Small breed
Shih Tzu Puppies
Shih Tzu loosely translates to ‘Little Lion’ in Mandarin. Ironically, it was named after its looks because there is absolutely no fierceness to this adorable dog breed. From the laps of emperors in ancient China to the hearts of its present-day owners, Shih Tzus have always been leaders in the hall of fame for canine companionship. Discover more about our Shih Tzu puppies for sale below!
We do not have Shih Tzu puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well.
- Adult weight 9–16 lbs
- Height 9–10 in
- Lifespan 10–16 years
- Exercise 30 min a day
About the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, a breed steeped in history as companions to Chinese royalty, has long captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world. These charming little dogs, known for their expressive eyes and luxurious coats, make wonderful family pets and thrive in both bustling homes and cozy apartments alike. With their gentle temperament, Shih Tzus are a fantastic fit for families with young children, and they tend to get along well with other dogs and even cats, making them a delightful addition to your family.
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Despite their small size, Shih Tzus boast a lively spirit that brings joy and warmth to any environment. Their moderate energy levels mean that while they enjoy playful moments, they also appreciate snuggling up on the couch after a fun day. Regular, brisk walks and playful playtime will help keep these affectionate pups happy and healthy, while their low shedding makes them easier to care for in terms of cleanliness, though weekly grooming is necessary to maintain their stunning coat.
When it comes to training, Shih Tzus are intelligent and eager to please but can exhibit a bit of the stubborn streak that is common among companion breeds. With consistent and positive reinforcement, these little furballs can learn commands and tricks, proving their adaptability. Their affectionate nature and vocal tendencies make them excellent watchdogs as well, alerting you to any visitors while showering you with love and devotion. If you’re looking for a loving, playful companion in Petland Ashland, Kentucky, the Shih Tzu could be just the friend you’ve been searching for.
Shih Tzu breed profile
Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.
Temperament
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Affection Devoted
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Playfulness Playful
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With strangers Friendly
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Territorial Relaxed
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Prey drive Low
Family & other pets
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Young children Good
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Older children Good
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Other dogs Sociable
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Cats Usually fine
Energy & exercise
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Energy Moderate
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Mental stimulation Light
Training
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Trainability Willing learner
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Intelligence Bright
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Stubbornness A stubborn streak
Care & upkeep
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Shedding Light
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Drooling None to speak of
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Barking Vocal
Home life
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Apartment living Well suited
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Time alone Short periods
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Cold weather Needs a coat
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Warm weather Comfortable
A good match for
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First-time owners Good first dog
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Senior owners Good
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Running partner Not suited
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Hiking Not suited
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Therapy work Good
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Guarding Low
Living with a Shih Tzu
History
Shih Tzus originate from honorable backgrounds in China, where they were bred as palace pets. They are among the fourteen oldest dog breeds in the world, and Chinese archaeologists have dated their uncovered bones to around 8000BC. They are rumored to have initiated initially from Tibet and were introduced to Chinese monarchs by Tibetan Monks as gifts.
Other sources say the Shih Tzu is a crossbreed of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese dog breeds. China or ancient Tibet, the Shih Tzu has proven itself worthy of adoration across generations. From 618 to 995AD, the dog breed is continuously referenced in art, paintings, sculptures, and letters.
The first offshore record of Shih Tzus comes from the 19th century, where a certain woman known as Lady Brownrigg took a pair of Shih Tzus from Peking to England to start her kennel. They made their debut presence in the US in 1960 after Maureen Murdock, along with her nephew, Philip Prince, imported the breed. Since then, Shih Tzus have been officially recognized and registered in top global Dog Clubs. They come in black, grey, gold, liver, brindle, white or red coats.
Temperament
Shih Tzus are naturally friendly dogs. However, without early socialization, they can be timorous. They are at their best around family or anyone giving them love and attention. A Shih Tzu is made to love. They don’t chase small animals or guard, but this doesn’t mean they won’t bark at strangers. They will alert you as soon as they sense something is amiss. This dog can get stubborn and requires early training so they can grow to be disciplined and healthy dogs.
Environment
If you are a small apartment owner, then the Shih Tzu is perfect for you. They do not do well in outdoor kennels but enjoy playing in yards and gardens. They love the indoors and will always warm up to you or sit on your lap. They get pretty attached – and fast!
During hot seasons, their flat noses make them very prone to heatstroke. This is because their inhaled air does not cool in their lungs as fast as it would in dogs with longer muzzles. The possibility of your Shih Tzu catching heatstroke is minimal in well-ventilated and air-conditioned rooms.
Exercise
As small dogs, Shih Tzus are satisfied with daily short strolls. They don’t need a lot of exercise. Owners have reported that their Shih Tzus like to think they are birds, so don’t be startled if you see your dog audaciously leaping from sofa to sofa. Make sure your house is dog-proof as this breed is highly prone to internal injury due to its delicate size.
Grooming
No doubt, grooming a Shih Tzu is demanding. Their coats matt easily and must be daily to prevent hair knotting. If you cannot meet the grooming requirements your Shih Tzu has, you could cut the coat short. This takes away all the luxurious beauty but curtails your dog’s grooming needs.
They should be bathed at least once a week. Be careful when trimming their nails as they contain blood vessels and could hurt! You don’t want your dog running away every time you bring the clippers out. Dental care is critical in small dog breeds. Regularly, brush their teeth with a soft toothbrush and clean their ears with damp wool balls to minimize infections.
Our Shih Tzu puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country.
The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering Shih Tzu puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell.
Caring for a Shih Tzu
- Grooming
- Weekly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Average
- Monthly food
- Low
- Outdoor space
- Manages without a yard
- Allergy friendly
- Often suits allergy sufferers
Shih Tzu Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic?
Yes. They only lose hair when bathed or when their coat is combed.
Are Shih Tzus good with children?
The Shih Tzu is an all-round friendly dog but is better with more mature children who have been taught to handle it well.
Do Shih Tzus snore?
A Shih Tzu snorts and snores because of its short snout.
Are Shih Tzus easy to train?
With treats and rewards, a Shih Tzu is fun to train. They are, however, mischievous, and the trainer needs to be firm if any training is to be done at all.
Are Shih Tzus good with other pets?
Shih Tzus are pet-friendly and very accommodating of other pets.
Are Shih Tzus easy to groom?
No. Their luxurious coat requires daily brushing, and the services of a professional groomer need to be employed if the owner can’t keep up with the demands.
What is Shih Tzus daily feeding requirement?
Shih Tzus eat a cup of high-quality dry food daily with clean water.
Are Shih Tzus prone to breathing problems?
Due to their brachycephalic (flat snout) features, Shih Tzus will have minor difficulty breathing in poorly-ventilated environments.
What is Shih Tzus life expectancy?
The Shih Tzu has a lifespan of ten to eighteen years.
What is Shih Tzus average weight?
Shih Tzus weigh eight to eighteen pounds (four to eight kilograms).
A Shih Tzu in your home is a small bit of ancient Chinese royalty. These graceful dogs will make you feel noble and will never leave your side
