Essential Things to Understand About Shih Tzus
Thinking about getting a Shih Tzu? You've probably fallen for those big eyes and that flowing "lion dog" coat — and honestly, who could blame you?
But here's the thing: these charmers aren't a set-and-forget kind of pup.
Behind the adorable face is a dog with real needs, a stubborn streak, and a coat that demands attention. Get it right, and you'll have a devoted little shadow for 15+ years. Get it wrong, and you'll be overwhelmed fast.
So before you bring one home, let's walk through what actually matters — the good, the demanding, and the stuff nobody warns you about.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Affection | |
| Apartment fit | |
| Trainability | |
| Grooming needs | |
| Alone-time tolerance |
Let's start with the trait that shapes everything else.
1. Shih Tzus Are Built to Be With You — A Lot
Here's the most important thing to understand: this breed wasn't made to hunt, herd, or guard. They were bred for one job — companionship.
That's why a Shih Tzu will happily glue itself to your side all day long. They adore their people, and being alone genuinely stresses them out.
But there's a catch:
Separation anxiety is very real with this breed. Left alone too long, they can become anxious, destructive, or even depressed.
So what does this mean for you?
If you work from home or have someone around during the day, they'll thrive. If not, a dog walker, sitter, or doggy daycare isn't a luxury — it's part of the plan.
“A lonely Shih Tzu isn't a happy Shih Tzu — this is a dog that needs company, not just a bowl of food.”
Friendly by nature — but only if you do this early.
2. Social Butterflies — With a Little Help From You
Shih Tzus are naturally friendly, both with people and other pets. It's one of their best traits.
But don't take it for granted.
Early socialization is what turns a friendly puppy into a confident adult. Positive experiences in those first few months shape who your dog becomes.
Skip this step, and even a social breed can grow timid, clingy, or reactive.
- Introduce new people calmly and often in the first months
- Let them meet friendly, vaccinated dogs
- Expose them to everyday sounds — vacuums, doorbells, traffic
- Reward calm curiosity with treats and praise
- Force interactions or flood them with scary situations
Now for the part that tests your patience.
3. Training Takes Patience (Especially Potty Training)
Shih Tzus are smart. Let's be clear about that.
But they were bred to lounge in palaces, not follow commands. So while they absolutely can learn, they often have their own agenda.
Potty training in particular tends to be slow going.
Their small size means accidents happen fast, and they don't always give obvious "gotta go" signals. This trips up a lot of first-time owners.
Potty training that actually works
- Stick to a scheduleTake them out first thing, after meals, after naps, and before bed — every single day.
- Use a crate wiselyA properly sized crate becomes their den, and most dogs won’t soil where they sleep.
- Reward the win immediatelyPraise and treat the second they go outside — timing is everything.
- Never punish accidentsIt teaches them to hide, not to hold it. Clean quietly and move on.
Good news if you don't have a backyard.
4. Perfect for Apartments and Chill Households
No backyard? Not a hiker? You're in luck.
A couple of short daily walks plus some indoor play is usually plenty for a Shih Tzu. They're not lazy — just not high-energy.
That said, don't be surprised by the occasional living-room zoomies. It's part of the charm.
Short walks, twice a day
Enough to stretch their legs and sniff the world — no marathons required.
Indoor games
Fetch down a hallway, gentle tug, or a puzzle feeder keeps their mind busy.
Small footprint
At 9–16 pounds, they fit comfortably into apartment life.
Keep them cool
That flat face means heat is a bigger risk than exercise — more on that below.
Now for the biggest commitment of all.
5. That Coat Is as High-Maintenance as It Looks
There's no sugarcoating this one.
A Shih Tzu's long, flowing coat tangles easily and needs daily brushing if you keep it long. Skip a few days and you'll be fighting mats.
On top of brushing, you're signing up for regular baths, nail trims, and face cleaning — those big eyes are prone to gunk and irritation.
Pros
Keep it long
- Classic, show-dog look
- That signature flowing coat
- Looks stunning when maintained
Cons
Go for a puppy cut
- Far less brushing
- Fewer mats and tangles
- Cooler and comfier for the dog
- Easier for busy owners
Here's the reality most new owners underestimate:
You'll either learn to groom at home or make regular trips to a professional groomer. There's no third option that keeps them comfortable.
And yes — they do shed. Not a ton, but enough to notice, especially during seasonal coat changes.
Will they bark the neighbors awake?
6. They Like to Talk
Shih Tzus can be surprisingly vocal.
They're not aggressive — they just have opinions about doorbells, neighbors, and plastic bags drifting across the yard.
The good news? With training and socialization, you can absolutely manage it. But expect some barking to come with the package.
Their barking is almost always alertness or excitement, not aggression. It’s the palace-lapdog in them announcing every arrival.
You can reduce it a lot. Teaching a calm “quiet” cue and not rewarding barking with attention makes a real difference.
Finally, the health picture every owner should know.
7. Health-Wise, They're Sturdy — But Have a Few Quirks
Here's some reassuring news: Shih Tzus often live 15 years or more when well cared for.
But like every breed, they come with a few things to watch.
That adorable flat face is the biggest one. It can lead to breathing difficulty, especially in hot weather — a trait called brachycephalic syndrome.
A few other conditions the breed is prone to:
- Patellar luxation — wobbly kneecaps that can slip out of place.
- Hip dysplasia — a joint issue seen in many breeds.
- Eye problems — including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
You might be wondering how to avoid the worst of these:
A responsible breeder or rescue will be upfront about health risks and offer screening records. That honesty is one of the biggest green flags you can look for.
The questions new owners ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, with one caveat. They’re affectionate and adaptable, which suits beginners — but the grooming commitment and slow potty training mean you need patience and time. If you’re home often and ready to brush daily, they’re a wonderful first dog.
Not long. This is a companion breed prone to separation anxiety. A few hours is manageable for an adult, but full workdays alone regularly can lead to stress and destructive behavior. Plan for a sitter, walker, or daycare if you’re out a lot.
They can be vocal, especially at doorbells, visitors, and anything unfamiliar. It’s alertness, not aggression. Training a “quiet” cue and not rewarding the barking keeps it manageable.
Generally yes — they’re friendly and sociable. Because they’re small, supervise play with young kids so the dog isn’t handled too roughly. Teaching children to be gentle protects both sides.
Usually, especially when socialized early. Their friendly nature extends to other pets, but calm, positive introductions in the first months set the tone for a peaceful household.
For most owners it’s a tie between the daily grooming and the slow potty training. Neither is difficult on its own — but both demand consistency you can’t skip.
They’re a lower-energy breed to begin with, but you’ll usually see them settle into a calmer adult rhythm around 1 to 2 years old, once adolescent boundary-testing passes.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.