The Shih Tzu, which translates to "Little Lion Dog" as an homage to their long, silky coat resembling a mane, is an ancient breed with origins that genetic testing has proven date back centuries, possibly to Tibet where lamas bred them to replicate tiny lions. The breed developed its modern form in China during the late 1800s where it was bred for a more stylized appearance and used as companions and guard dogs dating as far back as the first century. The Shih Tzu suffered significant decline after imperial rule ended in China and faced another setback during World War II, but breeding picked up in the 1950s and 60s, leading to recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1969. These dogs are longer than they are tall with heavily feathered ears that hang low, and hair that often hangs in front of their eyes and muzzle which owners frequently style into top knots.
Lively, alert, and loyal, Shih Tzus are affectionate companions with fun and mischievous personalities who love being around their people and are content doing anything with family members, from woodland walks to couch relaxation. Friendly and approachable around strangers, they tend to do well with children and other dogs when properly socialized, though training may require patience and extra time due to their occasional mischievous streak. Bred as house companions, these dogs get their energy out in short bursts during playtime and enjoy short walks and indoor games, with insufficient playtime potentially leading to destructive behavior. Their long, silky coat requires daily brushing and regular grooming trips to prevent matting, with many owners opting for shorter clips for easier maintenance, though their low-shedding coat makes them considered hypoallergenic despite having dander.
Shih Tzu
Hi there! My name is Minnie and Im an adorable Shih Tzu puppy looking for my forever family! I have a sweet personality, a fluffy coat, and lots of love to share. I enjoy spending my days playing, exp
Shih Tzu
Hi there! My name is Madeline and Im an adorable Shih Tzu puppy looking for my forever family! I have a sweet personality, a fluffy coat, and lots of love to share. I enjoy spending my days playing, e
Shih Tzu
Hi there! My name is Mickey and Im an adorable Shih Tzu puppy looking for my forever family! I have a sweet personality, a fluffy coat, and lots of love to share. I enjoy spending my days playing, exp
Shih Tzu
Hi there! My name is Mango and Im an adorable Shih Tzu puppy looking for my forever family! I have a sweet personality, a fluffy coat, and lots of love to share. I enjoy spending my days playing, expl
Shih Tzu
Hi there! My name is Mooch and Im an adorable Shih Tzu puppy looking for my forever family! I have a sweet personality, a fluffy coat, and lots of love to share. I enjoy spending my days playing, expl
Shih Tzu
Hi there! My name is Mary and Im an adorable Shih Tzu puppy looking for my forever family! I have a sweet personality, a fluffy coat, and lots of love to share. I enjoy spending my days playing, explo
Shih Tzu
Meet Teddy, a precious little puppy with a heart as soft as his name. Teddy is searching for a forever family to love, and anyone lucky enough to meet him will quickly understand why he is so special.
Shih Tzu
Bringing all the fun with them wherever they go, these happy, playful Shih Tzu puppies are the life of the party! Full of wiggles and pure joy and a whole lot of tail wags, they have a way of brighten
Shih Tzu
These adorable Shih Tzu puppies are looking for loving forever homes! They are incredibly sweet, playful, and full of personality. Raised in a family environment with children, they receive plenty of
Shih Tzu
These adorable Shih Tzu puppies are looking for loving forever homes! They are incredibly sweet, playful, and full of personality. Raised in a family environment with children, they receive plenty of
Shih Tzu
These adorable Shih Tzu puppies are looking for loving forever homes! They are incredibly sweet, playful, and full of personality. Raised in a family environment with children, they receive plenty of
Shih Tzu
These adorable Shih Tzu puppies are looking for loving forever homes! They are incredibly sweet, playful, and full of personality. Raised in a family environment with children, they receive plenty of
Shih Tzu
These adorable Shih Tzu puppies are looking for loving forever homes! They are incredibly sweet, playful, and full of personality. Raised in a family environment with children, they receive plenty of

Shih Tzu
🐶 Meet Benito — Your New Best Friend! 🐾 Benito is an adorable Shih Tzu with the fluffiest coat, the sweetest little face, and a personality that will steal your heart instantly. He’s playful, affectionate, laid-back, and loves being around people. Whether he’s cuddling on the couch, following you around the house, or showing off his happy little tail, Benito brings joy
31Shih Tzu
Meet Barry Bloom, a tiny bundle of sweetness wrapped in the fluffiest Shih Tzu coat! This precious little boy has a way of making every day brighter with his adorable puppy wiggles, happy tail wags, a
3Shih Tzu
Meet the tiniest princess of the litter! This adorable little Imperial Shih Tzu girl is the smallest of them all — a true pocket-sized baby who stays extra, extra small. She has a gorgeous rich brown
3Shih Tzu
Meet this itsy-bitsy chocolate dream! This little guy is a true Imperial Shih Tzu — super small, compact, and absolutely precious. With his rich, velvety chocolate coat that catches the light like smo