You’ve seen them strutting through the neighborhood with that signature topknot, looking every bit like the royalty they once were. Perhaps you’ve watched one prance into your local coffee shop, owners wrapped around tiny paws, and thought about bringing one home yourself.
Life with a Shih Tzu promises cuddles, companionship, and a dog small enough to fit in any living space. It sounds ideal.
Yet beneath that luxurious coat lies a personality that can test even the most patient dog lover. These little dogs pack more opinions than some people, demand attention like it’s their birthright, and often act as though your commands are merely suggestions. So what’s the reality behind those big, trusting eyes?
That Personality: Charming Royalty or Stubborn Diva?
Shih Tzus are renowned for their perky, happy temperaments and lively, friendly nature. Walk into a room with one, and you’ll likely be greeted with unbridled enthusiasm. They have a big desire to be with people, whether sitting on your lap or taking a hike through the park.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Shih Tzus are affectionate, playful and extroverted, although they can be a little stubborn at times. That stubbornness isn’t defiance in the traditional sense. Think of it more as selective hearing paired with an independent streak inherited from their Tibetan heritage.
One downside to a Shih Tzu is that they can be stubborn dogs, and when it comes to training and housebreaking these characteristics can make the process a bit more difficult. They were bred to be pampered companions for royalty, not working dogs who jump at every command. The Shih Tzu tends to require a large amount of personal attention each day and can easily become spoiled.
The Grooming Reality: Beautiful but High Maintenance
Let’s be real about what owning a Shih Tzu actually involves. That flowing coat you admire? It requires serious commitment. Their long, double coat mats easily without daily brushing, and their facial hair requires trimming to avoid eye infections.
Brushing is dependent on coat length; Long coats every day, moderate coats every 2 days, short coats every 3 days. Many owners opt for the puppy cut, trimming the coat to roughly one to two inches all over. Trimming your Shih Tzu every 6 to 8 weeks for shorter cuts and every 4 weeks for longer ones becomes a regular appointment you can’t skip.
Wiping the face and eyes needs to happen daily. They have light-colored fur, so their tears will stain, and Shih Tzu face grooming should include a daily wipe down. It’s not glamorous, yet it prevents infections and keeps those adorable faces looking fresh rather than crusty.
Professional grooming costs add up quickly. Between haircuts, nail trims, and dental care, you’re looking at substantial monthly expenses. If you choose to groom at home, prepare for a learning curve and an investment in quality tools.
Training Challenges: Patience Required
Shih Tzus have a reputation for being stubborn and therefore difficult to train, but most do fine with consistent, reward-based training, though starting early often makes the process much easier. The key word here is consistent.
They like doing things on their own terms, yelling or punishment makes them shut down, and they learn quickly but only when motivated. Harsh corrections backfire spectacularly with this breed. Shih Tzus love and yearn for praises, treats, and endless affection, and when you get harsh during training periods, it only results in making them anxious and defiant.
Housebreaking often becomes the biggest challenge. Some Shih Tzus take months to fully understand where they should eliminate. Short, engaging training sessions make a significant difference, with 5-minute sessions that include about 5 repetitions of each exercise preventing your Shih Tzu from feeling overwhelmed or losing interest.
Their royal heritage shows up during training sessions. They seem to constantly evaluate whether your request is worth their time. Treats help, but even then, you might get that signature look that says, “I heard you, I’m just choosing not to comply right now.”
Health Realities: What You Need to Watch For
Because Shih Tzus have short faces, they are a brachycephalic breed, and signs of severe cases include a loud, pronounced noise in the airways, getting tired quickly, collapsing or fainting after exercise. Summer walks require careful planning and vigilance.
Shih Tzus are prone to dental disease because they have the same number of teeth as other dogs crowded into a smaller space, and the crowding provides a great environment for plaque and tartar to form. Daily teeth brushing isn’t optional if you want to avoid expensive dental procedures down the road.
Due to their prominent eyes, Shih Tzus are prone to eye issues, and daily wiping of the area around the eyes can prevent staining and infection while regular veterinary eye exams help in early detection. Those beautiful, expressive eyes come with vulnerability to injuries and infections.
Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, causing discomfort and limping, and dogs with luxating patellas will occasionally skip and hold up a back leg during walking. Watch for any changes in how they move. Joint supplements and maintaining a healthy weight become important preventive measures.
Exercise Needs: Not Couch Potatoes (Completely)
Despite their reputation as lap dogs, Shih Tzus need daily activity. At a bare minimum, healthy puppies 6+ months and adult Shih Tzu should have 1 walk per day for a duration of 20 minutes, done at a pace considered brisk for your particular dog.
Shih Tzus have a moderate energy level, meaning they need regular exercise to stay healthy. Two shorter walks often work better than one longer session. A couple of 20 to 30-minute brisk walks each day would keep them active and healthy, though your dog’s energy level and the weather will play a significant role.
Beware of exercising a Shih Tzu in hot, humid weather with the short muzzle, as the breed is prone to heat stroke. Early morning or evening walks during summer become necessary rather than optional. Their flat faces simply can’t handle intense heat the way other breeds can.
Mental stimulation matters just as much as physical exercise. They enjoy training and learning tricks, making them the center of attention. Puzzle toys, sniffing games, and short training sessions keep their minds engaged and prevent boredom behaviors like excessive barking or destructive chewing.
The Verdict: Worth the Work?
Shih Tzus relish human company and are happiest when they’re at your feet or side so are best suited for owners who can be home most of the time. If you work long hours or travel frequently, this breed will struggle. Shih Tzus can be prone to separation anxiety and should only be left alone for short periods of time.
Do not count on your Shih Tzu to guard the house; he would probably welcome a burglar with open paws. These dogs were bred for companionship, not protection. Security isn’t their forte, but making you laugh with their antics certainly is.
The grooming demands are real and ongoing. The training requires patience and consistency. The health concerns need monitoring. Yet for the right person, these challenges fade against the backdrop of unconditional love and constant companionship.
Life with a Shih Tzu means accepting that your schedule will revolve around grooming appointments, your furniture might become theirs, and your heart will belong to a small, stubborn fluffball who thinks they’re still living in an ancient palace. They’re high maintenance wrapped in a cute package, demanding but devoted, exhausting yet endearing. For those willing to invest the time, energy, and patience, the reward is a loyal companion who will shadow your every step and fill your days with personality. Just remember, you’re not adopting a low-maintenance lap accessory; you’re inviting a strong-willed little character into your life who will quickly train you as much as you train them.
What’s your experience been with these royal companions? Have they stolen your heart or tested your patience?