How we researched this article: This guide is based on the American Kennel Club’s breed profiles for the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier, VCA Animal Hospitals’ veterinary breed and health…
Male vs female Shih Tzu: what the AKC standard says about size, temperament myths, heat cycles, marking, lifespan data, and how to choose the right dog.
Where did Shih Tzus come from? The real history of the breed, from Tibet and the Chinese imperial court to near extinction, rescue in England, and AKC recognition in 1969.
Short, research-backed answers to 42 common Shih Tzu questions about size, lifespan, health, food, training and grooming, with links to our full guides.