Shih Tzu Temperament & Personality
The Shih Tzu is known for being affectionate, playful, outgoing, loyal, friendly. Learn everything you need to know about the Shih Tzu temperament, including their energy level, trainability, and compatibility with families and other pets.
Quick Facts
Temperament Overview
The Shih Tzu is an ancient toy breed that was developed specifically to be a companion dog for Chinese royalty and nobility. According to AKC standards, the Shih Tzu should have a distinctly arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back, reflecting their regal heritage. These small dogs typically weigh between 9-16 pounds and stand 8-11 inches at the shoulder, with a sturdy, compact body that is slightly longer than tall. Their most distinctive feature is their luxurious double coat that flows to the ground, featuring a dense undercoat and silky, flowing outer coat that comes in virtually any color.
Shih Tzus are renowned for their friendly, outgoing personalities and their devotion to their human families. They are bred solely to be companions and excel in this role, forming strong bonds with their owners and thriving on human interaction. Despite their small size, they have confident, sometimes stubborn personalities and carry themselves with a proud bearing. They are generally excellent with children, other dogs, and even cats, making them ideal family pets. Their moderate energy level means they are content with short walks and indoor play sessions, making them well-suited for apartment living or homes without large yards.
Prospective owners should understand that Shih Tzus require significant grooming commitment and attention. They do not do well when left alone for long periods and can develop separation anxiety. Their flat faces make them sensitive to heat and prone to respiratory issues, requiring vigilant monitoring in warm weather. They are also known for being somewhat difficult to housetrain, requiring patience and consistency. However, for those willing to meet their needs, Shih Tzus are loving, entertaining companions that adapt well to various living situations and remain playful well into their senior years.
The breed is classified in the AKC Toy Group and is recognized for its versatility as a companion. While not working dogs, they are alert and make excellent watchdogs, often barking to announce visitors. Their small size, combined with their relatively low exercise requirements and adaptable nature, makes them particularly popular with seniors, apartment dwellers, and families seeking an affectionate, devoted companion that doesn't require extensive outdoor exercise.
Living with a Shih Tzu
Good with Children
Shih Tzus are generally good with children. They tend to be patient and gentle, making them suitable family companions. As always, interactions between dogs and young children should be supervised, and children should be taught to handle dogs with care and respect.
Good with Other Dogs
Shih Tzus typically get along well with other dogs. They are sociable by nature and can thrive in multi-pet households. Early socialization with other dogs helps ensure positive interactions throughout their life.
Training a Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are intelligent but can be stubborn and independent, making training require patience and consistency. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods using treats, praise, and play as rewards. Harsh corrections or punishment-based training methods are ineffective and can damage the bond between dog and owner. Short, frequent training sessions of 5-10 minutes work best, as these dogs can become bored with repetitive exercises. Early socialization is important to ensure they develop into well-adjusted adults comfortable with various people, animals, and environments. Housetraining is often the biggest challenge with Shih Tzus, and they are notorious for being difficult to fully housetrain. Crate training is highly recommended, establishing a consistent schedule, and taking the dog out frequently—especially after meals, naps, and play sessions. Many owners find success with indoor potty training using pads or litter boxes, particularly for apartment living or during inclement weather. Patience is essential, as some Shih Tzus may take 6-12 months or longer to become reliably housetrained. Accidents should never be punished; instead, focus on rewarding successful outdoor elimination. Basic obedience training should begin early, teaching commands like sit, stay, come, and down. While Shih Tzus can learn these commands readily, their independent nature means they may choose when to comply. They excel at learning tricks and enjoy activities that engage their minds. Puppy kindergarten and basic obedience classes provide excellent socialization opportunities and help establish good behaviors. Small Dog Syndrome should be avoided by treating the Shih Tzu as a dog rather than a toy, establishing consistent rules and boundaries, and not allowing behaviors that would be unacceptable in larger breeds. Despite training challenges, with patience and consistency, Shih Tzus can become well-mannered, obedient companions.
