Shih Tzu Puppies For Sale

About the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is an ancient companion breed developed in the imperial courts of China, bred purely to be a lap dog and house companion. Its flowing double coat, sweet expression, and affectionate temperament have kept it among the most popular toy breeds for decades. It is a strong choice for apartment dwellers, seniors, and families wanting a small dog whose entire purpose is companionship.

Temperament

Shih Tzus are outgoing, affectionate, and trusting, with a friendly disposition toward strangers and other pets. They are playful without being demanding and are generally patient with children. Their sole job for centuries was to be a companion, and it shows: they want to be with their people and are happiest on a lap or at someone's feet. Training benefits from patience, as they can be a little stubborn about housebreaking.

Size and Weight

The AKC standard calls for a height of 9 to 10.5 inches at the shoulder and a weight of 9 to 16 lbs. The term teacup is a marketing label, not a recognized size, and dogs bred well below the standard weight carry added health fragility.

Grooming

The Shih Tzu has a long, dense double coat that requires daily brushing to prevent matting if kept in full coat. Most family dogs are kept in a shorter puppy clip that needs professional grooming every four to six weeks and brushing a few times a week. Hair on the face should be kept out of the eyes or tied up, and the face wiped daily to manage tear staining. Ears need routine cleaning.

Health

Shih Tzus are mildly brachycephalic and can experience some breathing difficulty and heat sensitivity, though usually less than flatter-faced breeds. Their large, prominent eyes are prone to injury, proptosis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and progressive retinal atrophy. Other documented predispositions include patellar luxation, dental crowding and periodontal disease, renal dysplasia, and hip dysplasia. Recommended parent testing includes eye clearances, patella evaluation, and renal screening.

Exercise and Living Space

Shih Tzus need only short daily walks and indoor play. They are ideal apartment dogs and should live indoors with the family. Because of their flat faces, they should not be exercised in heat, and swimming is not recommended.

Lifespan

Typical lifespan is 10 to 16 years. Dental care, eye protection, and weight management support a long life.

More About Shih Tzu Puppies

Shih Tzu Puppies for Families & Seniors | Ancient Royal Companion Breed

Gentle Shih Tzu Puppies | Low Exercise Lap Dogs | Great with Children

The Shih Tzu is one of the world’s most ancient and cherished companion breeds, with a royal heritage stretching back over a thousand years to the palaces of Chinese emperors. Originally bred as treasured lap dogs for royalty, Shih Tzus have never lost their regal charm or their extraordinary ability to form deep, loving bonds with their human families. Weighing between 9 and 16 pounds, these beautiful dogs are the perfect blend of elegance and warmth, with their flowing double coats, expressive dark eyes, and endearing underbite that gives them their signature sweet expression.

What truly sets the Shih Tzu apart is their remarkably gentle and affectionate temperament. These dogs live to love and be loved. They are patient, tolerant, and wonderfully calm, qualities that make them outstanding companions for families with children of all ages. Shih Tzus have a natural gentleness around little ones, and their sturdy small build means they are resilient enough for playful interactions while remaining perfectly sized for comfortable lap time. Seniors adore them for their low exercise requirements, a short daily walk and some indoor play is all a Shih Tzu needs to stay happy and healthy.

Caring for a Shih Tzu’s luxurious coat is part of the rewarding experience of owning this breed. Their double coat can be kept in a long, flowing style or trimmed into a practical puppy cut that is easy to maintain. Regular brushing a few times per week keeps their coat tangle-free and beautiful. Many owners find the grooming routine to be a wonderful bonding experience. Shih Tzus are also known for being relatively quiet compared to other small breeds, making them excellent neighbors in apartments and condominiums.

Best Puppies has been a licensed puppy specialist for 25 years, and we have been placing Shih Tzus with loving families across America for decades. Every Shih Tzu puppy from our program includes our exclusive 5-Year FREE Local Vet Package, providing comprehensive veterinary care coverage that gives you genuine peace of mind. We also offer free door-to-door delivery anywhere in the United States, ensuring your new Shih Tzu puppy arrives at your doorstep safely and stress-free. Call us at (800) 879-1995 to learn about our available Shih Tzu puppies today.