Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is one of the most ancient dog breeds, originating in Tibet and China, where it was cherished as a companion of the imperial court. It is a small, sturdy dog with a luxurious long double coat, a round head, and large dark eyes, known for its friendly, affectionate, and loyal temperament. The breed adapts excellently to apartment living, requires only moderate exercise, and gets along well with children and other pets.
Weight
4–7 kg
Height at withers
20–27 cm
Life expectancy
10–18 years
Size
extra small
Activity
low
Shedding
low
Barking tendency
moderate
Apartment friendly
Excellent apartment dog: compact size, low exercise needs, calm indoors, and adapts well to limited living space. Short daily walks and indoor play are sufficient to keep the Shih Tzu happy and healthy.
Care
Daily coat brushing and regular professional grooming; daily teeth brushing; weekly ear cleaning; nail trimming every 3–4 weeks; moderate exercise (around 30 minutes daily); avoid heat and humid conditions due to brachycephalic anatomy; use a harness instead of a collar to protect the neck and airway
Health
Brachycephalic airway syndrome (breathing difficulties), eye conditions (dry eye/KCS, pigmentary keratitis, proptosis), periodontal/dental disease, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), tracheal collapse, hypothyroidism, bladder stones, juvenile renal dysplasia
Coat
Long, soft
Travel
As a brachycephalic breed, the Shih Tzu is banned from cargo/baggage hold travel by many airlines and may only fly in-cabin if the combined pet-and-carrier weight meets the airline's limit (typically up to 8 kg). Always verify the specific airline's breed and weight policies before booking. Crate-train the dog well in advance, avoid travel in hot weather, bring water and a familiar toy, and obtain a veterinary health certificate prior to travel.
Carrier size
Soft-sided carrier approximately 45–48 cm (L) × 28–30 cm (W) × 27–30 cm (H); combined pet and carrier weight typically must not exceed 8 kg for cabin travel
Harness size
XS or S harness recommended (chest girth approximately 30–45 cm depending on individual weight); a harness is strongly preferred over a collar to reduce airway strain in this brachycephalic breed
Leash
Lightweight leash 1.2–1.5 m long; always use with a harness rather than a collar to avoid tracheal pressure, especially important for this brachycephalic breed
Airline cabin travel
usually allowed
This breed guide is always at hand in the Hani Walk app — along with the walk tracker, digital pet passport and vaccination reminders.
Download on the App Store