Shih Tzu characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | 24% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Very High | 18% of breeds |
| Shedding | Low | 26% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Very High | 9% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 14 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Shih Tzu right for you?
The Shih Tzu is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. In terms of temperament, it is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog and is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly. Day to day, the Shih Tzu needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Shih Tzu needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. With medium energy and low athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Shih Tzu to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Shih Tzu is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds only lightly. It is considered hypoallergenic, which — combined with its low shedding — makes it one of the easier breeds to live with for allergy sufferers.
Temperament and training
The Shih Tzu picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice and barks a fair amount, usually for a reason. It handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Shih Tzu
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Shih Tzu genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Working drive: Very low — the Shih Tzu has little working drive. Only 2% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Prey drive: Very low — the Shih Tzu has unusually little prey drive. Only 3% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Adaptability: Very high — the Shih Tzu adapts to changes of home and routine better than almost any breed here. Only 9% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Athleticism: Low — the Shih Tzu is less athletic than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Shih Tzu actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Daily brushing plus regular professional grooming. Skipping it does not just look bad — coats in this class mat, and matting hurts. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Shih Tzu fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Good fit | Medium energy and medium barking travel well into a flat. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Very low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | Recorded as a low-allergen coat. No dog is truly hypoallergenic — meet the individual dog before deciding. |
Guides the Shih Tzu is ranked in
The Shih Tzu earns a place on 12 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Families
- Apartment living
- First-time owners
- Grooming enthusiasts
Things to consider
- Extensive daily grooming
- Some breathing issues
- Eye care needed
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Shih Tzu good with children?
- Yes — the Shih Tzu is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Shih Tzu shed a lot?
- The Shih Tzu has low shedding and is considered hypoallergenic.
- How much exercise does the Shih Tzu need?
- With medium energy, the Shih Tzu needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Shih Tzu live?
- The Shih Tzu typically lives around 14 years.
- Can the Shih Tzu live in an apartment?
- Yes — the Shih Tzu is small and not overly vocal, so it adapts well to apartment living with daily walks.
- Is the Shih Tzu easy to train?
- The Shih Tzu picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Shih Tzu be left alone during the day?
- The Shih Tzu handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.