| Height | 9-10.5 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9-16 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–18+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Playful / Affectionate / Outgoing [1] |
| AKC group | Toy Group [1] |
| Origin | China [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 21 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Shih Tzu was bred to be a house companion. As such, they require minimal exercise. Short daily walks with their owner and indoor playtime will satisfy the activity needs of this small, short-legged companion. [1]
Grooming
A Shih Tzu with a long coat requires daily brushing. Use a good-quality wire brush with flexible pins, and layer the hair to be sure you reach to the skin. A bath about every three or four weeks will help to keep the coat clean and at its best. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Because of their heavy coats and short faces, Shih Tzu do not tolerate heat well and are not good swimmers. Most Shih Tzu are generally healthy, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (a slipped kneecap), eye anomalies including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and corneal dryness and inflammation from excessive exposure to the air because of improperly closing eyelids. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: No recommended health tests. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40–$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Shih Tzu in 1969. [1]
- It ranked No. 21 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 19 in 2015. [2]
- The AKC lists China as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Smallest Dog Breeds, Best Dogs for Apartment Dwellers” breed lists. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 1 recommended health screening for breeding dogs, such as No recommended health tests. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 1/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 4/5
Common questions
How long do Shih Tzus live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-18 years.
How big does a Shih Tzu get?
AKC breed information lists height 9-10.5 inches and weight 9-16 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Shih Tzu?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Shih Tzu, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.