Shih Tzu with a long flowing coat running across a lawn

Research-backed Shih Tzu care

Shih Tzu Care Guides You Can Trust

Clear, fact-checked advice on health, grooming, food, and training, written for Shih Tzu owners and checked against veterinary sources.

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Everything You Need to Care for a Shih Tzu

Pick a topic to see every guide in that area.

Veterinary team examining a Shih Tzu on an exam table

Health & Wellness

Breathing, eyes, skin, digestion, cancer, and more.

Groomer combing a Shih Tzu’s face

Grooming & Care

Brushing, bathing, face, paws, nails, and ears.

Shih Tzu sitting beside a bowl of food

Nutrition & Diet

What to feed, how much, and which foods are unsafe.

Group of Shih Tzu puppies sitting together

Training & Behavior

Potty training, barking, anxiety, and good manners.

Three Shih Tzus with long show coats

Breed Guides

History, colors, pros and cons, and choosing a Shih Tzu.

Smiling Shih Tzu wearing a harness on a walk

Gear Guides

Brushes, food, treats, shampoo, and other essentials.

Most-read guides

Start With These Guides

Litter of Shih Tzu puppies resting together

Shih Tzu Puppy Care Guide

The first weeks at home, week by week.

Groomed Shih Tzu with a topknot bow on a grooming table

Shih Tzu Grooming Guide

A full home routine, plus the tools that help.

Close-up of a Shih Tzu’s large dark eyes

Shih Tzu Eye Care

Common eye problems and when to see a vet.

Long-coated Shih Tzu lying on a dark background

How Long Do Shih Tzus Live?

Lifespan facts from real veterinary data.

Shih Tzu lying down with its head on the floor

Shih Tzu Anxiety

Signs of stress and how to help your dog.

Girl sitting on a couch with her Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu Pros and Cons

Is a Shih Tzu right for you? Adopt or buy?

Shih Tzu in a full show coat with a large topknot and bow

Breed at a glance

The Shih Tzu in Brief

The Shih Tzu is a small companion breed with a long history as a palace dog. Here are the key facts, based on the AKC breed standard and veterinary research.

OriginTibet and China; developed at the Chinese imperial court
AKC groupToy Group (recognized 1969)
Height9 to 10½ inches at the shoulder
WeightIdeally 9 to 16 pounds
CoatLong, flowing double coat; all colors allowed
TemperamentOutgoing, happy, affectionate, and friendly
Median lifespan12.7 years in a large UK veterinary study
Common health issuesDental, anal gland, ear, eye, and skin problems

Read the full story in our Shih Tzu history guide, or see the pros and cons of owning one.

Gear guides

Shih Tzu Essentials, Researched for You

Our gear guides cover brushes, shampoos, food, treats, and other essentials for Shih Tzus.

Groomer brushing a long-coated Shih Tzu

Best Brushes

Pin brushes, slickers, and combs.

Shih Tzu being lathered with shampoo in a bath

Best Shampoos

Gentle options for sensitive skin.

Shih Tzu puppy eating from a metal bowl outdoors

Best Puppy Food

Small-breed puppy formulas.

Owner giving a treat to a Shih Tzu

Best Treats

Small, healthy training rewards.

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Our approach

How We Research Every Guide

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Trusted sources

We base our guides on the American Kennel Club, VCA Animal Hospitals, veterinary schools such as Cornell, and peer-reviewed research, and we list every source.

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Checked and updated

We review guides against current research, correct claims that do not hold up, and show a review date on updated guides.

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Your vet comes first

Our guides are for general information. For any health concern, we always point you to your veterinarian.

Learn more about Shih Tzu Pedia.

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