Shih Tzu

Closely associated with Buddhism, Shih Tzus are revered in China and Tibet as holy dogs. Their name means Lion Dog, showcased by their long, flowy manes of hair. They have distinctive top knots that were often displayed in art as they were a favored pet of the royal family during the Ming Dynasty.

When the British looted the Imperial Palace, most of the dogs were lost, and the breed suffered a great setback. In 1935, they were exhibited as the Lhassa Lion Dog and often lumped together with Lhasa Apsos or Pekingese. The breed began to gain popularity in the United States in the 1950s and they are now one of the most popular toy breeds in America. 

If you are home a lot and don’t mind regular grooming, the Shih Tzu can be an excellent dog for first-timers. Like all small companion breeds, they don’t like to be alone and might become vocal about it. They are capable of a high level of training, although they might not seem like it sometimes, so an owner who enjoys training, games, and puzzles is also a good fit. Highly social and intelligent, they like going places with their owners and meeting other dogs and humans.

Shih Tzus are perfectly content with short walks and would prefer three 20-minute strolls to an hour-long hike. With their short nose and flattened face, they should never be exercised on hot days. Never put them in situations where they could overheat. 

They also enjoy exercise at home, so games and interaction with their owner are important. 

Highly portable, Shih Tzus do well in small spaces so long as they have access to playtime and potty time outside. They enjoy the outdoors and might go off exploring on their own if left to their own devices. They are prone to heat strokes because of their double coats, so keeping them out of extreme heat is advisable.

Giving Pantene commercials a run for their money, the coat of the Shih Tzu is long, soft, and dense. There’s a good amount of undercoat that requires intense daily grooming to keep it looking its best. A Shih Tzu does require frequent bathing—sometimes once a week—and brushing. 

That cute little ponytail isn’t just for looks—the Shih Tzu’s hair grows upwards from the bridge of their nose and a ponytail can help keep it out of their face. You might need to wipe down a Shih Tzu’s face daily, as food and other bits can get stuck easily in their flowing hair. Some owners opt to cut a Shih Tzu short for less maintenance, although regular haircuts will then be required. Consult with a groomer to figure out what’s best for your dog and lifestyle.

Sometimes aloof, it might surprise you how mentally agile a Shih Tzu can be. They can be clever little dogs that enjoy learning new things and performing treats for tricks, and they have a renegade streak that might see them taking off after a neighbor’s cat or squirrel. They should be taught to walk on a leash and come when called. Socialization will help them be confident around humans and other dogs.

While they usually prefer the company of one singular person, they can get along well with an entire family. They like quieter households, so child-free homes or those with older children will set a Shih Tzu up for the most success. 

The cost of a Shih Tzu from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.