📜 History
De Shih Tzu heeft wortels in Tibetaanse en Chinese hofhonden. Eeuwenlange selectie als gezelschapshond verklaart de sterke gerichtheid op mensen en de opvallende lange vacht.
🧬 Dog breeds
Practical breed information as a starting point — every dog remains an individual.
BREED GUIDE
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is generally a klein breed with laag/middel energy. Commonly described traits include: gezellig, aanhankelijk, rustig. Individual dogs can differ greatly, so always assess the dog in front of you.
Stylised breed illustration
Sizeklein
Energylaag/middel
Social profilesociaal
OriginTibet / China
🎯 Original purpose
Gezelschap.
The original work often helps explain why certain motivations and behaviours can still occur in the breed today.
🐕 Appearance
Shih Tzu is klein in size and typically has een opvallende vachtstructuur die regelmatige verzorging vraagt en sterk bij het rasbeeld hoort. Typical impression: gezellig, aanhankelijk, rustig. Lines, coat, colour, build and temperament can vary within every breed.
🧠 Characteristics
gezellig, aanhankelijk, rustig
Use breed traits as guidance, not prediction. Upbringing, socialisation, health, experiences and individual temperament still matter.
At a glance
Energy2/5
Trainability4/5
Social5/5
Coat care3/5
🏃 Exercise
This breed has an average laag/middel energy level. Match exercise to age, condition and health, combining physical activity with sniffing, rest and mental work.
🎓 Training
Use short, clear sessions and reward desired behaviour. Consider the breed’s original purpose, while always adapting training to the individual dog.
🧴 Care
Regularly check coat, skin, ears, nails and teeth. Exact care needs vary by coat type, lifestyle and individual dog.
❤️ Health
Breeds can have predispositions to inherited problems. Discuss individual health questions with a veterinarian and use official breed health testing when making breeding choices.
🏡 Is this breed right for me?
Look beyond appearance: available time, exercise, training, care, living environment, costs and the individual dog’s temperament matter just as much.
💡 Did you know
Much behaviour considered “typical breed behaviour” relates to work ancestors were selected for over generations. It is a clue, not a guarantee for an individual dog.
Do you have a Shih Tzu?Use Academy for training adapted to your individual dog.
🎓 AcademyBreed profile at a glance
NameShih Tzu
Sizesmall
Energylow/medium
Socialsocial
Often described traits: companionable, affectionate, calm.
🎓 Continue in Go2Dog
Breed information describes averages. Breed clubs, veterinarians and recognised kennel organisations are additional sources for health, breeding and official standards.