Shih Tzu
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Shih Tzu. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dental disease | high | Small, crowded mouths make periodontal disease nearly universal without cleanings. |
| Brachycephalic airway issues | moderate | Short muzzle limits heat and exercise tolerance, though less severely than flat-faced extreme breeds. |
| Eye injuries and ulcers | moderate | Large, prominent eyes scratch easily; keep facial hair trimmed. |
| Patellar luxation | moderate | Slipping kneecaps occur at typical toy-breed rates. |
| Renal dysplasia | low | Inherited kidney malformation appears in some lines; ask breeders about history. |
Pet insurance for a Shih Tzu
Insurers price a Shih Tzu from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 1 high-risk condition, led by Dental disease. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Shih Tzu is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 9–16 lbs and a grooming score of 5/5, the Shih Tzu sits well above the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu was bred in Tibetan monasteries and Chinese palaces for one job — companionship — and it still does exactly that. It is friendly with strangers, patient with children, and comfortable in apartments, needing only short daily walks. The long double coat is the main commitment: either a puppy clip every month or so, or daily brushing for a full coat. Short-nosed anatomy means modest heat intolerance and snoring. An excellent choice for first-time owners, seniors, and anyone wanting a low-exercise, high-affection dog.
Origin: Tibet / China
Temperament
Related reading for Shih Tzu owners
Shih Tzu FAQ
How long do Shih Tzus live?
The typical Shih Tzu lifespan is 10–16 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Shih Tzu?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Shih Tzu carries 1 documented high-risk condition, which is the main reason a Shih Tzu policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Shih Tzu a good apartment dog?
Yes. With an energy level of 2/5 and a small build, the Shih Tzu adapts well to apartment living provided it gets daily walks.
What health problems are Shih Tzus prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Dental disease, Brachycephalic airway issues, Eye injuries and ulcers. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.