of sport competitors. 

Grooming a Shih Tzu is likely the most challenging aspect of owning one, as their long double coat can easily get matted and tangled. There is the option of going to a professional groomer, but doing that on a regular basis can cost a significant amount. 

Shih Tzus need daily brushing, or at the very least brushing three to four times per week. A slicker brush is best used to get through the long topcoat and reach the dense undercoat to remove shed hair and dander. A soft-bristled brush can then be used to smooth out the topcoat and the hair around the face. 

It’s also important to do this brushing before giving your Shih Tzu a bath, as mats and tangles may set once the hair gets wet, and may be difficult to brush out once the dog has dried. Shih Tzus don’t smell as much as more active dogs, but their hair does tend to trap dirt and debris. Bathing your Shih Tzu can be done once a month, or as needed. 

The area around a Shih Tzu’s eyes should be cleaned with a damp cloth daily to prevent tear stains from forming. Nail trimming can be done once every two weeks, and tooth brushing is ideally performed daily. 

While Shih Tzus love to play and make their humans laugh, they can also be stubborn and wilful sometimes. Their high intelligence means they can often charm their way out of doing the right thing by sheer charisma. Letting this happen may result in a half-trained Shih Tzu with behavioral issues.  

Early training is important so that your Shih Tzu learns while they are open-minded and receptive to training. They are completely capable of learning all sorts of commands and tricks, provided you approach training with patience and consistency.

Because they’re so people-oriented, positive reinforcement and rewards are the best way to get a Shih Tzu to do what you want. 

Housetraining can be challenging for Shih Tzus due to their small size. The bladder is small and develops slowly, so be prepared with cleaning supplies.

Shih Tzus are generally healthy and can live for up to 12 to 16 years. Shih Tzus may be prone to:

• Luxating patella – a hereditary condition in which the kneecap may be dislocated or misaligned
• Ear infections – the Shih Tzu’s floppy ears may be a breeding ground for bacteria 
• Intervertebral Disk Disease or IVDD – a condition that happens when a disc slips out of alignment and presses on the spinal cord, causing pain, nerve damage, and possible paralysis
• Keratitis – inflammation of the cornea which may cause blindness if left untreated

Shih Tzus are a small breed dog, and will typically only weigh between 9 to 16 pounds. Their legs are short for the length of their body, and they stand between 9 to 10.5 inches at the shoulder. 

Shih Tzus are very adaptable dogs that generally do well in any size of home. This is one of the key traits that make them a favorite choice of apartment owners and homeowners who don’t have a yard. They’re not hardy enough to live outdoors, and require indoor accommodations to be near their human family members. 

They are generally small enough that their sleeping quarters can fit comfortably into most homes. It’s not advisable for Shih Tzus to have to go up and down stairs often, as it may cause joint problems as the dog gets older.