Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu
A lapdog with a lion’s spirit, the Shih Tzu is the perfect blend of elegance and fun.
Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu
A lapdog with a lion’s spirit, the Shih Tzu is the perfect blend of elegance and fun.
Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu
A lapdog with a lion’s spirit, the Shih Tzu is the perfect blend of elegance and fun.
Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu
A lapdog with a lion’s spirit, the Shih Tzu is the perfect blend of elegance and fun.
Other Names
Chrysanthemum Dog, Lion Dog
Other Names
Chrysanthemum Dog, Lion Dog
Other Names
Chrysanthemum Dog, Lion Dog
Recognized By
AKC, FCI, UKC, CKC, KC (UK)
Recognized By
AKC, FCI, UKC, CKC, KC (UK)
Recognized By
AKC, FCI, UKC, CKC, KC (UK)
Country of Origin
China
Country of Origin
China
Country of Origin
China
Popularity in the UAE
Common and popular
Popularity in the UAE
Common and popular
Popularity in the UAE
Common and popular
Primary Use
Companion dog,lapdog
Primary Use
Companion dog,lapdog
Primary Use
Companion dog,lapdog
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu
Breed History
The Shih Tzu is a toy breed that originated in China, though it’s believed to have descended from Tibetan breeds such as the Lhasa Apso.
Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs that were bred exclusively as companion pets for Chinese royalty. They were highly cherished during the Ming and Qing dynasties (14th to 20th century). To further refine their appearance, Chinese breeders may have likely crossed them with Pekingese. This resulted in the dog’s distinct short muzzle and long coat.
The name Shih Tzu means “Lion Dog” in Mandarin, which is a reference to the culture’s traditional Chinese lion sculptures. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Shih Tzu in 1969.
The Shih Tzu is a toy breed that originated in China, though it’s believed to have descended from Tibetan breeds such as the Lhasa Apso.
Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs that were bred exclusively as companion pets for Chinese royalty. They were highly cherished during the Ming and Qing dynasties (14th to 20th century). To further refine their appearance, Chinese breeders may have likely crossed them with Pekingese. This resulted in the dog’s distinct short muzzle and long coat.
The name Shih Tzu means “Lion Dog” in Mandarin, which is a reference to the culture’s traditional Chinese lion sculptures. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Shih Tzu in 1969.
Health and Medical Concerns
Cancerology
Cardiology
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Hematology & Immune System
Infectious Diseases
Neurology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pulmonology
Reproduction
Mast Cell Tumor (MCT)
MCTs are a type of skin cancer that can affect Shih Tzus. Some MCTs grow slowly and stay in one spot, but others can be aggressive and spread to other parts of the body. Shih Tzus have been found to have a genetic risk of developing high-grade MCTs. (Kim & Matsuyama, 2022)
Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC)
TCC is the most common type of bladder cancer in dogs, including Shih Tzus. It usually develops in the bladder’s trigone region, which can lead to urination issues like straining, bloody urine, and frequent accidents. TCC is aggressive and can spread to nearby organs. (Kim et al., 2017)
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA)
HSA is a fast-growing and aggressive cancer that affects blood vessel cells that often form tumors in the heart or spleen. Shih Tzus may have lower risks, but it’s still possible. The disease usually appears in older dogs and can cause sudden weakness, collapse, pale gums, or internal bleeding. (Yamamoto et al., 2013)
Health and Medical Concerns
Cancerology
Cancerology
Cancerology
Cardiology
Cardiology
Cardiology
Dermatology
Dermatology
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Endocrinology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
Hematology & Immune System
Hematology & Immune System
Hematology & Immune System
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases
Neurology
Neurology
Neurology
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Orthopedics
Orthopedics
Pulmonology
Pulmonology
Pulmonology
Reproduction
Reproduction
Reproduction
Temperament and Common Traits
Personality
Shih Tzus are affectionate and friendly, and they love human companionship. They are intelligent, playful, and adaptable as well.
Shih Tzus are affectionate and friendly, and they love human companionship. They are intelligent, playful, and adaptable as well.
Distinct Habits
They have a high tendency to bark and alert their owners of new people or unfamiliar noises. They can be a bit stubborn, but they love to please their owners, especially for treats.
They have a high tendency to bark and alert their owners of new people or unfamiliar noises. They can be a bit stubborn, but they love to please their owners, especially for treats.
Suitability for Work
Shih Tzus make excellent therapy dogs as they can offer emotional support and companionship. They’re not the best guard dogs, but they can be alert watchdogs.
Shih Tzus make excellent therapy dogs as they can offer emotional support and companionship. They’re not the best guard dogs, but they can be alert watchdogs.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Shih Tzu is 12 to 14 years.
Some Shih Tzus may live up to 16 years with excellent pet care. The oldest Shih Tzu recorded was Smokey, who lived up to 23 years.
Some Shih Tzus may live up to 16 years with excellent pet care. The oldest Shih Tzu recorded was Smokey, who lived up to 23 years.
Training and Care
Trainability
Shih Tzus are moderately easy to train because they are intelligent and eager to please their owners. However, their stubbornness can make it challenging. Reward-based training with positive reinforcement works best with this breed.
Exercise Requirements
Grooming Needs
Living Conditions
Trainability
Shih Tzus are moderately easy to train because they are intelligent and eager to please their owners. However, their stubbornness can make it challenging. Reward-based training with positive reinforcement works best with this breed.
Exercise Requirements
Grooming Needs
Living Conditions
Trainability
Shih Tzus are moderately easy to train because they are intelligent and eager to please their owners. However, their stubbornness can make it challenging. Reward-based training with positive reinforcement works best with this breed.
Exercise Requirements
Grooming Needs
Living Conditions
Breed Info in the UAE
Adaptability
Legalities
Availability
Heat Sensitivity
Shih Tzus may have difficulty breathing in hot and humid conditions because of their short muzzles. They must be kept cool, especially during peak summer months in the UAE, to prevent heatstroke.
Precautions
It’s best to walk Shih Tzus in the early morning or late evenings when temperatures are cooler. Keep them hydrated with fresh water at all times. When at home, make sure the space is well-ventilated or use an air conditioner.
Breed Info in the UAE
Adaptability
Legalities
Availability
Heat Sensitivity
Shih Tzus may have difficulty breathing in hot and humid conditions because of their short muzzles. They must be kept cool, especially during peak summer months in the UAE, to prevent heatstroke.
Precautions
It’s best to walk Shih Tzus in the early morning or late evenings when temperatures are cooler. Keep them hydrated with fresh water at all times. When at home, make sure the space is well-ventilated or use an air conditioner.
Breed Info in the UAE
Adaptability
Legalities
Availability
Heat Sensitivity
Shih Tzus may have difficulty breathing in hot and humid conditions because of their short muzzles. They must be kept cool, especially during peak summer months in the UAE, to prevent heatstroke.
Precautions
It’s best to walk Shih Tzus in the early morning or late evenings when temperatures are cooler. Keep them hydrated with fresh water at all times. When at home, make sure the space is well-ventilated or use an air conditioner.
Diet & Nutrition
Dietary Needs
Shih Tzus need a balanced diet with high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Portion control is vital to prevent obesity.
Sensitivities
Food Types
Portion Sizes
Dietary Needs
Shih Tzus need a balanced diet with high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Portion control is vital to prevent obesity.
Sensitivities
Food Types
Portion Sizes
Dietary Needs
Shih Tzus need a balanced diet with high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Portion control is vital to prevent obesity.
Sensitivities
Food Types
Portion Sizes
Suitability as a Pet
Ideal Owners
Shih Tzus are ideal for families, singles, and seniors who can provide companionship and moderate daily care.
Shih Tzus are ideal for families, singles, and seniors who can provide companionship and moderate daily care.
Shih Tzus, who had been socialized early, go along with children and other pets. But, they require gentle handling due to their small size.
Shih Tzus, who had been socialized early, go along with children and other pets. But, they require gentle handling due to their small size.
Compatibility with Children & Pets
First-Time Owner Friendly
Shih Tzus are great for first-time pet owners because they are friendly and affectionate. The challenges of caring for them include their grooming needs and occasional stubbornness.
Shih Tzus are great for first-time pet owners because they are friendly and affectionate. The challenges of caring for them include their grooming needs and occasional stubbornness.
Physical Characteristics
Head
Shih Tzus have a broad, rounded body with a short, square muzzle. Their nose can be black or liver-colored, depending on coat color. They may also have a slight undershot jaw.
Shih Tzus have a broad, rounded body with a short, square muzzle. Their nose can be black or liver-colored, depending on coat color. They may also have a slight undershot jaw.
Eyes
Their eyes are large, round, and typically dark-colored, giving them a warm and expressive appearance.
Their eyes are large, round, and typically dark-colored, giving them a warm and expressive appearance.
Ears
Their ears are large, floppy, and covered with long hair, which hangs close to the head to blend with the coat.
Their ears are large, floppy, and covered with long hair, which hangs close to the head to blend with the coat.
Body
Shih Tzus have a sturdy, compact body with a broad chest, well-developed shoulders, and a slightly arched neck leading to a level topline.
Shih Tzus have a sturdy, compact body with a broad chest, well-developed shoulders, and a slightly arched neck leading to a level topline.
Limbs
Their legs are short but strong, which is proportionate to their body. They also have round and well-padded feet.
Their legs are short but strong, which is proportionate to their body. They also have round and well-padded feet.
Tail
Shih Tzus have a high-set tail that curls over their back in an arc, covered with a plume of long hair.
Shih Tzus have a high-set tail that curls over their back in an arc, covered with a plume of long hair.
Coat
Shih Tzus have a long, flowing double coat that is straight and dense. They can come in a variety of colors, including solid, bi-color, and tricolor patterns.
Shih Tzus have a long, flowing double coat that is straight and dense. They can come in a variety of colors, including solid, bi-color, and tricolor patterns.
Size
Males and females typically have the same height ranging from 23-27 cm (9-10.5 inches) at the shoulder.
Males and females typically have the same height ranging from 23-27 cm (9-10.5 inches) at the shoulder.
Weight
Shih Tzu males and females have similar weight ranges of 4-7 kg (9-16 lbs).
Shih Tzu males and females have similar weight ranges of 4-7 kg (9-16 lbs).
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DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics
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Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Services
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics
Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Services
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics