Shih Tzu: The Little Lion Dog

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The Shih Tzu is known as the little Lion dog. Their origins are

The Shih Tzu, whose name means “little lion,” has an origin story shrouded in mystery. Believed to descend from Tibetan and Chinese toy breeds, they were once palace favourites, sitting on silk cushions and padding around marble courtyards.

Small, regal, and affectionate, the Shih Tzu is a devoted lapdog and charming companion.

What Are Shih Tzus Like?

  • Affectionate companions – happiest as lapdogs.
  • Playful and lively – enjoy short games and attention.
  • Regal in appearance – long flowing coat and distinctive face.
  • Sociable – love meeting new people.
  • Low exercise needs – a daily stroll and playtime are usually enough.

Shih Tzus and Families

Shih Tzus are people dogs through and through. They adore snuggles and will happily curl up on your lap for hours. They’re great for older families or retirees who want a steady, affectionate companion.

With younger children, they may not be as tolerant of rough handling, so they’re better suited to homes with older kids.

Exercise & Lifestyle

Shih Tzus don’t need hours of exercise — a short daily walk plus indoor play is plenty. They adapt well to flats and are excellent companions for elderly or less active owners.

Bringing home a Shih Tzu puppy? Our Ultimate Puppy Planner helps you track training, routines, and milestones in a fun, keepsake style.

Personality & Training

Shih Tzus are intelligent but also stubborn and independent. They respond best to positive, playful training, but patience is required, especially when it comes to house-training, which can be a slow process.

Need help with training? Ask Pickles, our AI Dog Trainer, for step-by-step tips tailored to your pup.

Living With a Shih Tzu

  • Other pets: Generally get along well with cats and dogs if raised together. Outdoors, however, they may chase neighbourhood cats and small animals.
  • Strangers: They love everyone, but they’re not strong in watchdog duties.
  • Grooming: Light shedders, but their coat requires professional clipping every 6–8 weeks (or DIY if you’re confident). Weekly brushing prevents tangles.

Quick Facts: Shih Tzu

  • Origin: China/Tibet
  • Role: Companion/lapdog
  • Weight: 4–8 kg
  • Height: 26–28 cm
  • Lifespan: 10–16 years
  • Best trait: Devoted lapdog
  • Challenging trait: Can be difficult to house-train

Pros & Cons of Owning a Shih Tzu

Pros Cons
Loving, affectionate companions Can be stubborn and slow to house-train
Low exercise needs Regular grooming needed
Sociable with people and pets Not ideal watchdogs
Adaptable to flats and small homes Less tolerant of toddlers

Health Notes

Shih Tzus are generally healthy but can be prone to:

  • Brachycephalic issues – breathing difficulties due to short muzzles.
  • Eye problems – prone to infections and injuries due to prominent eyes.
  • Dental issues – small mouths often mean crowded teeth.

Thinking of buying a Shih Tzu puppy? Download our free Best in Breeder Question Guide to make sure you ask the right questions and choose a healthy pup from the start.

History & Fun Facts

  • Bred as palace lapdogs in China, they were favourites of the nobility.
  • They’re related to other small, ancient breeds like the Pekingese and Tibetan Spaniel.
  • Despite their regal history, Shih Tzus are cheeky, fun, and love nothing more than a warm lap.

Want to celebrate your Shih Tzu’s regal look? Order a Cartoon-style Pet Portrait to capture their personality forever.

FAQ

Are Shih Tzus good family dogs?
Yes, especially with older children and adults. They love company and cuddles.

Do Shih Tzus require a lot of exercise?
No. A short daily walk plus playtime is usually enough.

Are Shih Tzus easy to train?
They’re intelligent but stubborn. House-training takes patience.

Do Shih Tzus shed a lot?
They shed lightly, but their coats need regular grooming and clipping.

Great Names for Shih Tzus

With their regal history and cheeky personalities, Shih Tzus suit both elegant and playful names.

Royal Names

  • Empress
  • Prince
  • Ming
  • Pearl

Cute & Fun Names

  • Biscuit
  • Mochi
  • Poppy
  • Tinker

Classic Companion Names

  • Bella
  • Daisy
  • Max
  • Charlie

Colour-Inspired Names

  • Snowy
  • Cocoa
  • Goldie
  • Smokey

Need more inspiration? Try our Dog Name Generator for hundreds of personalised suggestions.

Is a Shih Tzu Right for You?

If you’re after a loving lapdog who thrives on human company and doesn’t need long walks, the Shih Tzu could be perfect. Be prepared for regular grooming and a stubborn streak when it comes to toilet training.

Still deciding? Take our Which Dog Is Right for Me Quiz to see if the Shih Tzu suits your lifestyle.

Pickles’ Top Tip: “Shih Tzus may look regal, but they’re cheeky clowns at heart. Keep them entertained, and they’ll reward you with endless cuddles and laughs.”