Shih tzu are renowned for their perky, happy temperaments. They are lively and friendly. Shih tzu tend to get along well with people of all ages and other dogs and pets of different species. Rarely will you find a snippy shih tzu, but most are very sweet.
The Shih Tzu suffers from most of the health problems common to tiny dogs and has a few particular health problems, but overall, it is a fairly healthy breed. Shih Tzus have a small mouth, which means their teeth are frequently misaligned or missing.
Playful, lively, alert, gentle, clever, affectionate, independent, happy, outgoing, intelligent, outrageous, spunky, friendly, loyal, active and calm
The ideal daily exercise for Shih Tzu is 2 walks per day, each lasting 20 to 30+ minutes, done at a brisk pace for your particular dog. Additional supervised and controlled cardio sessions can be added in, anywhere from 1 to 3 times per day.
The Shih Tzu is a toy dog breed originating from Tibet and having been bred from the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso.
Average Dog Size
7-11
Average Life Expectancy
10-16