The Shih Tzu is one of the UK’s most popular companion dog breeds — and it’s easy to see why. Friendly, affectionate, and well-suited to flat living, these small dogs thrive in close contact with their humans. This UK‑focused guide covers everything potential and current owners need to know, from temperament and grooming to health, costs, and legal responsibilities.
Quick Facts at a Glance
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Group: Toy Group (The Kennel Club UK)
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UK status: Legal (not a banned breed in the UK)
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Height: Around 20–28 cm at the shoulder
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Breed standard: Compact, well-balanced body; short muzzle; large round eyes; level topline
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Dog’s weight: 4–7.5 kg for a healthy adult; maintaining a lean body condition helps protect joints and breathing
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Life span: Typically 10–16 years; good genetics, routine vet care, and a balanced diet can support longevity
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Shih Tzu’s coat: Long, dense double coat; shedding is moderate year-round. Daily brushing or regular trims help prevent matting
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Climate note: Flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs struggle in heat—limit walks during hot summer afternoons and provide cooling indoors
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Compatibility: Generally friendly with children and other pets when socialised early; supervision is recommended due to small size
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Colours allowed: All colours permitted under Kennel Club standards
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Energy level: Low to moderate—enjoys play and short walks rather than intense exercise
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Weather tolerance: Handles cool UK weather well; sensitive to heat and humidity
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Training needs: Gentle, reward-based training with early socialisation; consistency is key as they can be stubborn
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Best for: First-time owners, flat dwellers, seniors, and families seeking an affectionate companion
History and Origin
Shih Tzu dogs trace their story back to Tibetan breeding stock gifted to the imperial courts of China. Monks viewed the pup as a living symbol of Buddhism—a faithful friend said to protect the palace. In the Ming Dynasty, the Chinese emperor prized these charming companions, allowing only nobles to own them. This selective care helped establish the Shih Tzu as a separate breed from other Tibetan breeds such as the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. European travellers later referred to the pup’s flowing long coat and black‑mask grey colouring as “white gold.” By the 1930s the breed reached England, and in 1969 it joined the AKC’s registry of popular breeds.
Shih Tzu Temperament
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Friendly first. The Kennel Club calls the Shih Tzu “outgoing, happy, affectionate and trusting.” Those four traits shape everything they do, from greeting strangers at the door to cuddling on the sofa.
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Born companion, not guard dog. This little lion dog was bred only to keep people company, so it seeks eye-contact, follows you from room to room and may pine if left alone for long hours. Plan indoor playtime or a dog-sitter on busy days.
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Great with families and other pets. Most Shih Tzu dogs tolerate children, cats and other dogs when socialised at a young age; their small stature means you should teach kids to sit on the floor, not scoop them up.
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Alert but polite watchdog. They will bark when the post arrives, yet seldom bite. Use positive-reinforcement training methods—praise the quiet moment, give a tiny treat, repeat—to curb noise without crushing confidence.
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Stubborn streak. A Shih Tzu puppy can pick up new tricks fast, then decide it’s “done.” Keep sessions short (five minutes), end on success and rotate rewards to keep the individual dog interested.
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Brainy and playful. Puzzle feeders, hide-and-seek and gentle indoor fetch help this dog breed burn energy in a London flat as well as a rural garden. Mental work tires them more than long runs.
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Sensitive to tone. Harsh words can shut them down. Calm, upbeat voices deliver the best training tips and build trust for life.
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Easygoing with age. As the dog’s age rises, exercise needs drop, but affection stays high. Slow daily walks and gentle grooming keep joints loose and the dog’s coat shiny.
In hot weather their short muzzle makes panting less efficient. Offer fresh water, shade and air-conditioned breaks on very hot days to avoid breathing difficulties and preserve that sunny spirit.
Shih Tzu Grooming
The Shih Tzu’s coat grows like human hair, so grooming isn’t a luxury—it’s basic care. DEFRA’s welfare code states owners must prevent matting that can injure skin.
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Daily five-minute brush. Use a pin brush to reach down to the undercoat and stop painful tangles under floppy ears and armpits.
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Weekly face wash. Tear stains build up fast; dab warm water over the “Buddha-kissed” white blaze and dry well to avoid sore skin.
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Regular bathing. A mild dog shampoo every three weeks keeps oils balanced and the long coat glossy. Blow-dry on cool to stop damp patches causing discomfort.
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Pro clip every 6–8 weeks. A professional groomer can thin the coat for summer, trim nails, and check anal glands—handy if you’re new to the dog breed.
Good habits from an early age make the process calm; reward still moments with praise so the individual dog links brushes to treats, not stress.
Common Health Issues in Shih Tzu
UK veterinary studies, including VetCompass data, show that Shih Tzus are prone to several breed-related health conditions. Understanding these helps owners spot early warning signs.
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Dental Disease: Shih Tzus have small mouths with crowded teeth, making them especially prone to plaque build-up and gum disease. Without regular dental care, this can lead to pain, tooth loss, and secondary infections. Daily tooth brushing and routine veterinary dental checks are strongly recommended.
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Eye Problems: Their large, prominent eyes are vulnerable to injury and infection. Common issues include corneal ulcers, dry eye, and excessive tear staining. Even minor eye irritation should be checked promptly, as eye conditions can worsen quickly in this breed.
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Ear Infections: Shih Tzus have floppy ear, hair-covered ears that trap moisture and debris. This creates an ideal environment for ear infections, which may show as head shaking, redness, or an unpleasant smell. Regular ear cleaning and grooming reduce risk.
