A possible best friend

Shih Tzu

Developed as a companion, the Shih Tzu is typically friendly, playful and independent. Its small body and flowing coat suit shared home life with regular activity.

Puppy

Grown up

Illustrated puppy and adult examples.

Personality at a glance

Affection with family: 3 out of 3; Higher tendency
Playfulness: 2 out of 3; Moderate tendency
Child-friendly tendency: 3 out of 3; Higher tendency
Comfort with other dogs: 3 out of 3; Higher tendency
Welcoming new people: 2 out of 3; Moderate tendency

Breed tendencies vary between dogs. Supervise children and dogs together. Cats and small pets need an individual compatibility assessment.

About these ratings

Our three levels group the AKC’s published five-point ratings: 1–2 becomes lower, 3 moderate, and 4–5 higher. The child rating describes young-child tendencies. These are general tendencies, not safety or compatibility guarantees.

AKC Shih Tzu breed traits · Reviewed 8 October 2026

Meet connected mixes

Family connections

Shih-poo

Shared backgrounds, individual dogs. A mix name does not predict traits.

The beginning

Puppy days

Teach comfortable face, paw and coat handling with short rewarded sessions. Keep toilet opportunities frequent and introduce sights and sounds gradually, allowing undisturbed naps.

Your everyday

Adult life

Keep the adult engaged through gentle walks, sniffing and indoor games. Continue patient reward-based training and a consistent grooming routine, adapting outings to temperature.

Everyday care

Comb the long coat daily, keep hair clear of eyes and clean the face. A shorter trim still needs upkeep; provide gentle daily walks and play.

Worth planning for: Heat tolerance is limited, and eye-area hair needs attention; the small size does not mean minimal care.

Sources & reading

Reviewed 8 October 2026. Breed tendencies and mixed-background possibilities describe a starting point, not a promise about an individual dog.