Shih Tzu: Care Guide for Coat, Eyes and Saudi Heat

A flowing coat, a face like a chrysanthemum and a big, friendly personality. The Shih Tzu has roots in Tibet and was developed in China as a palace companion [1]. It is small and easy to love, but its flat face and long coat need a little extra care, especially in Saudi heat.

Shih Tzu quick facts

Is a Shih Tzu good for an apartment?

It was made for life indoors with people. The American Kennel Club standard says the breed's sole purpose is to be "a companion and house pet" [2]. The FCI lists it as a companion dog, with no working role [1].

No official source sets a daily exercise amount. Think gentle walks in the cool hours and play at home. Flat-faced dogs with breathing trouble can tire quickly, so let yours set the pace [4].

Is a Shih Tzu a good family dog?

Its standard describes the ideal temperament as "outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting towards all" [2]. The FCI adds intelligent, active, alert and a little independent [1]. An aggressive or overly shy dog does not meet the standard [1]. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog itself before you decide.

How do I groom a Shih Tzu's coat?

That long coat is part of the charm, and part of the work. The standards agree on one rule: hair must never block the dog's eyes or its movement [1][2][3]. The UK Kennel Club recommends tying up the hair on the head [3]. Tidy trimming of the feet and the bottom of the coat is fine [2].

No official source gives a brushing schedule, so ask a groomer or a licensed vet what suits your dog's coat.

Why do Shih Tzu eyes water?

The breed's face shape puts its eyes under extra strain. A short muzzle and a shallow eye socket leave more of the eye exposed to air and to rubbing from facial hair [5].

In one study of Shih Tzus with no eye complaints, every dog had hairs touching the eye at the inner corner and a lower eyelid that rolled slightly inward [5]. Most could not fully close their eyelids [5].

Keep the hair around the eyes tidy [5]. Watering, redness, squinting or discharge are reasons to see a licensed vet.

Can a Shih Tzu handle Saudi heat?

Only with careful planning. Cornell's vet school names flat-faced breeds among the dogs at greatest risk of heatstroke [9], and hot, humid weather makes their breathing harder [4]. In a Saudi summer:

• Keep the dog indoors during periods of extreme heat and humidity [9].
• Shade and fresh water at all times [9].
• Walks only in the coolest hours, early morning or late night [9].
• No hard exercise in hot weather, and never a parked car [9].

Heatstroke is an emergency [9]. Learn its signs in our heatstroke article, and at any sign, go to a vet immediately.

What should a Shih Tzu eat?

A slim dog breathes more easily, because extra weight makes flat-faced breathing problems worse [4]. Vet guidance is to check your dog's body condition at every visit and adjust how you feed to keep it ideal [7]. No official source gives a Shih Tzu portion size, so ask a licensed vet.

What health problems do Shih Tzus get?

• Breathing (BOAS): Cornell lists the Shih Tzu among flat-faced breeds affected by this airway problem [4]. Watch for snoring, noisy or hard breathing, gagging or tiring fast. Blue gums or collapse are an emergency [4].
• Teeth: small breeds are more prone to gum disease [6]. Daily toothbrushing and professional cleanings by a vet are the main prevention [6].
• Kneecaps: small breeds are prone to a kneecap that slips out of place. A sign is an on-and-off "skipping" step on a back leg, often before one year of age [8].
• Eyes: see the section above [5].

For any of these signs, see a licensed vet.

Before you buy or adopt a Shih Tzu

• Ask for the health record and vaccination card. Core vaccines start with a puppy series of several doses [10].
• Check the dog has, or will get, a microchip [11].
• Ask whether the parents had an eye check, and about any noisy breathing in the family line [4][5].
• Plan a regular grooming routine, and start tooth brushing early [6].
• Budget for food, vet check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, grooming and home cooling.

Can I travel with a Shih Tzu?

This is guidance only. Rules change, so confirm with MEWA through the Anaam platform and with your airline before you book [11][12].

• Coming into Saudi Arabia: get an import permit on Anaam, valid for 30 days. The dog needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination with at least six months of validity left, a veterinary health certificate and its vaccination record [11].
• Short trips out: a temporary exit-and-return permit for a travelling pet is limited to 60 days [11].
• Airlines: at least one Gulf airline (Emirates) lists the Shih Tzu among flat-faced breeds it doesn't normally carry, though it allows exceptions under specific conditions in the winter months (November–April) [12]. Confirm the current terms directly with your airline before booking.

Did you know? The famous "chrysanthemum" face comes from hair that grows upward on the bridge of the muzzle, and the official standard names it [1]. After China became a republic in 1912, the breed reached the West, and the first recorded import to Britain came in 1931 [1].

Shih Tzu FAQ

How long does a Shih Tzu live?

We did not find a fully verified, vet-sourced figure for this breed, so we don't quote one.

Is a Shih Tzu a flat-faced breed?

Yes. Cornell lists it among the flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds affected by BOAS [4].

How big does a Shih Tzu get?

Up to 27 cm at the shoulder and about 4.5–8 kg [1][3].

Does a Shih Tzu need a lot of exercise?

No. It was bred as a companion, not a working dog [1][2]. Keep walks gentle and in the cool hours [9].