Shih Tzu Puppies: The Complete Guide for New Owners

A step-by-step roadmap to nurture a playful pup into a well-mannered, loving companion.

By Anjali Sayee

Created on Aug 28, 2025

A step-by-step roadmap to nurture a playful pup into a well-mannered, loving companion.

Charming, affectionate, and bursting with character, Shih Tzu puppies make delightful lifelong companions. Whether youâre considering bringing home your first Shih Tzu or are seeking advice on raising one to be happy and healthy, this detailed guide will help you with every aspect of careâincluding feeding, grooming, training, essential supplies, and boosting your puppyâs social skills.

About the Shih Tzu Breed

The Shih Tzuâwhose name fittingly translates to âlion dogâ in Chineseâboasts a regal history as a cherished companion to Chinese emperors. Their luxurious coats, expressive faces, and friendly temperament helped make them a favorite in royal courts, and these same traits have cemented their place in modern households worldwide.

Size: Typically 20â28 cm in height and weighing 4â7 kg.
Lifespan: 12â16 years.
Appearance: Long, flowing double coat, flat face (brachycephalic), and striking round eyes.
Personality: Playful, affectionate, alert, and generally outgoing but can be vocal.
Household suitability: Adapt well to apartments and are gentle with all ages.

Shih Tzu Puppy Temperament

Shih Tzus are celebrated for their friendly and loving nature. These pups thrive on human connection and relish being at the heart of family life. Their calm disposition makes them ideal for both families and individuals, but early socialization is crucial for building confidence and encouraging well-mannered behavior around people and other pets.

Preparing for Your Shih Tzu Puppy

Before bringing a Shih Tzu puppy home, preparation is key to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. Follow these essential steps:

Puppy-proof your home: Secure electrical cords, hazardous household products, and small objects that could be swallowed.
Create a puppy space: Set up a cozy, quiet area with a comfortable bed, food and water bowls, and easy-to-clean floors. Include toys and a crate for safe sleeping.

Essential Supplies Checklist

High-quality puppy food
Sturdy food and water bowls
Comfortable collar, harness, and leash
Puppy shampoo and grooming tools
Crate (for training and sleep)
Chew toys (for teething relief)
Puppy pads (for housebreaking)
Soft training treats

Feeding and Nutrition: What to Feed Your Shih Tzu Puppy

Proper nutrition lays the foundation for lifelong health in your Shih Tzu puppy. Their small size and rapid growth mean they need a nutrient-rich, carefully managed diet.

Best Types of Food

High-quality dry kibble: Formulas for toy or small breeds (look for small kibble size and complete, balanced nutrition).
Wet food: Softens meals for tiny mouths and supports hydration; combine with kibble for dental health.
Vet-approved raw or home-cooked meals: Include lean proteins (chicken, turkey), finely chopped veggies (carrots, peas), and small servings of grains (brown rice); always consult your veterinarian before homemade diets.

Feeding Schedule and Amounts

Age	Meals per Day
6â12 weeks	4 small meals
12â24 weeks	3 meals
4â6 months and older	2 meals

Ensure fresh water is always available.
Avoid overfeeding as Shih Tzus are prone to weight gain.
Toxic foods to avoid: Chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and processed human foods.

Recommended Treats

Soft, low-calorie, and specifically made for puppies.
Use treats as training aids, not meal replacements.
Treats should comprise less than 10% of daily calories.

Grooming and Maintenance

With their luxurious long coats, Shih Tzus are among the most high-maintenance breeds when it comes to grooming. A well-kept coat keeps your puppy comfortable and beautiful.

Grooming Routine

Daily brushing: Prevents tangles and matting. Use a slicker brush and pay extra attention to underarms and behind ears.
Bathing: Every 3â4 weeks with a gentle dog or puppy shampoo; rinse thoroughly to avoid skin irritation.
Haircuts: Every 4â6 weeks; consider a ‘puppy cut’ for easier management.
Eye hygiene: Wipe eyes daily with a damp cloth to reduce tear staining and irritation; keep face hair trimmed.
Ear care: Examine and clean ears weekly to prevent infection; look out for redness or unusual odor.
Nail trimming: Every 2â3 weeks; use dog nail clippers or a grinder, and avoid cutting the quick.

