Quick answer: The Shih Tzu is a flat-faced, long-haired small breed that is affectionate and has low exercise needs, making it suitable for indoor living in Hong Kong. Before getting one, you must accept three things: daily brushing plus regular grooming, great care with heat dissipation in summer (the flat-faced structure makes it pant easily), and daily care for the eyes and teeth. It does not need much walking, but it cannot go without any.
What kind of breed is the Shih Tzu? Basic facts and origins
The Shih Tzu is a small long-haired breed originating from China. It is generally believed to be related to small dogs kept in Tibetan monasteries and later became popular and further developed in the Qing court; specific dates and bloodline origins vary among sources, so this article will not state fixed years.
In appearance it is a typical flat-faced breed: short nose, large round eyes, a relatively long body, short limbs, and a long straight double coat; colour combinations are many, with gold and white, black and white, and grey and white all common. Note that it is different from the Pug: the Pug has a shorter, rounder body and short coat, while the Shih Tzu has a long coat and long body. To compare other breeds, see the breed guide.
| Item | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|
| Facial structure | Flat face, short nose, protruding eyes |
| Adult weight | Generally about 4 to 7 kg |
| Shoulder height | Generally about 20 to 28 cm |
| Average lifespan | Generally about 11 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, friendly, somewhat stubborn |
Shih Tzu temperament and living arrangements
The Shih Tzu is a companion breed: affectionate, friendly, generally tolerant of children and other pets, and happiest following its owner around. Exercise needs are low, but two walks a day of twenty to thirty minutes each is the baseline, with the focus on letting it sniff and experience the outside.
For the full version on tear stains, coat and trachea and knee protection, see the Maltese breed guide.
- Suitable for: families living in a flat, with air-conditioning, and someone at home for much of the day.
- Not so suitable for: outdoor types who want to hike daily, or families unwilling to spend time brushing and grooming.
- Barking: alert barking is not uncommon, so teach a "quiet" cue early in apartment living.
- Being alone: not very independent, and long periods without company can lead to barking, door-scratching and similar behaviours.
For short-legged, long-bodied breeds, going up and down stairs puts strain on the spine and joints, so it is best to carry them or set up a ramp; smooth floor tiles indoors should have non-slip mats.
Flat-faced structure: what to watch for in breathing and heat dissipation
Brachycephalic airway syndrome is the most important thing to understand about the Shih Tzu: narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate and a narrow trachea increase breathing resistance. Common signs are loud breathing, easy panting and poor stamina, especially obvious in hot weather. Some cases can be improved by surgery, but whether to operate must be assessed by a veterinarian.
This risk is structural and cannot be eliminated by training. Practical measures are to avoid going out during the heat of the day, avoid vigorous chasing games, use a harness instead of a collar (a collar presses on the trachea), and maintain an ideal weight—every extra kilogram directly adds to the breathing burden. If the tongue or gums change colour, the abdomen visibly works hard during breathing, or the dog is restless and tries to open-mouth breathe, treat it as an emergency and see a veterinarian immediately.
Daily care for coat, eyes and teeth
The long coat is the biggest daily task with a Shih Tzu. Daily brushing is recommended, at least every other day, using a pin brush and comb in layers, focusing on the loose undercoat; the hair on top of the head should be tied up or trimmed short, otherwise the tips will sweep the eyeballs.
- Eyes: wipe away eye discharge daily, using a separate cotton pad for each side; trim long hair around the eyes when it gets too long.
- Ears: check weekly, clean the outer ear with an ear cleaner commonly used by vets, and do not push cotton buds into the ear canal.
- Teeth: ideally brush daily, at least three times a week; the Shih Tzu has crowded teeth and a short jaw, making it a high-risk breed for periodontal disease.
- Facial folds: dry the skin near the nose bridge; long-term moisture leads to fold dermatitis.
- Nails and grooming: trim nails every two to four weeks; a full-body clip is generally needed every four to six weeks.
Diet and weight control
The Shih Tzu is a breed prone to obesity: good appetite, low exercise, and poor stamina from the flat face mean naturally low calorie burn. Being overweight not only adds joint strain but also directly makes breathing harder.
