The Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate companion dog with a flowing coat, a sweet face and a love of being close to its people. Owners adore their gentle, cheerful nature, but they often struggle with potty training, coat care and matting, tear stains, barking at the door and a dog who gets lonely when left alone.
Shih Tzu at a glance
- Size: toy to small, sturdy for their size.
- Energy level: low to moderate; happy with short walks, indoor play and plenty of lap time.
- Shedding level: low; the coat sheds little, but it needs regular brushing and grooming to prevent mats.
- Barking tendency: moderate; many Shih Tzus bark to alert you to visitors and noises.
- Good for first-time owners: yes, with patience for house training and a commitment to grooming.
- Time alone tolerance: low to moderate; bred as companions, many prefer to be with their family most of the day.
Common Shih Tzu problems and solutions
Why is my Shih Tzu so hard to potty train?
Small dogs have small bladders, and accidents are easy to miss on rugs. Take your Shih Tzu out very often, especially after waking, eating and play, and reward the moment they go in the right spot. Our guide on puppy keeps peeing in the house sets out a simple routine, and house-trained dog having accidents helps if an adult slips back.
Should I use pee pads for my Shih Tzu?
Pee pads or an indoor potty area can be useful for apartments, bad weather or older dogs. Pick one plan and stay consistent so your dog is not confused about where to go. If you later want to move outside, transition gradually.
Do Shih Tzus shed?
Shih Tzus shed very little compared to many breeds, but loose hairs get caught in the coat and form mats if not brushed out. That means less fur on the floor, but more grooming time for you. For general tips, see our dog shedding guide.
How often should I groom my Shih Tzu?
A long coat needs daily brushing, while a short “puppy cut” can be brushed a few times a week. Most owners book a professional groom every few weeks. Brush in layers down to the skin, paying attention behind the ears, under the legs and around the collar.
Why does my Shih Tzu have tear stains?
Tear staining is common in Shih Tzus because of their facial structure and the hair around their eyes. Wipe the area gently every day with a soft damp cloth and keep the hair trimmed or tied up away from the eyes. If the eyes look red, cloudy or sore, talk to your vet.
Why does my Shih Tzu bark at the door?
Alerting to visitors is common in small companion breeds. Teach your dog to go to a bed or mat when the doorbell rings, and reward calm. Our article on a dog that won’t stop barking at the door walks you through it, and why dogs bark at everything covers other triggers.
Why does my Shih Tzu cry when I leave?
Shih Tzus are deeply attached companions and some find alone time hard. Start with very short absences, give a lick mat or food toy as you leave and keep returns calm. Our guide on helping a dog with separation anxiety has a step-by-step plan.
Why does my Shih Tzu follow me everywhere?
Following you from room to room is typical for a breed made to be a companion. Reward quiet time on a cosy bed nearby to build confidence. Read why dogs follow you everywhere for more ideas.
Why does my Shih Tzu eat poop?
Some small dogs, especially puppies, pick up this unpleasant habit. Clean up promptly, supervise outdoor time and reward your dog for coming to you after going potty. If it starts suddenly or comes with other changes, talk to your vet.
Why is my Shih Tzu a picky eater?
Some Shih Tzus are fussy, and too many treats or table scraps make it worse. Offer meals at set times, remove the bowl after a short while and avoid constantly switching foods. Read why a dog refuses to eat to know when to call your vet.
Is a Shih Tzu good in an apartment?
Yes, Shih Tzus are one of the best apartment breeds. They need modest exercise, enjoy indoor play and adapt well to small spaces. Work on door barking early so neighbours stay happy.
Why does my Shih Tzu snore and snort?
Shih Tzus have short faces, so snoring and snuffling are common. Keep your dog cool in hot weather, use a harness instead of a collar on walks and talk to your vet if breathing seems loud or difficult during light activity.
Training tips for a Shih Tzu
- Use gentle, reward-based training with tiny treats and lots of praise; Shih Tzus respond best to kindness.
- Keep sessions short, around five minutes, and repeat them a few times a day.
- Set a strict potty schedule from day one and reward every success right away.
- Practise grooming handling daily: touch paws, lift ears, comb the face and reward calm behaviour.
- Teach a “go to your bed” cue to manage door barking and visitors.
- Build alone time gradually, starting with a few minutes behind a baby gate while you are home.
- Socialise gently with calm people, dogs and places so your Shih Tzu grows into a relaxed adult.
Health questions owners ask
Are Shih Tzus prone to breathing problems?
Short-faced breeds are often discussed in relation to breathing and heat sensitivity, and Shih Tzus are part of that conversation. Avoid overheating and heavy exercise in warm weather, and keep your dog at a healthy weight. Talk to your vet if you notice noisy or laboured breathing.
Do Shih Tzus have eye problems?
With prominent eyes and hair close to the face, eye irritation is a common concern for this breed. Watch for squinting, redness, cloudiness or pawing at the eyes. Talk to your vet promptly if you see any changes.
Why does my Shih Tzu scratch its ears?
Hairy, floppy ears can trap moisture and debris. Keep ears clean and dry, and ask your groomer to check them during visits. For itching in general, read why dogs scratch so much, and talk to your vet if scratching continues.
How do I care for my Shih Tzu’s teeth?
Small mouths often mean crowded teeth, so dental care is a frequent topic for toy breeds. Gentle tooth brushing and regular checkups are a good habit. Talk to your vet about a routine that suits your dog.
Is a Shih Tzu right for you?
Is a Shih Tzu good for apartment living?
Yes, they are well suited to apartments thanks to their small size and modest exercise needs, as long as door barking is managed.
Are Shih Tzus good with kids?
Many Shih Tzus are gentle and affectionate with respectful children. They are small, so teach kids to sit on the floor to cuddle and never to carry the dog around. Always supervise play.
Do Shih Tzus get along with other pets?
Most Shih Tzus are friendly with other dogs and cats, especially when introduced slowly. Keep an eye on play with larger, boisterous dogs to protect their eyes and small bodies.
Is a Shih Tzu a good first dog?
Yes, for many first-time owners who want a loving, low-energy companion and are ready for grooming and patient potty training. Compare with the Maltese, Havanese or Bichon Frise in our breed guide, and plan your budget with how much owning a dog costs, since regular grooming adds up.
Related guides
- Potty training guides
- Separation anxiety help
- Barking problems and solutions
- Help your dog settle at night
- Potty training supplies
- Enrichment toys for small dogs
Share your Shih Tzu experience
Do you have a grooming routine or potty training trick that finally worked? Share it with other owners in the dogs.solutions community, and explore more breeds in our breed guide.