Shih Tzu Dog Insurance | Dog Breed Guide

Shih Tzu dog breed

Shih Tzus are small and affectionate dogs that make great companions. Learn all about owning Shih Tzus, from training to life expectancy.

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Shih Tzu dog breed information and advice

With their affectionate personality and big puppy dog eyes, Shih Tzu dogs have been charming their owners for more than 1000 years.

If you want to get a Shih Tzu of your own, this handy guide has all the Shih Tzu facts, information and advice you need. From common health problems and life expectancy to training and temperament, you’ll know how to take care of a Shih Tzu puppy or dog in no time.

Shih Tzu types and breeds

The purebred Shih Tzu originally came from the autonomous Chinese region of Tibet. And their history goes back more than 1,000 years, when it’s believed the dogs were gifted by Tibet to the Chinese royalty.

This royal little companion was originally known as the 'Lhasa Lion' dog. And when Shih Tzus first arrived here in the UK, they were classed as Lhasa Apsos before becoming their own separate breed.

Smaller varieties of Shih Tzu are sometimes known as teacup or imperial Shih Tzus – but these are not standalone breeds. Over the years though, the Shih Tzu has been successfully mixed with various other dog breeds to create popular crossbreeds.

These include the Shinese (a cross with a Pekingese), the Shorkie (a cross with a Yorkshire Terrier) and a Shih-poo (a cross with a poodle ).

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Shih Tzu facts
Lifespan	10 – 16 years
How much	£500 – £2,000
Size	27 cm
Weight	4.5 – 8 kg
Colours	Black, blue, brindle, gold, liver, red, silver
Grooming	Regular grooming is essential
Temperament	Affectionate and cuddly
Exercise	30 minutes to one hour per day

Insurance for your Shih Tzu

When you take out pet insurance for your Shih Tzu, you can be confident that your pet will be well cared for if they’re ever injured or ill. Pet insurance protects you financially, so you won’t be unexpectedly out of pocket if you need to pay a vet bill.

How to care for a Shih Tzu

Feeding, grooming, socialising and exercising are all important things to consider when caring for any dog. Giving your Shih Tzu lots of love and attention will ensure they live a long, happy and healthy life.

Feeding and nutrition

You'll need to feed your Shih Tzu puppy three or four times a day for the first six months. As your puppy grows, you can reduce the number of times you feed it.

As an adult, you’ll only need to feed a Shih Tzu twice a day. It's usually best to continue feeding your puppy the same food as the breeder until they're settled. Then you can look to change it but, remember to do this gradually to avoid a poorly tummy.

It can be confusing to know which dog food is best for your Shih Tzu. Smaller dogs may require different food from larger ones, so do some research before deciding on the best option. Speak to your vet if you are unsure. They’ll be able to recommend the best diet.

Grooming

Shih Tzus have a double coat with a short, dense undercoat and longer topcoat. This requires regular grooming. If you have a puppy, start grooming them at an early age so they get used to it quickly.

If your Shih Tzu has a particularly long coat, you’ll need to groom it every day to prevent the hair from matting. A matted coat can be very unpleasant for your dog. If you’re not sure how to groom your Shih Tzu, it can be easier to visit a dog groomer. They can give them a haircut, trim their face and tackle their claws at the same time. This makes grooming much easier for you and less stressful for your dog.

Bathing your Shih Tzu is also an important part of keeping your pet’s coat clean and their skin healthy. Generally, a quick bath every few weeks should do the trick.

Exercise

Shih Tzus are a lively breed and will need plenty of exercise each day to keep them active and healthy. They’re only small, but a Shih Tzu will still need exercising for 30 minutes, twice a day.

Shih Tzus are also known for being very agile, so you could set up some simple obstacles in your garden. This will ensure your dog gets the exercise they need while having fun in the process.

Training

Shih Tzus can be a bit of a handful to train and are known for their stubbornness. However, they’re intelligent and enjoy learning, so stick at it.

House training a Shih Tzu puppy can also take a little longer than other breeds. Puppies need to go to the toilet every couple of hours. Take your puppy outside when they wake up and after eating or drinking – this will help them learn where to go to the toilet.

Puppy pads are a great way of encouraging your puppy to go to the toilet in a specific place. Once they learn to use the pad in the house, you can then gradually move it outside and, eventually, remove the pad completely.

Temperament and behaviour

Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs with lively, sassy personalities. They’re affectionate, loyal and make great companions. These characteristics mean they’re a great breed to have around the family.

As with some small breed dogs, they can be a bit ‘yappy’ without proper training. If you want to learn how to get a Shih Tzu to stop barking, getting advice from a specialist dog trainer might help. A top tip is to distract your dog with its favourite toy when it becomes vocal and reward them when they’re quiet.

So, is a Shih Tzu right for you?

Shih Tzus are a small breed of dog and love nothing more than sitting on your lap for a cuddle. They’re intelligent and love company which makes them a great family pet. However, they can take longer to train than other dog breeds and can be quite yappy.

Do Shih Tzus shed their hair?

All dog breeds shed their hair to a certain degree, and Shih Tzus are no exception. But, they do have a ‘double’ coat which means most of their shed hairs get caught in the coat and not much falls out on the floor. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean they’re hypoallergenic, so if you suffer from a dog allergy, bear this in mind if you’re thinking of getting one.

How much do Shih Tzu cost?

A Shih Tzu puppy can cost between £500 and £2,000. If you’re buying a puppy, it’s advisable to buy one from a registered breeder. Reputable Shih Tzu breeders will have ensured the puppy’s parents have had all the relevant health checks.

How big do Shih Tzus get?

They’re usually fully grown when they reach about 10-12 months old. When they’re fully grown, they’re around 27cm tall. Imperial Shih Tzus, also known as Toy or Mini Shih Tzus, are usually under 4.5kg and their size can vary.

What is the life expectancy of a Shih Tzu?

Like most small dog breeds, Shih Tzus have a long life expectancy compared to larger breeds. Healthy Shih Tzus can be expected to live between 12 and 16 years, although the oldest recorded Shih Tzu lived to be 23 years old.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Shih Tzu a good family dog?

With affectionate personalities and loyal temperaments, Shih Tzus can make good family pets. They are also known for being friendly with children, and their small size means they’re easy to have around the home. But don’t let their small size deceive you, Shih Tzus do still need plenty of training and exercise.

Is a Shih Tzu a low maintenance dog?

Although they are small, Shih Tzus have large personalities. They can be more difficult to train than other breeds, and their long coats also require regular brushing and grooming which can make them higher maintenance than some short coated breeds.

Are Shih Tzus easy to train?

Shih Tzus are intelligent and love learning new things, but they can also be stubborn and wilful. The key is consistency and patience. Learn what motivates them – whether it’s their favourite treat or toy – and use this to encourage good behaviour.