About the Shih Tzu: Your Free Mini Guide

by Janice Jones     |Last Updated 07-26-2021

Thinking about the Shih Tzu as a pet?  Wondering if it might be the right breed for you?

Will your personality be compatible with his?  What about those quirky behavioral issues that might cause some issues? 

Maybe you're a history buff and want some answers about where the breed originated.  Maybe you love color and can't wait to learn which Shih Tzu color dazzles you.  We have answers.

About the Shih Tzu


History of the Shih Tzu:  From Ancient Times

The history of the breed won't make you a better Shih Tzu owner, but it might surprise you to know that this breed has been found through DNA analysis to one of the most ancient of breeds--one that is most closely related to the wolf. 

No worries, though, the Shih Tzu personality is nothing like the wolves in the wild. But the Shih Tzu does have a long and colorful history that just might interest you.

Read More about Shih Tzu History

Shih Tzu Personality:  
What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

So, if the Shih Tzu personality is nothing like his cousin the wolf, what is it like?  Most describe their Shih Tzu dogs as cuddly, friendly, loving, curious, and totally devoted. 

Some say that their large dark eyes can reach clear through to your soul, but others find them a little mischievous and stubborn.  What's your ideal of the perfect Shih Tzu?

Read more about the Shih Tzu Temperament

Shih Tzu Facts:  Just The Facts

Shih Tzu FactsShih Tzu Facts

If you are interested in the facts and only the facts, here is a quick summary of the breed, just in case you might decide that a Shih Tzu should own you too. 

If you're pressed for time, here is a quick good read that will make you a Shih Tzu expert in no time.

Read More Facts about the Shih Tzu Breed

Shih Tzu Puppies:  Our Free Online Guide to Puppies

New to the breed?  Need a refresher course?  Just curious?  Our online guide to Shih Tzu puppies will help you learn all the important things you need to know before bringing home your first puppy.  

Whether you are interested in development or size, or just plain curious about what to expect the first week at home, this is a must read for anyone interested in the breed.

Read more about Shih Tzu Puppies

Shih Tzu Breed Selector Quiz: Is the Shih Tzu the Right Breed for You?

Prefer to take a quick quiz?  Here you will find just a few quick questions to help you decide if this is the breed for you. 

You'll learn about yourself and about the Shih Tzu at the same time.  Happy Answering.   Answers follow, so no cheating!

Take the Breed Selector Quiz

Shih Tzu Standard:  What They are Supposed To Look Like

For the serious Shih Tzu buyer or owner, once should always understand the Breed Standard.  What is a standard, you ask! 

Each recognized breed has a blueprint, so to speak that outlines just what the breed is supposed to look like, how it is supposed to move and act. 

No dog is perfect, but those that come close are called Champions in the Show Dog World. 

Sometimes the standard is hard to understand, so we've tried to take some of the confusion out of the translation.

Read More about the Shih Tzu Breed Standard

Hair Colors Galore:  Too Many Colors to Count

Shih Tzu ColorsShih Tzu Colors

The Shih Tzu is one of the few breeds were all colors are permissible, and they do come in a lot of colors.   

The AKC registration paperwork gives you the following choices:  Black, Black & White, Blue, Blue & White, Brindle, Brindle & White, Gold, Gold and White, Liver, Liver and White, Red, Red & White, Silver, Silver & White. 

BUT, it's a little more complicated than that. 

If you want to become a color expert, check out this page. 

Hopefully it will take some of the mystery out of color selection.

Read More Shih Tzu Coat Colors

The Tiny Shih Tzu:  Teacup?  Miniature?  Imperial? 

Whether you call it tiny, teacup, miniature, imperial, or Chinese Imperial, smaller than standard Shih Tzu dogs exist. 

Learn about this trend and whether a small Shih Tzu would be right for you.

Read More about the small Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu Health Concerns

Every dog breed has some genetic health concerns especially those that have been around long enough to encourage scientific studies.  There are some health concerns in this breed that have been identified and if you are considering a puppy or adult dog, you should be informed about what is known about this breed.

Read more about the Health Concerns of the Shih Tzu Breed.

Shih Tzu Training

Shih Tzu training is not that unusual and can be compared to many of the other small breed dog breed training.  However, the Shih Tzu dog is not only sensitive, but also relatively stubborn when it comes to training, so a specific procedure may work better for this breed than a more general approach.

Learn more about how to Train Shih Tzu Puppies and Adults

Shih Tzu Breeding

Some people who may be in love with this breed might wonder if it would be a good match for becoming a Shih Tzu breeder.  We have several articles and are adding information regularly on breeding Shih Tzu dogs.  If you are considering taking up the occupation of dog breeding especially as it relates to Shih Tzu dogs, we have some very informative articles you won't want to miss.  Bookmark this site as we are adding articles regularly not only on the Shih Tzu breed but also on breeding the Shih Tzu.

Read more about Breeding Small Breed Dogs including the Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu Hybrid Dogs:  Great Mixed Breeds that Begin with a Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu dogs contribute to great mixes such as the Shih Tzu-Maltese,  Shih Tzu-Poodle or the Shih Tzu-Yorkshire Terrier.  Hybrids or Designer dogs have a relatively long history and would appear to be around for a long time.  If you are considering a mix, be sure to check out this article.

Read more about Shih Tzu Hybrids

Shih Tzu Supplies:  What Will You Need?

Shih Tzu SuppliesShih Tzu Supplies

If the Shih Tzu is the right breed for you, then you need to plan some shopping time.  We provide some of our recommendations give you a list you might just want to print.

Supplies to Get

7 Common Misconceptions About Owning a Shih Tzu

No breed is perfect even the ones that are as cute as the Shih Tzu.  Here are 7 misconceptions that people often have about living and owning a Shih Tzu along with some explanations and truths to set the story right.

Read 7 Common Misconceptions About Owning a Shih Tzu

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A Shih Tzu in full coat is running along a grassy path.All About the Shih Tzu: Pin Image

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I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling.

I'm a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Though Shih Tzu is my favorite breed, I've also lived with Poodles, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Beagles, English Bulldogs, Carin Terriers, and a Cocker Spaniel. Little critters that shared my space included guinea pigs, rabbits, chinchillas, hamsters, mice, tropical fish, and birds. (Oh, and one crayfish and hermit crab that my daughter brought home from school)

When not writing, reading, and researching dog-related topics, I love spending time with my 6 Shih Tzu dogs, husband, and family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Small Dog Place and Smart-Knit-Crocheting. Please visit my other two sites or send me a note.