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Brachycephalic Airway Issues: As a flat-faced breed, Shih Tzus may experience breathing difficulties, especially during exercise or warm weather. Snoring, noisy breathing, or intolerance to heat are common signs. Weight management and avoiding overexertion are essential.
When to See a Vet
Contact your vet promptly if you notice red or cloudy eyes, laboured breathing, repeated ear scratching, refusal to eat, or sudden lethargy. Early intervention often prevents minor issues from becoming serious problems.
Shih Tzu Feeding
Choose High quality dog food formulated for toy dogs supports energy without adding excess weight. Split the day’s ration—about 55 kcal per kg of the dog’s weight—into two meals to steady energy and cut the risk of weight gain.
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Bowl shape matters. A shallow, tilted dish helps this short-muzzle lion dog reach food without straining the neck or rubbing eyes.
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Treat maths. Count all chews and human snacks; they should stay under 10 % of daily calories.
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Hydration check. Fresh water must be in reach, especially on hot days when brachycephalic dogs pant harder.
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Life-stage tweaks. A growing Shih Tzu puppy needs protein-rich feed three times a day; switch to adult formula at 10–12 months and senior diet at around eight years when the dog’s age slows metabolism.
Stick to measured portions; even a 500-g gain on small dogs strains joints and worsens breathing difficulties, according to PDSA weight clinics.
Daily Life and Exercise
Shih Tzu dogs thrive on short, fun bursts rather than marathon hikes. The Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of mixed activity daily for the breed group.
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Two brisk walks. Aim for 20 minutes morning and evening, choosing cool shaded routes on hot days to avoid breathing difficulties.
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Indoor playtime. Hide-and-seek, soft-toy fetch and puzzle feeders tap into their curious minds and burn calories when rain hits.
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Training tips. Five-minute sessions using positive reinforcement—tiny treats and happy voices—keep focus without overtaxing that short muzzle.
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Rest zones. Provide a raised dog bed so air circulates under the dog’s coat, helping the skin stay dry.
Regular movement helps joints develop properly and keeps dog’s weight in check—key to lowering chances of hip dysplasia or back strain common in small stature breeds.
Living Comfortably in a UK Home
British weather can flip from drizzle to heatwave, and a Shih Tzu’s long coat needs help in both.
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Wet days. Keep a microfibre towel by the door to blot the dog’s coat; moisture against skin causes hot spots.
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Hot days. Close curtains, run a fan and lay a cool mat; always offer fresh water to prevent overheating in this short nose breed.
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Furniture savvy. Pet steps protect knees when jumping on sofas, and a non-slip cover shields fabric from muddy paws—handy for homes with other pets too.
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Flat life. Indoor housetraining pads work during storms, but maintain daily walks to prevent weight gain.
With planning, your little lion adapts to the city or the shires, co-existing nicely with other dogs and even cats when socialised early.
UK Laws
Under the Microchipping Regulations, every dog in England, Scotland and Wales must be microchipped and logged on an approved database by eight weeks, or owners face a £500 fine.
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Leads & IDs. In public, dogs must wear a collar with the keeper’s name and address. Off-lead is allowed only where by-laws permit.
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Animal Welfare Act 2006. You’re legally bound to meet five welfare needs—diet, environment, behaviour, companionship and health. Ignoring grooming or leaving a Shih Tzu in hot weather can breach the Act.
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Travel rules. National Rail lets small dogs ride free if on a lead or carrier; always carry fresh water for long trips.
Knowing the law protects both pet parents and their little lion, avoiding fines and ensuring welfare standards British courts can measure.
Choosing Your Shih Tzu
Choosing a Shih Tzu Puppy Visit responsible breeders who belong to a recognised breed club and who register litters with the American Kennel Club or Kennel Club. Ask to see:
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Parents’ pedigrees and health‑test data (hips, knees, eyes).
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X‑rays or certificates that rule out hip issues.
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Proof of early socialization (sounds, people, tiny play obstacles).
A well‑raised Shih Tzu puppy should have clear eyes, a clean coat and a confident yet calm demeanour. Bringing your new pup home at eight to ten weeks gives plenty of time for bonding, proper socialization and house‑training.
FAQs
Is a Shih Tzu a good family dog?
Yes. Most Shih Tzu dogs are gentle, social and adapt well to children and other animals when socialised from an early age. Their small stature fits flats, but they still love daily walks.
What is the common problem of Shih Tzu?
The RVC lists periodontal disease as the top condition, followed by anal-sac issues and ear infections—so brush teeth, keep to a healthy weight, and clean ears weekly.
Is Shih Tzu high maintenance?
Grooming is intensive: daily brushing and regular bathing are must-dos to keep the dog’s coat mat-free. Time and grooming costs make them higher maintenance than some other breeds.
Can a Shih Tzu be left alone?
Short periods are fine if trained. The RSPCA recommends gradual alone-time training with treats and calm departures to avoid anxiety; aim for four hours maximum.
Conclusion
A Shih Tzu may be small, but caring for this officially recognised little lion is a big commitment: balanced feeding, mindful grooming, and daily mental play keep that trademark cheerful spirit shining. By following UK welfare laws, seeking trusted veterinary medicine, and using positive training methods, pet parents ensure their furry companion enjoys a long, healthy life of sofa snuggles and garden adventures.
