Shih-tzu Puppies for Sale

overview of the Shih-tzu Dog Breed

Are you looking for a small dog that thrives on human companionship, loves to cuddle and snuggle, and has a gorgeous outer coat?

If this describes the ideal dog for your home and family, then browse our Shih Tzu puppies for sale below.

As a Toy breed, Shih Tzu puppies are small and do well in smaller homes and apartments.  Their love for children and desire for human companionship makes them an excellent source of joy, comfort, and life for your home.

If you are ready for a small, beautiful dog that lives for companionship, then buy your Shih Tzu puppy today!

You can take a look at our selection of other dog breeds for sale as well!

Shih-tzu temperament

Companionship:  The Shih Tzu lives for human companionship and affection, especially from their owners.  Whether you are holding them, playing with them, or going a walk, you can be sure that your Shih Tzu will be by your side.

Lively:  Although they do enjoy being cuddled, the Shih Tzu also has plenty of energy and loves physical interaction.  They don?t have as much energy as some Toy Dogs, and they are known for playing and living well in smaller homes or apartments.

1. Playful: Shih Tzu puppies are often very playful and curious. They enjoy exploring their environment, investigating new sights and sounds, and engaging in interactive play with people and other dogs.

Companionable: Shih Tzus thrive on companionship and do well in households where they’re not left alone for extended periods. They enjoy being part of family activities and may want to be near their owners most of the time.

Affectionate with children:  The Shih Tzu loves interacting with people, and they do exceptionally well with children.  Because of their small size, it is critical to teach children how to play and interact correctly with your Shih Tzu dog.

Lapdog:  Many people picture the Shih Tzu lying on someone?s lap, which is often the truth!  Although they do have energy, one of the Shih Tzu?s favorite position is being cuddled or held by their owner.

Stubborn:  The Shih Tzu is more challenging to train and housebreak than some dog breeds.  The key to success is providing consistent, daily training when they are young.  Be patient with your Shih Tzu and provide positive feedback, and you will see progress quickly.

Remember that each Shih Tzu puppy is an individual with its own personality and behavior traits. Proper care, training, and socialization are essential to raising a well-behaved and well-adjusted Shih Tzu that will grow into a loving and loyal companion.

Shih-tzu Breed history

The Shih Tzu breed originates in China and Tibet, and archaeology shows the early ancestors may be some of the oldest dog breeds.  Paintings, carvings, and other documents show the Shih Tzu’s ancestors as playing a large part in China’s history.

There is much mystery about the breed’s early days. However, stories and documents reveal that the dog was surrounded by myths and mystery, including the belief that they were the incarnations of household gods or carried the human souls of those seeking nirvana.

The Shih Tzu has always been associated with Chinese royalty, and throughout the centuries it could be found in the royal Chinese families and dynasties.  They became especially popular during the Ming Dynasty and were called the “little lions.”

It was not until the early 1900s that the breed made an appearance in Europe, and after that came to the United States.  By the mid-1900s, the Shih Tsu’s popularity was spreading and gaining popularity outside of China.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Shih Tzu breed in the United States in 1969.

Today, there are plenty of delightful Shih-Tzu mixes available, including the Shihpoo, Cava-Tzu, and Havashu.

Shih-tzu Average size

Shih Tzu puppies are considered a Toy breed, and they are not large dogs.

Adult Shih Tzu dogs are usually 8-11″ tall at the shoulders and weigh about 10-15 pounds.

Average Shih-tzu lifespan

The Shih Tzu breed has been known to live longer than some other dog breeds.

The average lifespan is 10-18 years.

Shih-tzu body features

The Shih Tzu breed has several distinct features, most of them having to do with their beautiful coat and majestic appearance.

The Shih Tzu carries itself like royalty.  They often keep their neck and head back, head held high, and their tail curved over the back.

Their long, flowing coat adds to their majestic appearance as well.  The coat is a dense, double coat with the outer coat long and flowing.

The breed also has large, round eyes that distinctly peer out from their thick coat.

grooming Your Shih-tzu Puppy

Because of their thick double coat and long outer hair, the Shih Tzu needs special care when it comes to grooming.

