How to Identify a Shih Tzu

Co-authored by Nicole Larocco-Skeehan

Last Updated: December 6, 2023 References

Shih Tzu are small, lovable dogs who are members of the toy group.^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} Nicknamed the "Lion Dog",^{[2]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} Shih Tzu are a lively and well-known breed. By paying attention to a dog's appearance and behavior, you can get a better understanding of whether or not a dog is a Shih Tzu.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Recognizing Body Structure

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1
Notice the dog's size. There are two categories of Shih Tzu: normal and imperial (a slightly smaller version). Although you will not be able to identify these just by taking a quick glance, when placed next to one another, the size difference is noticeable. Both varieties of Shih Tzu are small, with the normal variety ranging from 8–11 inches (20–28 cm) tall.^{[3]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

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- Shih Tzu weigh between 9–16 pounds (4.1–7.3 kg) on average, being small dogs.^{[4]
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  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  
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Shih Tzu have tails that curl over their backs. Their tails are high and heavily plumed.^{[5]
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The ears of a Shih Tzu are large and rest at the sides of the dog's head. Their ears are heavily coated.^{[6]
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Shih Tzu have large, wide eyes. Their eyes are very dark (though may be slightly lighter on liver and blue colored dogs), round, and "placed well apart", according to the AKC.^{[7]
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Shih Tzu have squashed-like noses with wide, open nostrils.^{[8]
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Go to source} A Shih Tzu's nose is likely black, but may be liver or blue if liver or blue appears on the dog, respectively.^{[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Taking a Closer Look at the Coat

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Identify the "puppy cut". Not all Shih Tzu owners decide to give their pet this style, but it is very common, especially during summer.^{[10]
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Research source} A dog with a puppy cut has fur that is around 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) long. If you spot a dog with short, rounded fur and paws, it may be a Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzu can be found with any color of coat, though some are rarer than others. The AKC equally accepts all colors and patterns on a Shih Tzu.^{[11]
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American Kennel Club
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Go to source} Many Shih Tzu are seen with two colors, mostly white and another color. Tri-colored and solid Shih Tzu are also seen.
Shih Tzu have double coats, meaning their costs have two layers. Their fur is long and flows when trimmed in a show cut and is described as "luxurious" and "dense" by the AKC.^{[12]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Identifying Temperament

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Shih Tzu are known for having a playful demeanor. They are lively and outgoing, and they can make great companions for children due to their playful nature.^{[13]
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2
Notice high energy levels. The active nature of a Shih Tzu means that it needs regular exercise and playtime. Short walks and playing indoors can help a Shih Tzu release its energy.^{[14]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} Shih Tzu are likely to use their energy to seek attention.^{[15]
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- A Shih Tzu may chew a lot; if so, you may be able to distract it with a variety of treats and teething rings, giving it choices that reflect its independent mindedness.
Shih Tzu love to spend time with their owners, demonstrating their affectionate nature. They are companion dogs and are sociable and friendly. They are gentle even around strangers.^{[16]
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Shih Tzu are intelligent dogs. They are quick to learn if taught correctly.^{[17]
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Research source} They can be trained to recognize sounds and commands, such as knowing when it is time to be washed by hearing the sound of running water.
Despite their intelligence, training a Shih Tzu may take time and effort due to their stubborn nature. It is best to train them early on and socialize them at a young age.^{[18]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Comparing Shih Tzu to Similar Breeds

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Shih Tzu can be easily confused with several other dog breeds. However, knowing the differences between the breeds can help you tell whether the dog is a Shih Tzu.

Know if the animal you spot is a Shih Tzu or a Lhasa Apso. Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzu are related breeds and have much in common. They are both small dogs, though Lhasa Apsos are slightly larger than Shih Tzu, being roughly 10–11 inches (25–28 cm) tall.^{[19]
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Research source} Both dogs have long coats, but Lhasa Apsos are typically gold, black, white/cream, red, or a mix of these colors,^{[20]
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Research source} while Shih Tzu may be any color. Lhasa Apsos, like Shih Tzu, are affectionate, but are instead cautious around strangers.^{[21]
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Spot differences between a Shih Tzu and a Havanese. Shih Tzu and Havanese are very similar in appearance. Havanese are typically the same size as Shih Tzu, but may be an inch taller.^{[22]
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Research source} They both have long coats, but unlike a Shih Tzu, which has a flowy coat, a Havanese has more of a matted coat.^{[23]
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Research source} Havanese are also easier to train as they are not as stubborn.^{[24]
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Tell if a dog is a Shih Tzu or a Maltese. Shih Tzu and Maltese can also be easily confused with one another. One main difference between the breeds is that Maltese are noticeably smaller.^{[25]
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Research source} Maltese are only seen in white, while Shih Tzu have a wider range of coat colors. A Maltese has a single coat, while a Shih Tzu has a double coat.^{[26]
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Research source} Maltese can be excellent watchdogs as they have a tendency to bark.^{[27]
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Two oriental breeds, Shih Tzu and Pekingese have lots in common. They can both be seen in just about any color. However, the coat of a Shih Tzu is more dense than that of a Pekingese.^{[28]
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Research source} Pekingese are slightly smaller than Shih Tzu.^{[29]
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Research source} Pekingese can be good guard dogs and will alert you of any trouble.^{[30]
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Differentiate between Shih Tzu and Yorkies. The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is another breed that is similar to the Shih Tzu. Both are small dogs, but Shih Tzu are the larger breed.^{[31]
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Research source} Yorkies have ears that stand upright, while Shih Tzu have ears that rest on the sides of the head. Both are affectionate, though Shih Tzu are more open to meeting new people.^{[32]
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See how Shih Tzu and Pomeranians differ. Shih Tzu and Pomeranians are both toy breeds; however, Pomeranians are one of the smallest dogs in the world and are smaller than Shih Tzu.^{[33]
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Research source} Shih Tzu have long, flowing fur, while Pomeranians have a puffy coat.^{[34]
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Research source} Both breeds are energetic and lively, though Shih Tzu are more open and Pomeranians take more time to warm up to people.^{[35]
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I lost my Shih Tzu but got another one. I am in doubt he is a true Shih Tzu because his eyes are small compared to the eyes of the one I lost. Does every Shih Tzu have large eyes, or is my new Shih Tzu a different breed?

Linnie

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Shih Tzu are known for their large, impressive eyes. It's possible for one to have slightly smaller eyes than another, but if you're doubting his breed, consider using a DNA test to see if he is a true Shih Tzu.

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Do Shih Tzu have split tongues?

Linnie

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Shih Tzu may have long, hanging tongues, but a dog should not have a split tongue. Take the dog to the vet immediately if it has a split tongue.

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Can some Shih Tzu puppies have a slightly longer snout?

Linnie

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A Shih Tzu's muzzle is described as short and square with a flat front, and it is typically only one inch in length. It is possible for it to be slightly longer in certain dogs, but this is not common. If a dog has a noticeably longer muzzle or snout than this, it is probably a mixed breed or another breed of dog.

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Think about using a DNA test if you wish to identify your dog's breed. A DNA test can confirm if your dog is a Shih Tzu.

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