Even though the name Shih Tzu means "lion dog" in Chinese, there is nothing fierce about these puppies. Shih Tzus have happy, outgoing personalities and a big desire to be around people, whether that is sitting with you on the couch or taking a walk through the neighborhood. They are great with children and make the perfect family dog. Let one of these Shih Tzu puppies warm your heart today!
Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale: About the Breed
A Shih Tzu puppy is a perky, happy toy breed that is a joy to be around. While the exact history is unknown, it is thought that Tibet sent dogs to Chinese royalty as gifts during the Ming Dynasty. The Chinese then bred them with Pekingese or Pugs to create the Shih Tzu dog we see today.
If you Google "Shih Tzu puppies for sale," you will find that this breed is a cheerful, affectionate, and outgoing family dog that loves to follow its owners around and receive attention. A Shih Tzu puppy is an excellent breed for companionship, and your lap will be their favorite spot. Shih Tzu puppies carry themselves with a confident and honorable demeanor.
Characteristics
With their short snout, round, wide eyes, fluffy tail, and floppy little ears, Shih Tzu puppies are quite adorable. The Shih Tzu breed is slightly longer than tall, with a solid body and a good-sized head. Searching for "Shih Tzu dogs for sale" will bring up many adorable photos that show off their gorgeous coats. You will notice a range of patterns and markings as well as colors including black, black and white, red and white, or gray and white. The rarest colors are pure black, liver, and silver.
Activity Level
Shih Tzu puppies are not extremely active and are content with short walks to get their daily exercise. They are adaptable to any living situation. You'll find them satisfied just sitting on their owner's lap, playing with their toys, or barking at new visitors. They will make your guest their new friend the moment they walk inside.
If you search for "Shih Tzu for sale near me," you'll find that although they think they can fly, they cannot! While they do enjoy the comfort of their owner's arms, Shih Tzu puppies will often think they can fearlessly jump from a couch or your lap.
Disposition
Shih Tzu puppies for sale are well-known for their lively, friendly temperaments. Not only do they get along well with other dogs and older humans, but they are also particularly loving with children. A Shih Tzu puppy is an extremely sociable breed that adores the company of people.
You will rarely find a snippy Shih Tzu puppy, as they are very sweet and do not bark as often as other small breeds. However, that will not stop them from barking to get your attention.
Training
If you are looking for ways to train a "Shih Tzu puppy for sale near me" you will find that they are very intelligent but not always the easiest to train. While they may be stubborn and difficult to train, that does not mean Shih Tzu puppies are untrainable.
The key thing to remember when training a Shih Tzu puppy is to be consistent, gentle, and have a basic understanding of their behavior. Don't let them train you before you train them!
Grooming Needs & Care
Shih Tzu puppies for sale require regular, if not daily, grooming to keep their coats from matting. They have a gorgeous yet very demanding coat. A Shih Tzu dog's coat needs to be trimmed every few weeks to keep it healthy and prevent tangles. While some owners do this at home, most would rather leave it to the professionals.
However, The Shih Tzu's playful and happy temperament makes it a joy to groom its distinctive long and silky coat. While regular grooming is necessary to maintain their luxurious fur, many puppy parents find this a relaxing bonding experience, making them feel close to their loyal companion. Not to mention, Shih Tzu puppies love to spend their day being pampered and doted on by their owners, making grooming time an enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone.
You'll notice that a Shih Tzu puppy's face is not unlike that of a child, always dirty, especially after eating, and their eyes often tear up. Using a damp washcloth with warm water to wipe their face may be a regular necessity as well as weekly baths.
Shih Tzu puppies are also prone to dental problems, so it is important to take good care of their teeth and brush them with a soft toothbrush and doggy toothpaste regularly. This will help keep their gums and teeth healthy.
Cost
When looking for "Shih Tzu puppies for sale near me" you will notice that they are a popular dog breed. Therefore, they are a bit more expensive. The price of a "Shih Tzu puppy for sale" can start at $1,850 and increase from there due to pedigree, registration status, color, and more.
Shih Tzus have a life expectancy of 10-16 years, and the cost of ownership does not end when you bring home your new companion. While they are generally healthy, it's important to budget for their excessive grooming as well as any health issues that may arise, such as eye problems, retained baby teeth, ear infections, hip dysplasia, bladder infections, and allergies.
If you're looking for a "Shih Tzu puppy for sale near me," be sure to do your research. A Shih Tzu dog for sale is a great choice if you are looking for a small breed that will be a wonderful companion.
Find more about this breed in our Ultimate Shih Tzu Puppy Ownership Guide.
Shih Tzu Characteristics
Full-Grown Size
Small Large
Grooming Needs
Seldom Regularly
Good with Dogs
Not Really Yes!
Watchdog Ability
Low High
Exercise Needs
Couch Potato High Needs
Color Variations
Curious about the color palette of Shih Tzu puppies? You'll discover a captivating array of hues and patterns that define their distinctive personalities. Below you will find common and rare coat colors for the Shih Tzu breed. *Remember, coat colors often change as a puppy grows older and cannot be guaranteed to remain constant.
- Black
- Black & White
- Blue
- Blue & White
- Brindle
- Brown
- Brown & White
- Cream
- Cream & White
- Gold
- Gold & White
- Gray
- Gray & White
- Liver
- Liver & White
- Red
- Red & White
- Sable
- Sable & White
- Silver
- Silver & White
- Tan
- Tan & White
- Tri-color
- White
Name Variations
Searching for common aliases for Shih Tzu puppies? Ever wondered what other names people use for this breed? Find your answer to what other people call the Shih Tzu by exploring their affectionate nicknames or monikers below. This list will help you in your search for Chinese Imperial Dog puppies and even Chinese Lion Dog puppies for sale as they relate to the Shih Tzu breed.
- Chinese Imperial Dog
- Chinese Lion Dog
- Chrysanthemum Dog
- Tibetan Shih Tzu
- Tzu
- Xi Shi Quan
