• • Personality: Outgoing, affectionate, playful, and charming
  • Energy Level: Somewhat Active; Daily walks and indoor playtime will satisfy this small, short-legged companion
  • Good with Children: Good
  • Good with other Dogs(other than your dogs): Great With Supervision
  • Shedding: Infrequent
  • Grooming: Monthly
  • Trainability: Responds Well
  • Height: 9-10.5 inches
  • Weight: 9-16 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
  • Barking Level: Barks When Necessary

Health: Shih Tzu are generally a long-lived and healthy breed. Like all breeds there may be some health issues, like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and eye disease. Some dogs may be faced with these health challenges in their lives, but the majority of Shih Tzu are healthy dogs. Because of their heavy coats and short faces, Shih Tzu do not tolerate heat well and are not good swimmers.

When you travel with your pet, be sure to take along plenty of fresh water and frozen ice packs. You must be careful to avoid eye injuries in a breed with large eyes and no muzzle to protect them, and seek prompt veterinary attention if you suspect an eye problem. One rare but serious health problem in this breed is juvenile renal dysplasia, in which the kidneys fail to develop normally.