Skip to main content

If you’re considering adding a new member to your family, you may be spending a lot of time researching the perfect breed for your lifestyle. There are many things to consider from the makeup of your family to where you live that will inform what kind of dog might be the best fit. For those looking for a smaller pup, the Shih Tzu may have popped up in your research. Learn more about these adorable and expressive pups to decide if this might be the right dog for your family.

About the Shih Tzu

The American Kennel Club ranks the Shih Tzu 20th out of 197 on their most popular breeds list, and this is for good reason! These “affectionate, playful, and outgoing pups” pack a lot of personality into their small frames. They weigh between 9 and 16 pounds and are only about 10 inches tall on average. This makes them suitable for living in most environments including smaller apartments.

The average life expectancy for these pups is 10 – 18 years, this means your dog may be an almost two-decade commitment. So before you bring one into your home, ensure this is a responsibility that you want to take on.

Four pros of Shih Tzus

1. Have gorgeous coats

Shih Tzu’s can be found in a wide variety of colors. These include gold & white, red & white, gold with a black mask, black & white, liver, solid black, and brindle & white. These pups…

Read More on Ollie!

Get Exclusive Offers for Your Pet



    Our Pet Beyond

    Author Our Pet Beyond

    More posts by Our Pet Beyond