If you’ve ever wanted to live with a tiny, fluffy aristocrat who believes your home exists solely for their comfort, congratulations — the Shih Tzu may be your soulmate.
These little lions have spent centuries being pampered by royalty, and honestly? It shows. Shih Tzus walk through life with the confidence of a celebrity exiting a private jet while simultaneously looking like they lost a fight with a hair dryer.
At Dog Day Getaway, we see a lot of breeds come through our doors but Shih Tzus are in a category all their own. They’re affectionate, hilarious, stubborn, dramatic, charming, and somehow always slightly sticky around the eyes no matter how hard anyone tries.
Let’s dive into the wonderfully weird world of the Shih Tzu.
A Brief History of Tiny Royalty
According to The American Kennel Club, the Shih Tzu originated in Tibet and China, where they were bred specifically to be companion dogs for Chinese royalty. Their name literally means “lion dog,” though if we’re being honest, they look more like an animated dust mop with emotional support needs.
For centuries, these dogs lounged in palaces, sat on silk pillows, and were treated like furry little emperors. Unlike breeds developed for hunting, guarding, or working, the Shih Tzu’s entire historical job description was basically:
“Be adorable and emotionally manipulate humans.”
Mission accomplished.
The breed eventually made its way to Europe in the early 1900s and became increasingly popular in the United States thanks to their affectionate personalities and apartment-friendly size. Today, they remain one of the most beloved companion breeds in the country.
What Shih Tzus Are REALLY Like
People often assume Shih Tzus are delicate little purse dogs that spend all day sitting quietly on velvet blankets.
Those people have clearly never met one.
Shih Tzus are:
- Confident
- Social
- Funny
- Attention-seeking
- Surprisingly stubborn
- Occasionally chaotic
- Deeply committed to following you into the bathroom
They’re typically very affectionate with their families and love being near their humans. Most Shih Tzus would happily crawl directly into your skin if physically possible.
They also tend to be fairly adaptable. Whether you live in a townhouse, an apartment, or a home with a fenced yard in, a Shih Tzu usually just wants to be wherever the people are.
Common Misconceptions About Shih Tzus
“They’re lazy.”
Incorrect.
They can be calm indoors, but many Shih Tzus are playful little gremlins with zoomies powerful enough to defy physics.
“They don’t need training.”
Oh, they absolutely do.
Because they’re small, many owners accidentally let behaviors slide that would never be tolerated in larger dogs. Barking, resource guarding, stubbornness, leash pulling, and demanding behavior can all become issues when training gets skipped because “he’s tiny.”
Tiny dogs still have full-sized opinions.
“They’re hypoallergenic.”
Not exactly.
Shih Tzus shed less than many breeds because they have hair instead of traditional fur, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic. They can still trigger allergies.
“They’re fragile.”
They’re sturdier than many people think, but they’re still small dogs. Rough handling, large uncontrolled dogs, or chaotic young children can accidentally injure them.
The Best Things About Owning a Shih Tzu
They’re excellent companion dogs
Shih Tzus were literally bred for companionship. They thrive on human interaction and usually bond deeply with their families.
They’re great for smaller homes
Unlike high-energy working breeds, Shih Tzus generally don’t require massive yards or marathon exercise sessions.
They’re hilariously expressive
Every Shih Tzu owner eventually realizes they are living with a furry theater kid. The sighs. The side-eye. The dramatic flops onto the floor after minor inconveniences. Oscar-worthy performances daily.
They’re often social
Many Shih Tzus enjoy meeting people and making friends, especially when socialized early.
For dogs that enjoy canine interaction, structured daycare can be a fantastic outlet for socialization and enrichment. Dog daycare can help small social dogs safely burn energy, build confidence, and make friends.
The Downsides Nobody Warns You About
Grooming. So much grooming.
If you get a Shih Tzu, congratulations on your new recurring expense.
Their coats require:
- Frequent brushing
- Regular professional grooming
- Eye cleaning
- Face trimming
- Maintenance between appointments
If neglected, their coat mats quickly and can become painful.
Many owners choose shorter “puppy cuts” to make maintenance easier year-round — especially during muddy Minnesota springs and snowy winters.
They can be stubborn
Shih Tzus are smart, but they also occasionally decide your requests are beneath them spiritually.
Consistency matters.
House training can be challenging
Some Shih Tzus take longer to potty train than other breeds. Patience and routine are key.
Heat sensitivity
Because they’re a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, Shih Tzus can struggle in heat and humidity. Summer safety is important.
Health Concerns to Know About
Like many purebred dogs, Shih Tzus are prone to certain health issues.
Common concerns include:
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
- Luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps)
- Ear infections
- Skin issues
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Obesity
Dental care is especially important because small breeds are highly prone to dental disease. Regular brushing and veterinary cleanings matter more than most owners realize.
If you want to learn more about dog dental health, check out our blog: Dog Dental Care Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Routine veterinary care and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly improve quality of life and longevity.
What Kind of Homes Are Best for a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus often thrive in:
- Apartments
- Retiree households
- Families with respectful children
- Moderate activity homes
- Work-from-home households
- Homes wanting a companion-focused dog
They usually do well with people who want a close emotional bond with their dog and don’t mind having a permanent furry shadow.
Homes That Might NOT Be Ideal
Shih Tzus may struggle in:
- Extremely high-energy households
- Homes where they’re alone constantly
- Families unwilling to maintain grooming
- Homes with rough handling from young children
- Owners wanting an intense hiking or running companion
They’re companions first and foremost. If you want a rugged outdoor adventure dog that can backpack 14 miles through the wilderness carrying survival gear, this probably isn’t your guy.
Unless the survival mission specifically involves cuddling.
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Shih Tzu?
People often underestimate the true cost of small dogs because they assume “smaller dog = cheaper dog.” The Shih Tzu laughs at your optimism.
Potential costs include:
- Purchase/adoption fees
- Professional grooming every 4–8 weeks
- Veterinary care
- Dental cleanings
- Quality food
- Training
- Boarding or daycare
- Eye and skin maintenance
Professional grooming alone can become a significant annual expense.
If your Shih Tzu needs boarding while you travel, choosing a facility experienced with small companion breeds matters. At Dog Day Getaway, we understand the unique needs of small breeds, including comfort, supervision, and stress reduction.
Are Shih Tzus Good With Other Dogs?
Often yes — especially when properly socialized.
Many Shih Tzus enjoy social interaction and do well in carefully managed daycare environments with compatible playgroups. Their size and personality often make them great candidates for small dog social groups.
That said, some can become bossy, vocal, or overly attached to their owners if under-socialized.
Basically, they’re tiny former royalty who occasionally forget the peasants also exist.
Final Thoughts: Is a Shih Tzu Right for You?
If you want:
- A loyal companion
- A dog that loves people
- A smaller breed with personality
- Moderate exercise needs
- Endless entertainment
…a Shih Tzu might be a fantastic fit.
If you dislike grooming, value personal space, or prefer emotionally independent pets, you may want to reconsider.
Because once a Shih Tzu loves you, you no longer have privacy. You are now part of the royal staff.
And honestly? Most owners seem pretty happy about it.
Looking for Dog Daycare or Boarding in the South Metro?
At Dog Day Getaway, we provide daycare, boarding, love and enrichment for dogs throughout the Twin Cities.
Whether your Shih Tzu is social butterfly royalty or a tiny introvert who prefers observing the chaos from the comfort of a dog bed, we can help!