Are Shih Tzus hyper?

How hyper are Shih Tzus?

Shih Tzus are a calm, low-energy breed — one of the more relaxed choices available. They're not interested in marathon exercise sessions and are perfectly content with a shorter walk and some relaxed time with their family. This makes them well-suited to flats, smaller homes, less active owners, and households where the dog needs to fit around a busy life rather than dominate it.

"Low energy" doesn't mean zero exercise. Shih Tzus still need daily walks for their physical health, mental stimulation to prevent boredom, and regular human interaction. A sedentary dog in an under-stimulating environment will develop its own problems — weight gain, low-grade anxiety, and attention-seeking behaviours. Low needs isn't the same as no needs.

Managing a calm Shih Tzu

With low-energy Shih Tzus, the management focus shifts from "how do I tire this dog out" to "how do I keep them comfortable and stimulated without overdoing it". One to two shorter walks per day, combined with gentle play and training sessions, covers their needs. Be cautious about over-exercising in warm weather — low-energy breeds are often also more sensitive to heat than working breeds.

Low-energy breeds can be a particularly good fit for older adults, people in flats, or households where the dog needs to settle calmly for long periods. The trade-off is that they may also be more prone to weight gain if activity is consistently below the minimum — short daily walks should still happen regardless of weather.

Exercise requirements for Shih Tzus

• Daily minimum: 30–45 minutes of steady exercise
• Format: moderate walks rather than high-intensity exercise
• Weather sensitivity: often less tolerant of extreme heat or cold. Moderate conditions work best
• Mental engagement: short training sessions and interactive toys provide enough stimulation

When does a Shih Tzu calm down?

All dogs become calmer with age — the question is how much and when. For Shih Tzus:

Shih Tzus tend to be calm even as young dogs relative to higher-energy breeds. Their puppy phase involves less frantic energy than working breeds, and by 18 months most are already quite settled. This doesn't mean skipping training — it just means the trajectory is usually straightforward.