Royal Silk Shih Tzus
Guides

The Shih Tzu Guide

What families ask most about Shih Tzus, answered plainly: how big they get, how long they live, what they are like to live with, and how to care for that coat.

  • 9 to 16 lbThe breed standard
  • 9 to 10.5 inHeight at the shoulder
  • About 1 yearTo reach full size
  • 11 to 14 yrsUsual lifespan
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The Questions Families Ask First

Percy, a brown and white parti Shih Tzu puppy How Big Do Shih Tzus Get?Size, weight and growth by ageLearn more Sade, a gold and white parti Shih Tzu puppy How Long Do Shih Tzus Live?How long do Shih Tzus live? Most Shih Tzus live about 11 to 14 years.Read the guide Terry, a brown and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Shih Tzu Temperament: What Living With One Is Really LikeWhat is a Shih Tzu's temperament like? Affectionate, playful and a little stubborn: personality, barking, intelligence,...Read the guide

Breed Basics

What a Shih Tzu is, how big they get, how long they live, the colors, the Lhasa Apso question, and what to call your puppy.

Melissa, a gold and white parti Shih Tzu puppy What Is a Shih Tzu?What a Shih Tzu is: where the breed comes from, what the name means, how to pronounce it, what it was bred for and what...Read the guide Tessa, a gold and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Shih Tzu ColorsEvery color and pattern explainedSee the colors Sade, a gold and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Lhasa Apso vs Shih TzuLhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu compared fairly: size, face, coat, temperament, grooming and health, plus a short look at the...Read the guide Sammy, a brown and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Shih Tzu NamesShih Tzu names for boys and girls, from Chinese and Tibetan ideas to coat colors, food, royalty and size, plus how to...Read the guide

Health and Care

The health questions worth knowing about, and the everyday care: the coat, the haircut, food and allergies.

Sade, a gold and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Shih Tzu Health ProblemsThe common Shih Tzu health problems, from eye trouble and breathing to teeth, ears, skin and knees, plus what a vet...Read the guide Sammy, a brown and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Shih Tzu Grooming: The Routine That Keeps the Coat HealthyHow to groom a Shih Tzu at home: brushing, mats, baths, eyes, ears, nails, teeth, the top knot, supplies and how often to...Read the guide Tessa, a gold and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Shih Tzu Haircuts: Styles, Names and How to Ask for ThemShih Tzu haircuts explained: puppy cut, teddy bear cut, lion cut, summer cut, long show coat and top knot styles, and how...Read the guide Melissa, a gold and white parti Shih Tzu puppy What to Feed a Shih TzuWhat to feed a Shih Tzu puppy and adult, how much, a feeding schedule by age, foods to avoid, safe fruit and vegetables,...Read the guide Percy, a brown and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Are Shih Tzus Hypoallergenic?Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic? They shed little, but no breed is allergen free.Read the guide

Sizes

Teacup, imperial, toy and mini: what each word really means, and how small a healthy Shih Tzu is.

Terry, a brown and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Teacup Shih TzuWhat "teacup" really meansLearn more Melissa, a gold and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Imperial Shih TzuWhere the word comes fromLearn more Sade, a gold and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Toy Shih TzuA Toy Group breed, explainedLearn more Sammy, a brown and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Mini Shih TzuSmall, healthy and standardLearn more

Living With a Shih Tzu

What they are like at home, what a puppy costs, how to choose a breeder and what comes home with a puppy.

Terry, a brown and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Shih Tzu PriceWhat a puppy costs and what is includedLearn more Percy, a brown and white parti Shih Tzu puppy Shih Tzu BreedersWhat to ask any breeder, and my answersLearn more Sade, a gold and white parti Shih Tzu puppy What Comes With Your PuppyThe go-home package, vaccinations and the guaranteeLearn more
When You Are Ready

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