Small breed
Shih Tzu Puppies
Shih Tzu loosely translates to ‘Little Lion’ in Mandarin. Ironically, it was named after its looks because there is absolutely no fierceness to this adorable dog breed. From the laps of emperors in ancient China to the hearts of its present-day owners, Shih Tzus have always been leaders in the hall of fame for canine companionship. Discover more about our Shih Tzu puppies for sale below!
- Adult weight 9–16 lbs
- Height 9–10 in
- Lifespan 10–16 years
- Exercise 30 min a day
1 available now
Available Shih Tzu Puppies
About the Shih Tzu
Introducing the charming Shih Tzu, a breed that’s sure to steal your heart with its sweet personality and delightful appearance. These small dogs, often described as friendly and affectionate, thrive in family environments. With their gentle temperament and love for attention, Shih Tzus are a fantastic fit for families with young kids, as they tend to be very good with little ones. They also get along well with other dogs and cats, making them a well-rounded addition to your household.
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When it comes to energy levels, Shih Tzus are on the lower end of the spectrum. They prefer gentle walks and some casual playtime over vigorous exercise, making them an excellent choice for apartment living. Their size allows them to comfortably settle into smaller spaces, and they enjoy cozying up with their families. While they do need regular outdoor time, their laid-back nature means they will be just as happy lounging on the couch with you or playing quietly inside.
Grooming your Shih Tzu requires a bit more effort than some breeds. With a beautiful long coat that needs professional grooming, you’ll want to make sure they look their best. Keep in mind that they do shed moderately, which may require more frequent clean-up around the house. Regular brushing at home can help, but maintaining that luxurious coat will involve scheduling those grooming appointments.
In terms of training, Shih Tzus can be a bit stubborn, given their lower trainability. While they are affectionate and eager to please, it’s important to approach training with patience and positive reinforcement. They can be vocal at times, so early training on barking can also be beneficial. Overall, Shih Tzus are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, it is wise to stay informed about potential health concerns and ensure regular vet visits. If you’re ready for a loving companion that fills your home with joy and affection, the Shih Tzu may just be the perfect pup for you!
Shih Tzu breed profile
Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.
Temperament
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Affection Very affectionate
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Playfulness Very playful
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With strangers Friendly
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Territorial Territorial
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Prey drive Low
Family & other pets
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Young children Good
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Older children Good
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Other dogs Sociable
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Cats Usually fine
Energy & exercise
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Energy Low
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Mental stimulation Moderate
Training
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Trainability Takes patience
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Intelligence Bright
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Stubbornness Stubborn
Care & upkeep
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Shedding Heavy
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Drooling Minimal
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Barking Vocal
Home life
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Apartment living Well suited
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Time alone Short periods
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Cold weather Needs a coat
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Warm weather Comfortable
A good match for
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First-time owners Ideal first dog
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Senior owners Excellent
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Running partner Not suited
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Hiking Not suited
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Therapy work Good
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Guarding Low
Living with a Shih Tzu
Temperament & Family Fit
The Shih Tzu is known for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it a wonderful addition to any family. These small dogs have a knack for getting along with children, other dogs, and even cats, creating a harmonious household. Their loving disposition means they'll often be right by your side, ready for cuddles and companionship.
Energy & Exercise
With a low energy level, the Shih Tzu is perfectly suited for apartment living and can get their exercise with short, leisurely walks. They enjoy playtime, but they're not overly demanding when it comes to physical activity, making them great for those with a more relaxed lifestyle. A few play sessions each day will keep them happy and content!
Care & Grooming
Grooming is an important aspect of caring for a Shih Tzu, as their luxurious coat requires professional grooming to maintain its beauty and health. Although they do shed, regular grooming can help manage loose hair and keep their coat looking fabulous. It's also nice to note that their minimal exercise needs means you can dedicate more time to keeping them well-groomed!
Training Notes
While Shih Tzus can be a bit stubborn, early socialization and consistent training efforts can yield great results. They may not be the easiest to train, but with patience and positive reinforcement, you can teach them basic commands and tricks. Just remember that these little bundles of joy thrive on affection, so mixing training with lots of love will keep both you and your pup motivated!
Caring for a Shih Tzu
- Grooming
- Professional grooming
- Grooming cost
- High
- Monthly food
- Average
- Outdoor space
- Manages without a yard
- Allergy friendly
- Often suits allergy sufferers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the temperament of a Shih Tzu like?
Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. They love being around their human companions and are generally very good with young kids, making them great family pets.
How suitable are Shih Tzus for apartment living?
Shih Tzus are incredibly apartment-friendly! Their small size and low energy level mean they can happily live in smaller spaces without needing vast areas to run around.
Do Shih Tzus get along with other pets?
Yes, Shih Tzus typically do well with other dogs and even cats! Their social nature means they'll likely enjoy interacting with other animals in the home.
How often do I need to groom my Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus require professional grooming regularly due to their long, luxurious coats. Keeping their fur in good shape is important for their comfort and health.
Are Shih Tzus easy to train?
While Shih Tzus can be a bit stubborn, they respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle training methods. With patience and consistency, you can successfully teach them new commands, but do be prepared for a little extra effort!