Exercise & Energy Level
A moderate exercise routine of 30-60 minutes per day will keep this breed happy and healthy. Daily walks combined with some playtime are usually sufficient. They adapt well to both houses and apartments with regular outings.
Grooming & Care
Coat Type
Long
Shedding
Low
Grooming
Daily
Shih Tzus require daily grooming to maintain their luxurious coat and prevent matting. Owners should brush their dogs thoroughly every day, paying special attention to areas prone to tangling such as behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail. Many pet owners choose to keep their Shih Tzus in a shorter 'puppy cut' to reduce grooming demands, though this still requires professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Regular bathing every 3-4 weeks is necessary to keep the coat clean and healthy. Daily face cleaning is essential, as their facial hair can collect food and their eyes tend to tear, causing staining. Their nails should be trimmed regularly, and ears checked weekly for signs of infection. Due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, Shih Tzus are sensitive to heat and humidity and should never be left in hot environments. They require air conditioning in summer and should exercise during cooler parts of the day. Exercise needs are moderate—two 15-20 minute walks daily plus indoor playtime are typically sufficient. Dental care is particularly important for this breed, as they are prone to dental disease due to their small mouths and crowded teeth. Daily tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings as recommended by a veterinarian are essential for preventing serious health issues. Diet should be high-quality dog food appropriate for small breeds, with portions carefully controlled as Shih Tzus can easily become overweight. They typically require 1/2 to 1 cup of food daily, divided into two meals. Fresh water should always be available. Regular veterinary checkups are essential, with particular attention to eye health, dental condition, and respiratory function. Owners should monitor for signs of breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and joint problems. Pet insurance is often recommended due to potential health issues common in the breed.
Health Considerations
Average Lifespan: 10-18 years
Like all breeds, Shih Tzus can be prone to certain health conditions. Being aware of these potential issues can help you work with your veterinarian to provide the best preventive care. Common health concerns include:
- •Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
- •Hip Dysplasia
- •Patellar Luxation
- •Eye Problems
- •Dental Issues
When choosing a Shih Tzu, look for a responsible breeder who performs health testing on their breeding dogs. Ask about OFA certifications, genetic testing, and health guarantees to help ensure you bring home a healthy puppy.
History & Origin
China
Companion dog for Chinese royalty
The Shih Tzu has an ancient and noble history dating back over 1,000 years to Tibet and China. The breed's name means 'lion dog' in Chinese, referring to their resemblance to the lion in Chinese art and their association with Buddhist mythology. The breed was developed by crossing Lhasa Apsos or Tibetan Mountain Dogs with Pekingese or other small Chinese breeds. For centuries, these dogs were bred exclusively in the Chinese Imperial Palace, where they were highly prized by emperors and empresses of the Ming and Qing dynasties. They were considered sacred dogs and were never sold, only given as gifts to nobility and visiting dignitaries. The breed nearly became extinct in the early 20th century following the Communist Revolution in China and the death of Dowager Empress Cixi, who had been a major patron of the breed. The survival of the Shih Tzu is credited to seven dogs (seven females and seven males from different bloodlines) that were brought to England and Europe in the 1930s. All modern Shih Tzus can be traced back to these fourteen foundation dogs. The breed was first recognized by the Kennel Club in England in 1946 as the Shih Tzu (Lion Dog), distinguishing it from the Lhasa Apso with which it had been previously classified. The Shih Tzu was introduced to the United States after World War II, with American soldiers bringing them home from Europe. The breed gained popularity throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and the American Shih Tzu Club was founded in 1963. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1969, placing it in the Toy Group. Since then, the Shih Tzu has become one of the most popular breeds in America, consistently ranking in the top 20 most registered breeds. Today's Shih Tzu maintains the characteristics that made it beloved by Chinese royalty: a friendly disposition, luxurious coat, and devoted companionship, though it is now cherished by families worldwide rather than exclusively by nobility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shih Tzu Temperament
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