A shih tzu is a great family dog, even for families with children. They love people and company, so don't be surprised if the little paw follows you around and sees you as their best friend. The shih tzu's temperament is usually characterized by good humor, friendliness, and enthusiasm. In addition, the breed needs a lot of attention, while it is also quite alert and can often bark at strangers. However, it quickly becomes trusting when it is allowed to greet guests and get to know them. The breed also gets along well with other dogs.

Although Shih Tzus generally get along well with children, young children should not be left alone with either a puppy or an adult dog.

Shih tzu dogs are small, and therefore it is fine to have the dog in both smaller apartments and larger homes. However, social contact, walks and play are important. In other words, the shih tzu is not the most active breed, but likes to wander around and follow what the human family is doing. Like other dogs, they need daily walks, but they do not need to be the longest.

The breed is quite easy to train and can learn most things. However, Shih Tzus do not like too much repetitive training, so keep sessions short and interesting. It can be a bit challenging to get them to stay strong, so ensure consistent training and patience from a young age.

Weight and size

The height should not exceed 27 cm. Weight is between 4.5 and 8 kg. The ideal weight is 4.5 to 7.5 kg.

Hereditary diseases

This breed is not listed among the most unhealthy breeds, but it should be in the top 15 list of unhealthy breeds in terms of the health problems it is prone to. The Shih Tzu breed is known to be prone to a number of eye conditions that can lead to chronic irritation and pain. This is due in part to their unique anatomical characteristics. The Shih Tzu is an extremely brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a shortened upper jaw and nose. This results in them having shallow eye sockets with often prominent eyes.

It is important for Shih Tzu owners to be aware of potential eye problems and to take the necessary precautions . Regular eye exams by your veterinarian are important to detect and treat any problems early. While Shih Tzus may be more prone to eye conditions, this does not mean that all dogs of this breed will develop problems.

Additionally, the anatomy of the face and the shape of the head lead to a narrowing of the upper airway. This can make it difficult for the dog to breathe, especially in the heat. Surgery is an option for those dogs who struggle the most with this.

As a shih tzu owner, you should also pay a little extra attention to diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) , patellar luxation , dry eye syndrome , renal dysplasia , dental problems , and cataracts .

The shih tzu's coat requires some maintenance, and you should expect to spend some time brushing and combing to keep tangles at bay. The color of the coat can vary, and comes in black, gray and white, black and white, or reddish and white.

Shih Tzus can be quite picky about their food if you are not consistent in feeding them dry food. Don't give your dog leftovers even if they beg! Dry food is also important for dental health and overall nutrition. You can choose a specific type of dog food based on their size, age, and activity level.