Fetch Finder
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At a glance
| Energy level | |
|---|---|
| Shedding | |
| Grooming needs | |
| Apartment-friendly | |
| Handles cold | |
| Affectionate / cuddly | |
| Good with kids | |
| Good for first-time owners | |
| Easy to train | |
| Good with other dogs | |
| Good with cats | |
| OK being left alone | |
| Reliable off-leash | |
| Protective / watchdog | |
| Barking | |
| Drooling |
Great for
- First-time owners
- Apartments
- Families and seniors
Watch out for
- Regular professional grooming adds cost
- Flat face makes heat risky
- Can be slow to house-train
Daily care
Exercise: 20–30 minutes a day.
Grooming: Daily brushing for a long coat, or a short puppy cut every 4–8 weeks.
Cold weather: Handles brief cold fine with a sweater; keep walks short on very cold days.
*Yearly cost covers food, routine vet care, preventatives, toys and supplies. It doesn't include the purchase or adoption fee, emergencies or grooming beyond basics.
Gear for a Shih Tzu
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- FoodSmall breed dog food
Formulas made for small breeds match their energy needs and kibble size. Look for "complete and balanced" (AAFCO) on the bag, and ask your vet what's right for your dog.
See options on Amazon - Crate24-inch dog crate
A 24" crate fits most adult Shih Tzus (up to about 16 lb). Choose one with a divider so it grows with a puppy.
See options on Amazon - HarnessFront-clip harness
Flat-faced breeds breathe more easily in a harness than a collar that presses on the throat.
See options on Amazon - ToysPuzzle and snuffle toys
Food puzzles keep a calmer dog's mind busy without a lot of running.
See options on Amazon - GroomingSlicker brush and metal comb
Low-shedding coats tangle easily; brush a few times a week between grooming visits.
See options on Amazon - WinterInsulated dog coat and boots
Shih Tzus get cold quickly; a coat and boots make winter walks safer.
See options on Amazon - BedWashable dog bed
A washable cover makes life easier, especially with a puppy.
See options on Amazon
Find a Shih Tzu near you
We're building a list of trusted Shih Tzu rescues, breeders and trainers. Rescues are listed first.
Listings coming soon. In the meantime:
- Search adoptable dogs near you on Petfinder
- AKC's Shih Tzu page, which links to breed club rescue networks
Run a Shih Tzu rescue, training or grooming business? Get listed free.
Not sure a Shih Tzu is right for you? Take the 3-minute quiz to see which breeds fit your home and lifestyle.
Take the breed quizSimilar breeds
Small · 16–28 lb👪 Good family dogFrench BulldogPlayful, quiet and built for apartment life. Frenchies need little exercise, but their flat faces make them sensitive to heat and cold.
Small · 13–18 lb👪 Great family dogCavalier King Charles SpanielSweet, gentle and adaptable. Cavaliers are happy in an apartment or a house and get along with almost everyone.
Small · 17–23 lbBetter with adults or older kidsShiba InuClean, confident and independent, with a thick coat built for cold. Shibas fit apartments well but are stubborn and hard to train.