Breed Overview
Affectionate, playful, lively, friendly, social, gentle, and devoted
White, black, gold, liver, silver, blue, brindle, and mixed
4-7 kg (9-16 lbs)
Short to long, depending on grooming style
Solid, parti-color, brindle, bicolor, and tricolor
Light brown, amber, warm brown, and blue (rare)
10-18 years
No
Where Did Shih Tzus Come From?
The Shih Tzu is an ancient toy breed with roots connected to Tibetan and Chinese companion dogs. They were developed over 1,000 years ago as a cross between the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese, and were gifted by Tibetan monks as sacred companions to Chinese emperors and royalty.
These dogs were cherished for their affectionate nature, small size, and beautiful appearance. The Shih Tzu’s main role was companionship, and that people-loving nature remains one of the breed’s strongest traits today.
Following the Communist Revolution in 1949, the breed almost went extinct in China because of its association with wealth and royalty. Their survival hinged on just 7 males and 7 females that were smuggled to England, preserving the breed.
Today, Shih Tzus are prized as elegant family dogs that can fit any lifestyle and home.
Bringing a Shih Tzu to Dubai? Just remember that pet ownership requires you to microchip, vaccinate, and register your dog with the Dubai Municipality. Depending on your dog’s country of origin, import permits and a vet health certificate are required.
What Do Shih Tzus Look Like?
Shih Tzus are small but sturdy dogs with a compact body. They have a rounded head and a warm, expressive face. Their short, square muzzles and broad skulls contribute greatly to their friendly and trusting appearance.
Their noses are black, but some Shih Tzus with liver coats may have liver pigmentation. A Shih Tzu’s eyes are large and round, usually light to dark brown. These are set wide apart, giving them a sweet expression.
They have large, floppy ears covered in long hair. These hang close to the head and blend well into the coat. Shih Tzus have a broad chest, well-developed shoulders, short, strong legs, and round, padded feet. The tail is set high and carried in a curve over the back, usually covered in a plume of long hair.
Shih Tzus have a double coat that can be kept long and flowing or clipped short. It comes in many colors and patterns, notably white, black, gold, liver, silver, blue, brindle, parti-color, bicolor, and tricolor combinations.
Both male and female Shih Tzus are usually around 23-27 cm (9-10.5 inches) tall and weigh around 4-7 kg (9-16 lbs).
Can Shih Tzus Handle Dubai’s Heat?
These dogs cannot tolerate Dubai’s heat well, which is why it’s crucial to keep them indoors. Shih Tzus are brachycephalic, meaning they have short muzzles and facial structures that make it hard for them to cool down. Additionally, their thick coats can trap heat, especially when they are exposed for long periods.
Since Dubai’s temperatures can reach 40°C, even short outdoor activities can become dangerous. Watch out for signs of heavy panting, noisy breathing, or even collapse. Any sign of overheating or heat stroke should be a concern.
For their exercise, it’s best to utilize indoor dog parks and temperature-controlled daycares. These facilities maintain consistent indoor temperatures, allowing dogs, including Shih Tzus, to exercise. They also feature separate rooms and sections, so small dogs can properly play.
If you want some outdoor exercise for your pup, it’s best to avoid the peak hours of heat, which are around 11 am to 4 pm. Early morning walks before 8 am and evening walks after 6 pm are safer. Keep the sessions short, about 15-30 minutes each. Check that the pavements are cool before allowing your dog to walk on them.
At home, Shih Tzus need air conditioning and good ventilation. Keep the AC unit at a consistent 22°C. You can also provide cooling mats and place several bowls of fresh water around the house. Make sure to clean and replace these water bowls daily.
If your home has enough space, we recommend playing with your dog here through puzzle toys and gentle fetch.
Just welcomed a Shih Tzu
What Is a Shih Tzu’s Personality Like?
Shih Tzus are affectionate, cheerful, and social. They were originally bred to be companions, that’s why they’re so good at it. Many Shih Tzus are classic lapdogs, happy to cuddle, nap beside their people, or follow them from room to room.
They are also playful, but not as high-energy as the other breeds. Shih Tzus can enjoy short walks and gentle indoor play. For the rest of the day, they love settling down and relaxing with their owners.
Because of this, they don’t enjoy being left alone for long hours. They can develop separation-related stress and boredom.
Shih Tzus can be vocal and expressive, but not too much. They do grunt, groan, and whine to get attention, food, or playtime. These dogs are highly intelligent and are capable of learning. They respond best to consistent and gentle training with positive reinforcement.
What Health Problems Are Shih Tzus Prone To?
Shih Tzus are susceptible to brachycephalic airway problems, heat intolerance, corneal ulcers, dry eye, luxating patellas, intervertebral disc disease, and liver shunts. These are largely due to their facial structures and genetic traits. Dental disease is also a concern, much like with other dogs.
To stay ahead of your Shih Tzu’s potential health problems, we recommend scheduling annual wellness exams. Through these, we can detect issues before they worsen and cause significant problems.
How Do You Groom a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus are high-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Their coat can be kept long and flowing or clipped short into a practical pet trim. Long coats will need daily brushing, while shorter ones will need brushing 2-3 times a week.
Use a long-pin slicker brush first to separate the fur, break apart tangles, and remove loose hair. Next, run a wide-toothed comb through the hair to check for any hidden knots. Focus on the areas behind the ears, under the legs, and around the chest. Never pull hard.
Bathing can be done every 3-4 weeks, using a pet-safe shampoo. Be sure to dry them properly after, especially the ear areas. Their nails need to be trimmed every 3-4 weeks, or if they get too long. Use pet-safe nail clippers for this and avoid the quick.
Check your Shih Tzu’s ears every week and clean them once every 2 weeks. They need special attention with this because their floppy and hairy ears can trap in moisture and debris. You can use a vet-approved ear cleaning solution for this.
Clean the facial folds and the area around the eyes regularly to prevent tear staining. You can use a soft, damp cloth or pet-safe wipes for the process. Check and clean their eyes every day. This will prevent tear stains and painful crust buildup.
Dental hygiene is essential. Aim for daily toothbrushing if possible, but 2-3 times a week is also sufficient. Schedule dental cleanings at least once a year as well.
What Should Shih Tzus Eat?
These dogs require a high-quality diet that’s suited for small breeds. Because of their flat faces and sedentary nature, they require small and easily chewed kibble in controlled portions to avoid obesity.
Premium ingredients like chicken, turkey, and beef should be the first ingredients. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements are essential for coat and skin health.
Puppies should be given 1-1.5 cups daily, split into 3-4 meals. Adult Shih Tzus generally require 0.5-1 cup of dry food, split into two meals. Specific portions will be recommended by our vets once we check your dog’s weight, age, activity level, and health condition.
Treats should be limited, especially because Shih Tzus can gain weight easily. You may serve dog-safe vegetables such as steamed squash and carrots. Just make sure these don’t exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake.
Avoid giving table scraps at all. Human food typically contains onions and garlic, which are very toxic for dogs. Chocolate, products with xylitol, and even grapes are very dangerous for them. Avoid these foods completely.
FAQs About Shih Tzu
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