The Shih Tzu is a beloved dog breed known for its affectionate, loyal, outgoing temperament and long, silky coat. Classified as a toy breed, the Shih Tzu is a small dog with an average weight of 9-16 pounds and a height of 8-11 inches.
This breed typically has a 10-18 year life span and requires a low amount of exercise per day. As for grooming needs, the Shih Tzu has high grooming requirements.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the Shih Tzu’s personality traits, exercise and grooming needs, as well as common health issues associated with the breed.
Shih Tzu Breed Information
Breed Group: toy
Average Weight (lbs): 9-16
Average Height (in): 8-11
Life Expectancy (years): 10-18
Daily Sleep: 12-14 hours
Size: small
Shih Tzu Appearance
Coat Type: long, silky
Coat Colors: black, white, gray, brown, red, gold
Size: small
Shih Tzu Temperament and Personality
Temperament: affectionate, loyal, outgoing
Trainability: can be stubborn, requires patience and consistency in training
Exercise Needs: low
Grooming Needs: high
Shih Tzu Health
Common Health Issues: brachycephalic airway syndrome, patellar luxation, eye problems
To learn more about this breed, visit our Dog Breeds category.