Training Your Shih Tzu Puppy

Positive, patient training ensures a well-behaved and happy puppy. The sensitive and sometimes stubborn Shih Tzu responds best to gentle, consistent routines and rewarding experiences.

Training Tips

Basic commands: Start with sit, stay, come, and down. Use treats and praise for motivation.
Housebreaking: Take your puppy to the designated bathroom spot frequently, especially after meals and naps. Be consistent, patient, and celebrate successes.
Crate training: A crate is a safe denânever use it for punishment. Gradually increase crate time to teach your puppy comfort and patience.

Socialization

Expose your Shih Tzu puppy to a variety of people, other dogs, environments, and everyday sounds from an early age.
Invite friends and friendly vaccinated pets over for positive interactions.
Short, relaxed walks introduce your pup to the world outside your home.
Enroll in a puppy socialization class for structured, supervised learning.

Common Training Challenges

Some Shih Tzu puppies can show determination and stubbornness; stay calm and avoid harsh corrections.
Repetition and short, engaging sessions work bestâShih Tzus can lose interest if bored or overwhelmed.
Always reinforce positive behavior, ignore or redirect undesirable actions, and avoid punishment.

Exercise and Play

Though their energy needs are low compared to larger breeds, daily exercise and play are vital for keeping your Shih Tzu puppy content and well-balanced.

Short walks: 2â3 gentle walks daily, supplemented by indoor play.
Interactive toys: Safe squeaky or plush toys and puzzle feeders for mental stimulation.
Supervised playtime: Especially outdoors, to prevent injury due to their small size.

Health Care for Your Shih Tzu Puppy

Being proactive about your puppyâs health helps ensure a long and happy life. Early vet visits, routine care, and attention to Shih Tzu-specific issues are all essential.

Initial vet check: Schedule soon after bringing puppy home. Discuss vaccinations, deworming, flea/tick prevention, microchipping, and baseline health.
Vaccinations: Follow your vetâs recommended puppy shot schedule.
Spaying/neutering: Discuss appropriate timing with your vet.

Common Health Issues in Shih Tzus

Brachycephalic syndrome: Flat faces can lead to breathing difficulties, especially with overheating or overexertion. Avoid strenuous activity in hot or humid weather.
Eye conditions: Such as dry eye, corneal ulcers, and excessive tearing. Regular eye care is vital.
Ear infections: Thick hair around ears can trap moisture and dirt; keep ears clean and dry.
Dental problems: Small mouths increase the risk for overcrowded teeth and gum diseases. Begin brushing your puppyâs teeth early and provide dental treats.
Luxating patella: Knee cap dislocation sometimes occurs. Watch for abnormal walking and consult your vet if you notice issues.

Living with a Shih Tzu Puppy: Tips for Success

Be patient and gentle; Shih Tzus thrive with calm, positive reinforcement.
Keep a consistent daily routine for meals, exercise, and bedtime.
Maintain mental stimulation through play, toys, and learning new tricks.
Prioritize regular grooming to avoid discomfort or health problems.
Encourage independence with alone-time training to prevent separation anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much exercise does a Shih Tzu puppy need?

They require short daily walks and plenty of indoor play. Excessive exercise is unnecessary and can be harmful due to their size and breathing anatomy.

Are Shih Tzu puppies good for families with children?

Yes, their gentle temperament and affectionate nature suit families with respectful children. Always supervise young kids and teach them gentle handling.

How often should I groom my Shih Tzu puppy?

Brush them daily, bathe every 3â4 weeks, and schedule trims every month or so. Wipe their eyes and clean their ears regularly to prevent issues.

Are Shih Tzu puppies easy to train?

With patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency, training can be successful. They can have a stubborn streak, so early and gentle socialization is important.

Do Shih Tzu puppies have special health needs?

They are prone to breathing, dental, ear, and eye issues. Routine vet care and proper daily maintenance reduce the risk of health concerns.

Conclusion

Shih Tzu puppies bring laughter, love, and companionship to any household. While their grooming and care require commitment, their loyal personalities and cheerful spirits reward owners tenfold. With the right preparation, nutrition, training, and health care, your Shih Tzu puppy will flourish into a cherished family member for years to come.

References

Author

Anjali Sayee

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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