They should be brushed daily to remove loose hair and prevent knots and other dirt clumps from building up in their hair.

To help keep the coat clean, they should also be bathed every several weeks.  The dog is overall a clean breed, but if their coat gets dirty, they may need more frequent bathing.

When it comes to trimming their hair, many owners have different opinions on the length or style of the trimming.  Their hair should be professionally trimmed and cut as needed to maintain the coat’s length that the owner desires.

Keeping Your Shih-tzu Puppy Healthy

The Shih Tzu breed is an overall healthy breed, but there are a few things that their owners need to watch for in their Shih Tzu.

Because of their long coats, Shih Tzus don’t do well when exposed to heat.  Their coats make them hot quickly, so make sure your dog can cool down as needed on warm days or situations.

They also don’t do well in water, so be careful when around lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water.

Due to their larger eyes, watch for irritation when dirt, dust, or other objects get into their eyes.  You will see redness or other irritations, and you should take your Shih Tzu to the vet.

Like all dog breeds, Shih Tzus are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, two of the most common health issues among dogs. Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when the leg or hip becomes weakened, and it can result in arthritis or potential lameness if not addressed.

One of the best ways to prevent this is by keeping your dog from too much running on hard surfaces, especially when they are puppies.

Typical Shih-tzu Allergens

Allergens are caused by dander, which is dead skin cells.  These skin cells are shed by any animal, including humans.

Because of their long, thick coats, Shih Tzu dogs are not the most allergen-friendly dog.  However, their allergens can be lowered if they are brushed regularly and kept clean.

If you have someone in your home with animal allergy concerns, it is good to consult your family physician.

• 1. Do Shih-Tzus like children?
  Shih-Tzus normally do great with kids! Just be sure to teach your kids to play gently with your Shih-Tzu, as they are small, fragile dogs and could be injured by accident. Also, remember that any small dog may become snappish if they feel threatened. Therefore, always supervise your dog and your child.
• 2. Do Shih-Tzus need a lot of exercise?
  Shih-Tzus were bred to be lapdogs, and they don’t have highly demanding exercise needs. A short walk or some scheduled playtime will satisfy their daily exercise needs.
• 3. Are Shih-Tzus hard to housetrain?
  Unfortunately, Shih-Tzus can be very difficult to housetrain because they have small bladders and are prone to anxiety. It will take time, consistency, and patience to get your Shih-Tzu to the point where you can trust him in the house at all times.
• 4. Do Shih-Tzus get injured easily?
  Shih-Tzus are small and fragile, and can get injured fairly easily. It’s always a good thing to supervise playtime with toddlers. Besides this, Shih-Tzus often think they can jump off high things safely when they really can’t. They are front-heavy and a high jump may end in the Shih-Tzu crashing forward and injuring her head or neck. Be sure to keep a good hold on your dog when you carry her and try not to let her jump off high things.
• 5. Can Shih-Tzus stand heat and cold?
  Because of their short faces, Shih-Tzus are extremely sensitive to heat. They are somewhat more tolerant of the cold, but they are inside dogs and should not be left outside in the elements for long periods of time.
• 6. Are Shih-Tzus good for first-time dog owners?
  Yes! Shih-Tzus are friendly, easy to handle, and make wonderful dogs for first-time owners.
• 7. Are Shih-Tzus yappy?
  Shih-Tzus are generally less yappy than some small dogs, but barking is not unheard of. How much a Shih-Tzu barks depends a lot on the individual.
• 8. Are Shih-Tzus friendly to strangers?
  Shih-Tzus are not guard dogs by nature—they normally love everyone and will be friendly with strangers.
• 9. Are Shih-Tzus playful?
  Shih-Tzus LOVE to play! They are one of the happiest, most outgoing breeds out there, and they will soak up any playtime you can give them.
• 10. Do Shih-Tzus suffer from separation anxiety?
  Shih-Tzus are companion dogs and they love to be with their owners. They may experience separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long. That said, you can train your Shih-Tzu to be ok with being alone for several hours at a time.