Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a toy companion dog associated with Tibet and the Chinese imperial court, where small lion dogs were bred for company rather than work. It is compact and surprisingly solid for its size, with a broad head, large dark eyes, a short muzzle, and a tail carried over the back. The natural coat is long and flowing and may appear in many colors and markings; the face hair gives the breed its familiar chrysanthemum dog expression.

Daily life with a Shih Tzu revolves around coat and face care. Show coats need frequent brushing and wrapping, while many pets wear a short puppy trim that still requires regular grooming, eye cleaning, and dental attention. Because the breed is brachycephalic, heat, humidity, and strenuous exercise need sensible limits. Careful breeders pay attention to airway function, eye health, knees, hips, and inherited kidney issues, and buyers should look for dogs that breathe easily and move freely rather than for exaggerated flat faces.

Colors: Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue and White, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gold and White, Gray, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Liver, Liver and White, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow