Shih Tzu Guide for Adopters: Temperament, Grooming, Lifespan and Care
Shih Tzu: about the breed
The American Kennel Club places the Shih Tzu in the Toy Group and lists China as its origin. United Kennel Club describes the breed's sole purpose as that of a companion and house pet.
Where does the Shih Tzu come from?
The United Kennel Club says the breed's history is clouded by folklore but that it is thought to have started in Tibet, and that these dogs were valued as gifts to the Chinese Court. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1969.
Shih Tzu size and weight
The American Kennel Club lists the Shih Tzu as a small breed standing 9-10.5 inches tall, while the United Kennel Club says ideally not more than 10½ inches in height. Both publishers give a weight of 9 to 16 pounds for mature dogs.
Shih Tzu temperament and personality
The American Kennel Club describes the Shih Tzu's personality as playful, affectionate and outgoing. The United Kennel Club's ideal is a dog that is outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting. VCA Animal Hospitals says many Shih Tzu are playful with children, but children should be supervised because they could easily hurt such a small dog.
Exercise needs
VCA Animal Hospitals says many exercise needs can be met with indoor games, but the dog still benefits from walking and sniffing outdoors. Because of its short muzzle, the breed tends to overheat in warm weather.
Shih Tzu grooming and shedding
VCA Animal Hospitals says the long, dense coat needs brushing and combing every other day to prevent matting, and many owners choose professional grooming or a trimmed clip. As for whether Shih Tzu shed, the American Kennel Club's general rating for shedding is low. VCA Animal Hospitals also advises watching that stray hairs and lashes do not irritate the eyes and checking the ears weekly.
Training
VCA Animal Hospitals describes the breed as a quick learner with a stubborn streak that responds well to reward-based training. Housetraining can be harder than with many other breeds.
How long do Shih Tzu live, and what health issues should adopters know about?
The American Kennel Club gives a general Shih Tzu life expectancy of 10-18 years. VCA Animal Hospitals says the breed is prone to periodontal problems, which regular tooth brushing can largely prevent. Shih Tzu tend to stay at a good weight or be a bit heavy, so calories may need restricting if weight creeps up.
Considering a Shih Tzu for adoption
The American Kennel Club rates the breed's adaptability and family affection at 5 of 5, which suggests it may suit many homes.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Shih Tzu as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Toy Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1969
- Height (AKC published)
- 9-10.5 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- 9-16 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 10-18 years
- AKC size category
- Small
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 3 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 4 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 4 of 5
- Shedding: 1 of 5
- Vocalization: 3 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 5 of 5
- Playfulness: 3 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 5 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- No recommended health tests
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 9, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Shih Tzu | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 8, 2026
- Shih Tzu | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 8, 2026
- Shih Tzu - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
