People usually look up the Shih Tzu when they’re weighing up whether this small, long-coated companion will fit their household—especially if allergies, grooming time, summer heat, or breathing noise are already on the radar. A Shih Tzu can be wonderfully adaptable, but the breed’s flat face and heavy coat change what “easy care” really means, day to day.
Below is a clear, practical guide to what a Shih Tzu is like to live with: size and temperament, what their coat actually requires, and the health realities that matter most in Australia’s climate.
Shih Tzu at a glance
- Size: small, sturdy companion breed
- Typical weight: often around 4.5–7.5 kg (breed “ideal”); some adults are heavier1
- Height: up to about 27 cm at the withers (breed standard guidance)1
- Coat: long, dense double coat; can be kept long or clipped short2
- Temperament: friendly, alert, often a little independent1
- Exercise needs: modest; short walks and indoor play suit most adults
- Key watch-outs: heat stress risk in flat-faced dogs; eye irritation; dental disease; skin and ear issues if grooming slips3, 4
Origins: palace companion, made for close living
The Shih Tzu developed as a companion dog, closely associated with Chinese court life, and later became widely kept as a small household pet. The breed’s hallmark look—long facial hair radiating around a rounded face—helped earn the nickname “chrysanthemum-faced dog”.2
Physical traits that shape daily care
The coat: beautiful, and not negotiable
A Shih Tzu’s coat is one of the first things people notice, and it drives much of the routine. Left long, the coat tangles and mats easily and needs frequent, thorough brushing. Many owners choose a shorter clip (“puppy cut”) to make maintenance more manageable, but even clipped coats still need regular brushing, bathing, and professional grooming.3, 4
The face: flat, short-nosed, and heat-sensitive
Shih Tzus are brachycephalic (flat-faced). That shape can narrow the upper airways and make it harder to move air efficiently—especially during exertion or warm, humid weather. In Australian summers, this isn’t a small detail; it affects when you walk, how hard they play, and how quickly they can overheat.3, 5
Temperament and suitability as a family dog
Most Shih Tzus are social and people-focused, built for close companionship rather than long-distance running or rough outdoor life. Many do well in smaller homes and units, provided they’re not left alone for long stretches and they get gentle daily activity.
With children, the usual rule applies: small dogs do best with calm handling and supervision. Their sturdy build helps, but their size still makes them vulnerable to accidental knocks and drops.
Training and exercise: short, steady, and kind
Training tends to go best in brief sessions with food rewards and calm consistency. Some Shih Tzus can be independent-minded; it’s less “stubbornness” than a quiet preference for doing things at their own pace.
For many adults, a daily routine like this is enough:
- One or two short walks when the day is cool
- Indoor play for a few minutes at a time (little bursts suit them)
- Simple training games for mental exercise
In warm weather, shift exercise to early morning or evening and keep sessions gentle. Flat-faced breeds are more vulnerable to overheating, and heatstroke is an emergency.5, 6
Health: what to watch, and what to prevent early
Heat stress and heatstroke risk
Brachycephalic dogs can struggle to cool themselves effectively by panting. RSPCA guidance highlights flat-faced breeds as higher risk in hot conditions and outlines classic heatstroke signs such as heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, and collapse.5, 6
Eyes
Prominent eyes and long facial hair can mean irritation if hair rubs the eye surface. Keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed or tied up, and checking for redness or discharge, helps catch problems early.3, 4
Teeth and gums
Small breeds commonly develop dental disease, and Shih Tzus are often noted as prone to periodontal problems. Regular tooth brushing and routine veterinary dental checks make a meaningful difference over a lifetime.4
Skin folds, ears, and coat-related skin trouble
When a coat mats, it traps moisture and debris against the skin. That can set up irritation and infection. Regular brushing, drying after baths, and keeping ears clean and well-ventilated are simple habits that prevent a lot of discomfort.3, 4
Grooming routine: a realistic baseline
Grooming is part of the landscape with this breed. The exact schedule depends on whether the coat is kept long or clipped, but a practical baseline looks like:
- Brushing: daily for long coats; several times a week for clipped coats3, 4
- Bathing: regular baths using a dog-appropriate shampoo; dry thoroughly afterwards
- Eyes: keep hair out of the eyes; wipe away discharge gently
- Ears: check weekly for smell, redness, wax build-up4
- Nails: trim regularly so feet stay comfortable and balanced
- Professional grooming: routine appointments help prevent matting and keep the coat manageable3
Feeding and weight: keep the body lean, not rounded
For Shih Tzus, extra weight doesn’t just stress joints—it can also worsen breathing effort and heat tolerance. Aim for a steady, lean body condition rather than focusing on a single “cup amount”, because needs vary with age, desexing status, activity, and the food’s energy density.
Veterinary nutrition guidance emphasises regular nutritional assessment, including bodyweight and body condition scoring, and adjusting the diet to maintain a healthy condition over time.7, 8, 9
Quick check: is a Shih Tzu a good match?
- Usually suits you if: you want a small companion, enjoy grooming (or budget for it), and prefer gentle daily exercise.
- Think carefully if: your home is often hot without cooling, you want a dog to run long distances, or you can’t commit to coat care. Flat-faced dogs need extra caution in warm weather.5, 6
References
- The Kennel Club (UK) – Shih Tzu breed standard
- American Kennel Club – The Shih Tzu’s purpose and history
- PetMD – Shih Tzu care, grooming, and common health issues
- VCA Animal Hospitals – Shih Tzu breed information and care
- RSPCA Australia – Protect pets from heatstroke (warm weather guidance)
- RSPCA Australia – Keeping your pet safe during the heat (first aid and prevention)
- WSAVA – Global Nutrition Guidelines
- WSAVA – Global Nutrition Committee (nutrition assessment at every visit)
- BSAVA – Position statement on companion animal nutrition and obesity
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom