Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is one of the world's oldest companion dog breeds, originating in Tibet and China, where flat-faced dogs were bred as palace pets for Chinese royalty for over 1,000 years. Shih Tzus lived exclusively within the walls of the Forbidden City and were considered sacred — breeding them was a closely guarded imperial secret. They were not introduced to the Western world until 1930 when a pair was gifted from China to England, having been virtually unknown outside East Asia for their entire existence. Recognised by the Kennel Club in 1946, the Shih Tzu rapidly became popular globally. Under the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), the Shih Tzu is classified in Group 1 (Toys).

The Shih Tzu is a low-exercise breed well-suited to apartment and compact living. Two short daily walks plus indoor play provide adequate activity. Daily coat and dental care are the most significant ongoing commitments. Build separation tolerance from puppyhood — the breed forms intense bonds and can develop anxiety without early independence conditioning. In Australian conditions, brachycephalic individuals must not be exercised in hot or humid weather and must have access to air conditioning indoors during summer. Feed a quality small-breed diet in measured portions twice daily. Annual vet checks, ear care and dental care are essential.

The Shih Tzu coat is high-maintenance. Daily brushing is essential — without it, the long silky coat tangles and mats rapidly, particularly behind the ears, in the armpits and around the legs. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks for trimming is strongly recommended. Many owners maintain a shorter 'puppy cut' to significantly reduce daily grooming requirements while retaining the breed's soft, appealing appearance. Clean the eye area daily — the flat face directs tears toward the facial coat causing staining, particularly in lighter-coloured individuals. Check and clean ears weekly. Brush teeth daily — the small jaw causes crowding and rapid tartar accumulation. Bathe every three to four weeks. Trim nails every three to four weeks. Always use a harness rather than a collar — tracheal pressure from a collar can worsen any brachycephalic breathing concerns.

Early socialisation is important to prevent the anxiety and fearfulness that can develop in companion breeds without adequate exposure. Puppy school is recommended. Training requires patience and consistency — the Shih Tzu's independent streak means it learns on its own terms. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best. Teach children to sit on the floor with the dog rather than picking it up; falls from arms height can injure a dog of this size. The prominent eyes are vulnerable — handle carefully around the face.

Shih Tzus are intelligent and enjoy mental enrichment despite their small size and companion-dog classification. Short trick-training sessions, small puzzle feeders, sniff games and indoor enrichment engage the breed's intelligence and prevent boredom-related problem barking. Rotate toys regularly. The breed is happiest when involved in family activities and benefits from a consistent daily routine. Avoid reinforcing clingy, anxious behaviour through excessive carrying — a confident Shih Tzu is better enriched and less stressed than an over-dependent one.

Brachycephalic Concerns: The Shih Tzu's flat face can cause mild to moderate airway compromise. Most individuals snuffle and snore without serious issue, but more severely affected individuals may benefit from BOAS assessment. Never exercise in hot or humid weather — provide air conditioning in Australian summers.

Dental Disease: Most significant long-term health concern — the small jaw causes extreme crowding and early tooth loss. Daily brushing from puppyhood is the most effective prevention.

Eye Conditions: Prominent eyes are vulnerable to corneal ulcers and scratches. Keep hair trimmed away from the eyes; wipe the eye area daily; seek prompt veterinary attention for any cloudiness, redness or squinting.

Patella Luxation: Very common in small breeds; source from health-screened breeders.

Hip Dysplasia: Reported in some lines; source from health-screened parents.

Tear Staining: Daily cleaning and veterinary investigation of underlying causes recommended.

Separation Anxiety: Build independence from day one.