Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale

About the Shih Tzu Breed

The Shih Tzu is a small toy breed known for its distinctive flat face, flowing double coat, and friendly, outgoing personality. Originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzu have been cherished for centuries as affectionate and joyful companions. They are known for their playful nature and devotion to their families.

Whether you're looking for a black shih tzu, a white shih tzu, a brindle shih tzu, or an imperial shih tzu, understanding the breed's characteristics and care requirements is essential for responsible ownership. Shih Tzu are best suited for households that can provide regular grooming, training, and daily interaction.

Key Facts About Shih Tzu:

• Breed Group: Toy
• Origin: China/Tibet
• Recognized Colors: Gold, black, white, brindle, liver, and combinations
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 16 years
• AKC Classification: Toy Group
• Known For: Distinctive flat face, flowing double coat, friendly personality

Shih Tzu Temperament & Personality

Shih Tzu are friendly, outgoing, and affectionate companions. They are known for their joyful nature, sociability, and devotion to their families. Despite their small size, they have a confident and charming personality.

Early socialization is encouraged to support confidence and positive behavior. Shih Tzu thrive on human interaction and enjoy being involved in household activities. They are generally good-natured and get along well with people and other pets.

Common Temperament Traits:

• Friendly: Warm and welcoming with family and strangers alike.
• Playful: Enjoy playtime and interactive games.
• Affectionate: Form strong bonds with their families.
• Loyal: Devoted and attentive to their owners.
• Outgoing: Confident and sociable in new situations.

Individual temperament varies. Socialization, training and individual experience influence behavior. No temperament guarantee is provided.

Shih Tzu Size & Weight

Shih Tzu are a small toy breed. Typical adult weight generally falls within a range of 9 to 16 pounds. Adult size depends on genetics, parent size, development, nutrition, and health. No exact adult weight can be guaranteed.

The term "imperial shih tzu" is not an official classification and may refer to smaller individuals. Extreme smallness is not a health or quality advantage and should not be promoted as such. Reputable breeders prioritize health over size extremes.

• Height: Typically 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder
• Weight Range: 9 to 16 pounds
• Growth Timeline: Most Shih Tzu reach full size by 12-18 months

Shih Tzu Exercise Needs

Shih Tzu need regular moderate activity to stay healthy and happy. Suitable activities include short walks, indoor play, training games, and supervised outdoor play.

Due to their flat faces (brachycephalic), Shih Tzu are sensitive to heat and overexertion. Exercise should be adjusted for age, weather, and individual health. Young puppies should not be overexerted.

• Daily Exercise: 20-30 minutes of moderate activity
• Indoor Play: Fetch, puzzle toys, and training games
• Outdoor Time: Short walks and supervised play in a secure area
• Heat Awareness: Avoid exercise in hot weather

Shih Tzu Training

Shih Tzu are intelligent and can be trained with patience and positive reinforcement. Training should emphasize consistency, early socialization, house-training routines, grooming handling, and calm independence.

Small size should not excuse unwanted behavior. Harsh methods are not recommended. Short, engaging sessions work best for this breed, which can be somewhat independent.

• Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and play as rewards
• Socialization: Expose to new people, places, and animals early
• House Training: Consistent schedule and supervision
• Grooming Handling: Regularly handle paws, ears, and mouth for grooming
• Patience: Consistent, patient training yields best results

Shih Tzu Grooming & Coat Care

Shih Tzu have a long, flowing double coat that requires regular maintenance. Care includes frequent brushing, tangle and mat prevention, bathing, thorough drying, coat trimming, ear checks, nail trimming, dental care, and eye-area cleaning where needed.

A shorter companion trim may simplify coat management but does not eliminate grooming. Professional grooming is recommended. Facial hair requires regular cleaning to prevent tear staining.

• Brushing: Daily or every other day to prevent tangles
• Professional Grooming: Every 4-6 weeks for trimming
• Bathing: Every 2-3 weeks or as needed
• Dental Care: Regular teeth brushing and dental chews
• Eye Care: Regular cleaning to prevent tear staining

Shih Tzu Coat & Shedding

The Shih Tzu has a long, flowing double coat that grows continuously and requires regular trimming. They are considered low-shedding, but not completely non-shedding. People with allergies may react to dander, saliva, and environmental allergens carried in the coat.

