DoggMatch

Toy · Tibet / China

Shih Tzu

Made to be a companion, and very good at it. Happy on a lap, happy in a small flat.

They usually live
1216 years
Roughly, per year
11001900
Shih Tzu

What people love about them

  • Ideal for city living
  • Friendly with almost everyone
  • Sheds very little
  • Doesn't need long walks

A few things worth thinking about

  • Daily brushing, or clip it short
  • Short nose means heat is dangerous
  • Eyes need watching and wiping
  • Housetraining can take patience

What they're like

Size
Energy
Exercise needs
Mental stimulation
Trainability
Sociability
Affection
Independence
Good with children
Good with other dogs
Apartment suitability
Tolerance of being alone
Shedding
Grooming
Barking
First-time owner suitability

Some breeds shed less than others, which people with allergies sometimes find easier to live with. But no dog is completely allergy-free, and reactions vary from person to person.