Shih Tzu Personality: Intelligence, Behavior, and What Your Dog Is Telling You

How we researched this article: This guide draws on the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, Stanley Coren’s dog intelligence rankings, peer-reviewed studies on dog jealousy and dog-human bonding, and veterinary health information from the AKC Canine Health Foundation. Every source is listed at the end. Last reviewed: September 2026.

The Short Answer

The Shih Tzu was bred for one job: to be a companion. The AKC breed standard says the breed’s sole purpose is that of a companion and house pet, with a temperament that is outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly, and trusting toward all.

That history explains most Shih Tzu habits. They follow you, watch you, and want to be near you. They can also be slow to obey commands, which is often mistaken for a lack of intelligence.

Are Shih Tzus Smart?

It depends on how you measure it. The best-known ranking comes from Stanley Coren, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia. For his book The Intelligence of Dogs, he surveyed dog obedience judges in the United States and Canada. The Shih Tzu ranked 70th out of 79 places.

But that list measures only one thing: how quickly a breed learns and obeys commands. It does not measure problem-solving or social skills. A companion breed that was never bred to take orders can rank low on obedience and still be very good at reading people.

Are Shih Tzus stubborn?

Many owners say so. In practice, it usually means a Shih Tzu needs more repetitions and a good reason to cooperate. Keep training sessions short, use small treats, and stop before your dog gets bored. See our potty training guide for a step-by-step example.

Why Does My Shih Tzu Follow Me Everywhere?

For a breed made for companionship, following you around is normal. Dogs and people have a real bond. A 2015 study published in Science found that when dogs and their owners gaze at each other, oxytocin, a hormone linked to bonding, rises in both.

Following becomes a concern only if your dog panics when it cannot reach you. That can be a sign of separation anxiety. See our anxiety guide.

Why does my Shih Tzu stare at me?

Usually to communicate. Your dog may want food, a walk, or attention, or may be checking what you will do next. The gazing research above suggests that relaxed eye contact between a dog and its owner is part of their bond.

Are Shih Tzus Jealous?

Dogs may feel something like jealousy. In a 2014 University of California, San Diego study, dogs were more likely to push, snap, or get between their owner and a realistic toy dog when the owner showed it affection than when the owner paid attention to an object or a book. A 2018 follow-up study noted that the evidence is still preliminary.

To prevent problems, give each pet its own attention, feed pets separately, and reward calm behavior when you are with another pet or person.

Why Do Shih Tzus Lick So Much?

Licking people is usually a greeting, a way to get attention, or a sign of affection. Licking or chewing their own paws is different. It is a common sign of allergies or skin irritation. See our itchy skin guide.

Reading Your Shih Tzu’s Body Language

• Relaxed: soft eyes, loose body, relaxed tail.
• Playful: front end down, rear end up, bouncing.
• Stressed: lip licking, yawning when not tired, turning the head away, showing the whites of the eyes.
• Warning: freezing, stiff body, growling, lifting a lip.

A yawn can mean your dog is tired. But yawning in a tense situation, like at the vet, is often a sign of stress. Learn more in our guide to aggression and warning signs.

Why Does My Shih Tzu Jump?

Jumping up on people is usually an excited greeting. Reward your dog only when all four paws are on the floor, and turn away when it jumps up.

Jumping off furniture is a different concern. The AKC Canine Health Foundation lists Shih Tzus among the breeds most commonly affected by intervertebral disc disease, a spinal problem. Pet steps or ramps can reduce hard landings from beds and sofas.

How Much Do Shih Tzus Sleep?

A lot, and that is normal. Adult dogs commonly spend around half the day asleep, and puppies and senior dogs sleep even more. A healthy adult Shih Tzu napping through much of the day is not a cause for worry.

Talk to your vet about sudden changes, such as a dog that suddenly sleeps much more, cannot settle at night, or seems weak when awake. Because Shih Tzus have flat faces, many snore. Very loud snoring, gasping, or needing to sleep sitting up can be signs of a breathing problem and should be checked.

Why Do Shih Tzus Dig?

Digging at blankets and beds is a common way for dogs to get comfortable before lying down. Digging in the yard can come from boredom, excess energy, or chasing a smell.

• Give your dog a blanket it is allowed to rearrange.
• Add daily walks, play, and puzzle toys.
• If your dog digs outdoors, supervise and redirect it to a toy or game.
• Keep nails trimmed so digging does not damage furniture.

How to Bond With Your Shih Tzu

• Keep a steady daily routine.
• Play short games every day.
• Train with rewards, a few minutes at a time.
• Handle your dog gently, especially its face, paws, and ears.
• Give it a quiet place to rest when it wants space.

Safety first: A sudden change in behavior can be a sign of pain or illness. See your vet if your Shih Tzu starts licking one spot constantly, sleeps much more than usual, becomes clingy or snappy for no clear reason, or stops wanting to jump or play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• American Kennel Club. Official Standard of the Shih Tzu.
• Wikipedia. The Intelligence of Dogs (Stanley Coren).
• Harris CR, Prouvost C. Jealousy in dogs. PLOS ONE, 2014.
• Prato-Previde E, et al. Pet dogs’ behavior when the owner and an unfamiliar person attend to a faux rival. PLOS ONE, 2018.
• Nagasawa M, et al. Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds. Science, 2015.
• AKC Canine Health Foundation. Overview of Intervertebral Disc Disease.

This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.