The Shih Tzu, a small dog with a gentle and affectionate character, is an ideal companion for those looking for a small dog with a charming personality and great loyalty to its family. This dog, originally from Tibet and Imperial China, thrives in a calm and comfortable environment.
✨ Breed Characteristics
- Origin: Tibet, China
- Hypoallergenic? Yes
📊 Quick Facts
- Weight: 4-8 kg (male & female)
- Height: 22-27 cm (male) | 20-25 cm (female)
- Life expectancy: 11-14 years
- Exercise needs: 45 minutes to 1 hour per day
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Perfect for apartment living)
🧠 Personality (out of 5 stars)
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very affectionate dog)
- Protective: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Not very protective)
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Playful, but not overly energetic)
- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Moderate barking)
- Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Obedient, but can be capricious)
- Hunter: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Underdeveloped hunting instincts)
- Calm: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Calm but not completely inactive)
- Athletic: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Not very athletic)
- Independent: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Not very independent, enjoys company)
🐾 Compatibility with
- Children: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Well-suited for families with children)
- Other animals: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Generally gets along with other animals)
- Strangers: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Sociable with strangers)
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Ideal for apartment living)
🧼 Maintenance & care
- Ease of maintenance: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Easy to maintain)
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Low cost, but requires regular care)
- Care frequency:
- Brushing: Regular to avoid knots and mats
- Bathing: Occasional
- Eye, ear, and teeth monitoring: Frequent checks needed
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: 1000-1500 €
- Average annual cost (veterinary, accessories, food): 900-950 €
🏡 Important note
The Shih Tzu is an indoor dog that prefers to live in a calm environment with its owners. It does not appreciate solitude and will need your presence to thrive. It can perfectly live in an apartment or house as long as it has a quiet space for itself. Its sweet and affectionate nature makes it an ideal companion for families and people looking for a low-maintenance dog, although its long coat requires regular grooming.
👉 An affectionate companion, suitable for apartment living, but requires regular grooming to maintain its beauty. 🏡🐕
