Thinking of Getting a Shih Tzu? Read This Complete Royal Dog Guide First

If you have ever looked at a shih tzu dog and wondered why it carries itself like a tiny monarch, the answer lies in its history. This breed wasn’t just loved; it was treasured by Chinese royalty. The Shih Tzu dog breed was kept inside palaces as a companion, not as a working dog, and that royal treatment clearly shaped its personality even today. These little charmers were bred to be close to humans, which explains why they stick to you like your own shadow.

Many people are surprised to learn that the shih tzu breed is centuries old. Their structured, flowing coat and expressive eyes made them favourites of emperors, queens, and every important person of that time. Over the years, the Shih Tzu breed of dog travelled across the world and slowly became a household favourite.

Ask any pet parent, and they will tell you that living with a Shih Tzu dog means constant entertainment. They behave like they are one of the family members and expect to be included in everything. If you sit, they sit. If you laugh, they try to join in. If you pick up a snack, they stare like they deserve half of it.

What sets the Shih Tzu dog breed apart is the perfect mix of calmness and fun. They are not overly hyper, yet they are always ready to play. They enjoy short games, gentle attention, tummy rubs, and being carried around like a little baby.

Some points you will notice quickly:

• They are very affectionate
• They love being around people
• They enjoy indoor life
• They can be stubborn, but in an adorable way
• They are extremely expressive with their eyes

Despite their size, they have big personalities. They are confident, curious, and often behave like they own the house. You cannot really blame them, because they know they are cute and they use it fully to their advantage.

You cannot talk about a Shih Tzu dog without mentioning grooming. Their coat is beautiful but needs commitment. A well-groomed Shih Tzu looks like a soft cloud walking around your home. A neglected coat becomes tangled quickly, which is uncomfortable for the dog and stressful for you.

Daily care does not have to be complicated. Spend a few minutes brushing, and you will see a huge difference. A Shih Tzu puppy will need gentle handling since their coat develops as they grows.

Here are simple grooming pointers:

• Brush their coat daily to avoid tangles
• Clean around their eyes regularly
• Keep their ears dry and clean
• Trim nails every few weeks
• Bathe them once every three to four weeks
• Tie their hair away from their eyes if it grows long

The good thing is that grooming becomes a bonding activity. Many dogs enjoy the attention and even fall asleep while being brushed. If you prefer shorter coat styles, a trim every few months keeps them neat and comfortable.

A healthy Shih Tzu dog needs the right diet. Their size may be small, but their nutritional needs are specific. They thrive on balanced meals that support their coat, digestion, and energy levels.

Useful tips:

• Choose food that supports joint and coat health
• Give fresh water throughout the day
• Avoid oily and spicy foods
• Small meals twice or thrice a day suit them well
• Include vet-approved supplements only when needed

Many owners notice that their dogs become picky eaters as they grow. This is normal for the Shih Tzu dog breed. They enjoy variety but require discipline to avoid overeating or eating the wrong things.

Every breed has some health concerns, and the Shih Tzu dog is no different. Understanding these early helps you handle them calmly. These dogs have a flat face structure, which can cause breathing difficulties. They are also prone to eye problems because of their prominent eyes.

The most common issues include:

• Breathing troubles on very hot days
• Ear infections occur if the ears stay moist
• Eye irritation or dryness
• Dental problems due to their small jaw
• Joint issues in older dogs

Regular check-ups make a massive difference. The life expectancy of Shih Tzu is usually between 10 and 16 years when well cared for, and many live even longer. Early detection keeps them healthy and happy.

If you are planning to get a Shih Tzu puppy, always choose a responsible breeder who shares medical history and keeps the dogs in clean conditions.

A lot of people assume the Shih Tzu dog breed needs only playtime and cuddles. While they love both, training is important for them, too. They are intelligent but can also be a bit stubborn, so patience is key.

Training tips that work well:

• Keep sessions short and fun
• Use treats wisely
• Be consistent with commands
• Start training early
• Reward good behaviour immediately.