- Main food: small-breed adult formula with smaller kibble; with a short jaw and crowded teeth, large kibble cannot be chewed and may be swallowed whole.
- Portions: adjust according to weight and body condition score, split into two to three meals a day; being able to feel the ribs and see a waistline is a reference; weigh every two to four weeks and reduce food if weight rises.
- Treats: within 10% of daily total calories, using vegetable sticks or dental chews instead of human food.
- Fast eating: use a slow feeder bowl or slightly soften the kibble to reduce choking.
Change food gradually over seven to ten days. Persistent soft stool, vomiting or itchy skin may be food-related and should be judged by a veterinarian.
Health warning signs and common risks
The Shih Tzu has several common problems, most related to its structure, and early detection leaves much more room for management.
| Common risk | Possible signs | Suggested action |
|---|---|---|
| Breathing problems | Loud breathing, easy panting, poor stamina | Avoid exercise in heat, have a veterinarian assess |
| Corneal ulcer | Squinting, tearing, light sensitivity | See a veterinarian immediately, do not use eye drops on your own |
| Dry eye | Dry eyes, thick discharge | Prescription eye drops after a veterinarian tests tear production |
| Entropion | Eyelid rolls inward, repeated tearing around the eye | Have a veterinarian assess, may need surgery |
| Periodontal disease | Bad breath, tartar, reduced appetite | Regular checks, dental scaling requires anaesthesia |
| Patellar luxation | Hind leg suddenly hops, unwilling to bear weight | Reduce jumping, veterinarian assessment |
| Skin problems | Itching, rash, hair loss | Check for parasites and food factors |
The above are common risks and do not mean every Shih Tzu will develop them. Before getting one, ask the breeder for the parents' eye, knee and breathing records; after adulthood, at least one physical examination a year, and any decision on medication or dental scaling should be discussed with a veterinarian.
Hong Kong climate, small flats and summer walk schedules
Hong Kong summers are hot and humid, the season requiring the most caution for flat-faced dogs, because they mainly cool down by panting, which is inefficient.
- Walk times: mainly early morning and at night; touch the ground with your hand before going out, and do not walk if it is too hot; ten to twenty minutes each time, with rest and water breaks.
- Indoor environment: air-conditioning or fans, keep ventilation, provide a cooling mat and fresh water; do not leave the dog in an enclosed space without air-conditioning or in a car. If it pants audibly, drools more or seems dull, move it to a cool place immediately, wipe the body with a room-temperature wet towel, let it drink slowly, and if it persists, take it to a veterinarian.
- Wet season: during the return of humid southerly winds and the rainy season, skin and ear problems increase in long-haired dogs; after a bath, dry thoroughly; a dehumidifier indoors is best, and wash and sun-dry sleeping mats regularly.
Beginner mistakes
- Treating it as a zero-exercise dog: assuming a small breed does not need walks, leading to weight gain and behavioural problems.
- Pulling with a collar: flat-faced dogs have fragile tracheas and should use a harness.
- Clipping the coat short instead of brushing: clipping is only a temporary solution; without brushing the loose undercoat it will still mat.
- Not drying after a bath: a damp undercoat is a breeding ground for skin disease.
- Ignoring bad breath: early periodontal problems show only bad breath and red gums; by the time the dog stops eating it is usually not mild.
- Not budgeting for grooming: grooming a long-haired dog is a long-term expense and should be calculated before buying the dog.
Key points
- ✅ The Shih Tzu is a flat-faced, long-haired small breed; indoor living is feasible, but daily walks are necessary
- ✅ The flat-faced structure makes breathing and heat dissipation less efficient, so change walk times in summer
- ✅ Using a harness instead of a collar is the most basic step to protect the trachea
- ✅ Daily brushing and tying up or trimming the topknot are basic for eye and skin protection
- ✅ Crowded teeth mean high risk of periodontal disease; brushing and regular checks are essential
- ✅ Prone to obesity; portion control and weighing every two to four weeks are the most practical health measures
Related reading
- Pet care overview (six major pet categories)
- Maltese care essentials
- Yorkshire Terrier breed introduction
- To buy a harness, grooming tools or dental care products for your dog, see PetChill pet supplies.
This article is for reference only and cannot replace veterinary diagnosis; in an emergency, contact a veterinarian immediately.