No, moderate exercise suitable for their size is sufficient.
Coat:Long, silky, double coat
Coat colours:
Various combinations including black, white, gold, brown
Shedding:Light (but requires extensive grooming)
Shih tzu: All You Need to Know About Shih tzu Dog Breed
Shih tzu:
Originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty (their name literally means "Lion Dog"), Shih Tzus have been charming their way into hearts for over a thousand years. These affectionate lap dogs were so valued that for years, they were never sold or traded but only given as royal gifts. Today, they've found their way into Indian homes, where their adaptable nature and loving personality make them perfect companions for apartment living.
Adaptability
Perfect for apartments, adapts well to any living space
Hot Weather Tolerance:
up to 25°C (needs monitoring due to flat face)
Cold Weather Tolerance:
up to 10°C
Adaptability
Perfect for apartments, adapts well to any living space
Hot Weather Tolerance:
up to 25°C (needs monitoring due to flat face)
Cold Weather Tolerance:
up to 10°C
Coat:
Long, silky, double coat
Long, silky, double coat
Coat colours:
Various combinations including black, white, gold, brown
Shedding:Light (but requires extensive grooming)
Traits
5/5
Friendliness
4/5
Good With
Other Dogs
Other Dogs
4/5
Good With Kids
3/5
Barking
Tendencies
Tendencies
4/5
Playfulness
3/5
Barking
Tendencies
Tendencies
4/5
Playfulness
2/5
Energy Level
4/5
Intelligence
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
Trainability
3/5
Trainability
Shih tzu Diet
Balanced Diet
- Moderate protein (20-25% for adults)
- Small, easily digestible portions
- Watch calories (prone to obesity)
- JOLLY GUT® essential for digestion
- VITAM PAWS® for complete nutrition
Portion Control
- Small, frequent meals better
- Prone to weight gain
- Monitor treat intake
- Feed age-appropriate portions
- ELIVIR® supports healthy digestion
Recommended Foods
- High-quality small breed food
- Easy-to-chew portions
- Limited human food
- Fresh water always available
- Dental-friendly kibble
Balanced Diet
- Moderate protein (20-25% for adults)
- Small, easily digestible portions
- Watch calories (prone to obesity)
- JOLLY GUT® essential for digestion
- VITAM PAWS® for complete nutrition
Portion Control
- Small, frequent meals better
- Prone to weight gain
- Monitor treat intake
- Feed age-appropriate portions
- ELIVIR® supports healthy digestion
Recommended Foods
- High-quality small breed food
- Easy-to-chew portions
- Limited human food
- Fresh water always available
- Dental-friendly kibble
Training
Early Socialization
- Gentle, positive exposure
- Build confidence early
- Focus on basic manners
- Keep sessions short
- NO-ANTSY® helps with anxiety
Exercise Requirements
- 30 minutes daily exercise
- Short walks sufficient
- Indoor play sessions
- Avoid heat of day
- Mental stimulation important
Training Tips
- Keep sessions brief
- Use positive reinforcement
- Be patient with housebreaking
- Focus on consistency
- Reward good behavior
Early Socialization
- Critical from puppyhood
- Expose to various situations
- Focus on recall (they're runners!)
- Build positive associations
- NO-ANTSY® helps with focus
Exercise Requirements
- 30 minutes daily exercise
- Short walks sufficient
- Indoor play sessions
- Avoid heat of day
- Mental stimulation important
Training Tips
- Keep sessions brief
- Use positive reinforcement
- Be patient with housebreaking
- Focus on consistency
- Reward good behavior
Grooming
1. Brushing
- Daily brushing essential
- Regular professional grooming
- Keep face clean and dry
- NO RUFF® for coat health
- Special attention to face folds
2. Bathing
- Every 3-4 weeks
- TUDRY® between baths
- Use gentle shampoos
- Careful face cleaning
- Thorough drying important
3. Additional Care
- Clean face wrinkles daily
- Regular nail trimming
- Check ears weekly
- Dental care crucial
- Watch for breathing issues
1. Brushing
- Daily brushing essential
- Regular professional grooming
- Keep face clean and dry
- NO RUFF® for coat health
- Special attention to face folds
2. Bathing
- Every 3-4 weeks
- TUDRY® between baths
- Use gentle shampoos
- Careful face cleaning
- Thorough drying important
3. Additional Care
- Clean face wrinkles daily
- Regular nail trimming
- Check ears weekly
- Dental care crucial
- Watch for breathing issues
Frequently asked questions
Do Shih Tzus need a lot of exercise?
How often do they need grooming?
Daily brushing and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Are they good apartment dogs?
Excellent! They're perfect for apartment living.
Do they have health issues?
Can have breathing issues due to flat face; watch in heat.
Are they good with children?
Yes, but supervise with small children due to their size.
Pro Tip: Shih Tzus in India need extra attention to their breathing in summer. Keep them cool, use JOLLY GUT® for digestion, and NO RUFF® to maintain their signature coat. TUDRY® is perfect for keeping their face fresh between baths!