Companion breed Small size 4-7 kg

Shih Tzu

A calm lap companion bred for exactly that job - low exercise and easygoing in a flat, but the coat and the flat face are lifelong commitments, not details.

Compare
Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
4-7 kg · 20-28 cm
Low
Exercise needs
Minimal - gentle daily walks
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Half a workday, with preparation
Moderate
Training
Willing but stubborn; housetraining is slow
Very high
Coat care
Daily coat work or professional grooming
Good
Fit with kids
Good family fit with basic rules
Good
Other pets
Good with early socialization
Moderate
Health burden
Airway, eyes, kneecaps

The Shih Tzu typically weighs 4-7 kg, stands 20-28 cm, and lives 10-16 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a small, affectionate companion that is happy in a flat,
your idea of exercise is short strolls and lap time, not runs,
you can commit to daily brushing or regular professional grooming,
someone is home for a good part of the day.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a low-maintenance coat and won't keep up with grooming,
you want a jogging, hiking, or sport partner,
your summers are hot and you have no air conditioning,
you need a quick, reliably housetrained dog with little patience for setbacks.

A typical day with a Shih Tzu

  1. 7:30 · Morning
    Short gentle walk before the day heats up
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Naps nearby; a quick eye and face wipe
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Play session or a food puzzle indoors
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Brushing session; second short walk
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Lap time with the family - its favorite job
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles easily; may snore softly

Temperament and training

Trainability Moderate
Drive to work Low
Sensitivity Moderate
Independence Moderate
Playfulness Moderate
Guarding tendency Low
Common owner mistakes
Letting the coat mat instead of daily brushing or a short clip · Skipping daily eye and face-fold cleaning until problems set in · Overfeeding a small, low-energy dog into obesity

Family and environment

Kids Good
Gentle and patient; teach kids to handle a small dog carefully.
Dogs Good
Sociable and rarely picks fights.
Cats Good
Low prey drive; usually coexists easily.
Apartment Ideal
Small, quiet, and low exercise needs.
House with a yard Suitable
Enjoys a yard but does not need one; watch it in heat.
City Ideal
Elevators, cafés, and short walks all suit it.
Countryside Manages
Happy anywhere its people are; no working role.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Brachycephalic airway issues Milder than bulldogs, still real
Eye disease (keratitis, ulcers) Prominent eyes need daily care
Patellar luxation Common in small breeds

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Similar coat and companion role
Lhasa Apso
A confident, dignified little watchdog that suits apartments and quieter homes - the trade-off is an aloof, independent streak and a long coat that needs frequent grooming.
View profile →
Smaller lap companion
Maltese
A gentle toy lap dog that thrives on company but needs daily coat care and dislikes being left alone.
View profile →
Gentle companion, easier coat
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
One of the sweetest, easiest companion temperaments in dogs, attached to a genuinely heavy cardiac and neurological burden you must budget and prepare for.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Shih Tzu cost?
Expect roughly $800-$2,000 from a reputable US breeder, more for show lines. The purchase is only the start: professional grooming every few weeks, plus routine eye and dental care, adds up over a 10-16 year life. Budget for lifetime costs, not just the puppy price.
Are Shih Tzus good with kids?
Generally yes - they are gentle, sturdy for their size, and patient companions. Because they are small, teach children to handle them calmly and respect their rest, and supervise toddlers so the dog is not accidentally hurt. They suit families looking for a lap dog rather than a rough-and-tumble playmate.
How much grooming does a Shih Tzu need?
A lot. The long double coat mats quickly without daily brushing, and most owners book professional grooming every 4-6 weeks or keep the dog in a shorter puppy clip. Add daily cleaning of the eyes and face folds. If low-maintenance is a priority, this is not the breed.
Can a Shih Tzu be left alone during a workday?
An adult can usually manage around half a workday if it has been built up to it gradually. They are companion dogs and dislike long, regular full days alone, which can lead to barking or house-soiling. If your household is out 8+ hours every day, plan for a dog walker or reconsider the breed.