Shih Tzu pros and cons

Pros of owning a Shih Tzu

• Good with children
• Good with cats
• Low shedding
• Hypoallergenic coat
• Low exercise requirements
• Long lifespan (13–16 years)
• Gentle temperament
• Affectionate and loving
• Playful and fun-natured

The headline strengths of the Shih Tzu are real, but they only materialise when the breed's needs are properly met. A Shih Tzu described as affectionate and outgoing is describing what the breed is when well-bred, well-socialised, and properly exercised — not what any individual dog will automatically be without that foundation.

Shih Tzu cons — the honest downsides

• Challenging to train — requires experienced owner
• Regular professional grooming required
• Requires proper socialisation from puppyhood

None of these cons are unique to Shih Tzus — every breed has trade-offs. But they're worth taking seriously before you commit. The most common source of dog rehoming isn't an incompatible breed — it's an owner who bought based on the pros without fully engaging with the cons.

The real cost of owning a Shih Tzu

Purchase price is just the beginning. A realistic lifetime cost for a Shih Tzu:

• Puppy cost: £700–£1 800 from a reputable breeder. Lower prices often indicate puppy farms or poor breeding — a false economy when health problems emerge.
• Insurance: approximately £20–£45 per month. Shop around — premiums vary significantly between providers for the same level of cover.
• Food: £50–£200+ per month depending on the quality of food and the dog's size. Budget realistically and don't compromise on quality to save money — poor nutrition creates health costs downstream.
• Vetting: annual check-up, boosters, parasite treatment, and the unexpected. Budget £500–£1,500 per year on average, more for complex health needs.
• Grooming: Regular professional grooming is required — budget £50–£90 per appointment, typically every 6–8 weeks.
• Training: puppy classes (£100–£250), followed by ongoing reinforcement. 1-to-1 training support is strongly recommended for this breed.
• Lifetime total: a conservative estimate over 13 years puts the total cost of owning a Shih Tzu at £39 700–£81 800. Be honest about whether this is affordable across the dog's whole life, not just in the puppy year.

Is a Shih Tzu right for you?

The answer depends entirely on whether your lifestyle, experience, and expectations match this breed's actual profile. Ask yourself honestly:

• Can you provide 30–45 minutes of daily exercise — manageable for most lifestyles?
• Do you have experience with training challenging breeds, or the commitment and budget to get professional support?
• Are you financially prepared for the full cost — insurance, food, vetting, and grooming — for the next 13–16 years?
• Have you researched breeders carefully and are you prepared to wait for a well-bred puppy rather than taking a shortcut?

If you can answer yes honestly to these questions, a Shih Tzu can be an excellent companion. If some of these give you pause, it's better to pause now than after the puppy is home. Every breed guide makes their subject sound wonderful — this one is trying to give you what you actually need to know.