Common colors include gold, black, white, brindle, liver, and combinations. Color is not proof of health or quality. Shih Tzu are not completely hypoallergenic.

• Coat Type: Long, flowing, double coat, continuously growing
• Shedding Level: Low, but not zero
• Color Variations: Gold, black, white, brindle, liver, and combinations
• Allergy Status: Not completely hypoallergenic

Shih Tzu Family & Child Suitability

Shih Tzu may suit households prepared for regular grooming, training, daily interaction, moderate exercise, dental care, safe handling, and routine veterinary care.

Interactions with children require adult supervision. Children should be taught gentle interaction, no unsafe lifting, no pulling of coat, ears or tail, no rough chasing, and respect for resting and eating areas.

Shih Tzu & Other Pets

Shih Tzu generally get along well with other pets when properly introduced. Considerations include early socialization, gradual introductions, resource management, supervision, and individual temperament.

Their friendly nature makes them good companions for multi-pet households. Supervision with larger dogs is recommended due to their small size.

• Dogs: Generally get along with proper socialization
• Cats: Can coexist with careful introductions
• Larger Dogs: Always supervise to prevent accidental injury
• Small Pets: Supervision recommended

Shih Tzu Apartment Suitability

Shih Tzu adapt very well to apartment living. Suitability depends on daily exercise, indoor enrichment, house-training, and social interaction.

They are generally quiet and well-suited for apartment life, but proper training and attention are still required. Their moderate exercise needs make them ideal for smaller living spaces.

• Apartment Friendly: Yes, excellent for apartment living
• Barking Management: Early training is helpful
• Exercise Needs: Can be met with indoor play and short walks
• Social Interaction: Essential to prevent boredom

Feeding a Shih Tzu Puppy

Proper nutrition is essential for Shih Tzu puppies to support healthy growth and development. A high-quality small-breed puppy food is recommended, with feeding amounts based on age, weight, and activity level.

• Puppy Food: Small-breed puppy formula with balanced nutrition
• Meal Schedule: 3-4 small meals daily for puppies under 6 months
• Portion Control: Follow feeding guidelines on food packaging
• Water: Fresh, clean water should always be available
• Treats: Use for training but avoid overfeeding

Consult your veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations for your puppy.

Shih Tzu Health Considerations

Potential health topics to discuss with a veterinarian include brachycephalic airway syndrome, eye conditions, dental disease, luxating patella, and ear infections.

Due to their flat faces, Shih Tzu are sensitive to heat and require careful temperature management. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, eye discomfort, or appetite changes require veterinary assessment. This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary advice.

• Brachycephalic Airway: Monitor breathing, avoid heat and overexertion
• Eye Conditions: Regular eye exams recommended
• Dental Disease: Regular brushing and dental check-ups recommended
• Luxating Patella: Kneecap condition common in small breeds
• Ear Infections: Regular ear checks and cleaning

Responsible Shih Tzu Ownership

Responsible ownership of a Shih Tzu includes regular grooming, dental care, training, socialization, daily interaction, exercise, mental stimulation, safe handling, routine veterinary care, and temperature awareness.

Owners should budget for grooming, veterinary care, food, training, supplies, and emergency expenses. Heat sensitivity requires careful management in warm weather.

• Regular Grooming: Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks
• Dental Care: Daily brushing and professional cleanings
• Training: Positive reinforcement and socialization
• Temperature Management: Avoid heat and overexertion
• Safety: Protection from falls and larger animals
• Weight Management: Prevent obesity with proper diet and exercise

Available Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale

Browse our current teacup shih tzu and shih tzu puppies for sale. Each puppy includes health information, personality traits, and delivery or pickup options. Prices range from $900 to $1,200 depending on color, coat, and individual characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shih Tzu

Common questions about teacup shih tzu and shih tzu puppies, care, training, and ownership.

Related Breeds

If you like Shih Tzu, you may also be interested in these related small breeds: