Buy a Shih Tzu: Why You Should Understand Health First
If you're thinking about buying a Shih Tzu, you've likely fallen for this lovable, people-oriented little dog—and it’s easy to see why. The Shih Tzu, whose name comes from Chinese and means "little lion," was never bred for guarding, herding, or pulling. Its only job has always been to provide human companionship. That’s why it’s considered an affectionate “shadow” that prefers to be wherever you are.
However, the honesty that HonestDog stands for includes the flip side: The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed and is classified in Germany among breeds susceptible to torture-breeding (Qualzucht). Its flat face brings physical challenges that you must be aware of before falling in love with puppy photos. This guide deliberately reverses the usual order: First, we look at the health reality, then the most honest way to get such a dog. If you want to dive deeper, you can find a transparent overview in our Shih Tzu breed profile.
The Health Reality: What Brachycephaly Means for the Shih Tzu
Many buying guides skip this part—we put it right at the beginning. The Shih Tzu is bred for a short, flat muzzle, a round head, and large, prominent eyes. The very features many find cute are the cause of typical, often lifelong ailments. In Germany, breeding for such extremes falls under the torture-breeding paragraph (§ 11b of the Animal Welfare Act), and the Shih Tzu is explicitly mentioned in veterinary leaflets regarding such breeding. This is not a reason for panic, but a reason to make an informed decision. The German Veterinary Chamber regularly warns about the consequences of breeding for short heads.
Breathing, Stamina, and Heat
In short-nosed dogs, the skull is shortened, but the soft tissue in the nose and throat is not—it becomes compressed in a tight space. Common consequences include narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and increased breathing resistance. This can manifest as snoring, wheezing, rapid exhaustion, and, in severe cases, Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Because affected dogs dissipate heat primarily through panting, their temperature regulation is also impaired: A Shih Tzu gets overwhelmed by heat much faster than a long-nosed dog and is at higher risk of heatstroke in the summer. Extensive exercise, dog sports, long hikes, or jogging alongside a bicycle are not suitable for them—their activity should remain leisurely.
Sensitive Eyes
The large, forward-facing eyes sit in shallow sockets and are therefore relatively unprotected. This makes them prone to dry eye, irritation, and corneal injuries or ulcers; additionally, ingrowing hairs can cause irritation (which is why you often see that charming little top-knot). In rare cases, the eyeball can prolapse even with minor injuries. Daily inspection of the eyes and facial folds is part of basic grooming for this breed. You should have any abnormalities such as squinting, tearing, or cloudiness checked by a vet promptly.
Crowded Teeth
Even a small dog has a full set of about 42 teeth. In the shortened jaw of a Shih Tzu, they are crowded and often crooked, which promotes tartar, hard-to-reach plaque, and gum inflammation. Regular dental care at home and veterinary check-ups help prevent painful issues.
Other Breed-Specific Topics
Besides the consequences of the shortened skull, there are other points a good breeder monitors: patellar luxation (slipping kneecap) and eye diseases like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Responsible breeders have the eyes and knee joints of the parent animals examined by specialists and will present the results to you proactively.
Adoption First: Giving a Shih Tzu a Second Home
The most honest first step doesn't lead to a breeder, but to animal welfare. In shelters and breed-specific rescue organizations, purebred Shih Tzus and charming Shih Tzu mixes are often waiting for a second chance. They often end up there because previous owners were overwhelmed by the intensive coat care, living circumstances changed, or the owner passed away.
Adopting an adult dog has concrete advantages: It is usually already house-trained, knows basic commands, and its character is already established—so you can see how well it breathes and what condition its eyes and teeth are in, rather than just hoping. Providing a home to a dog from animal welfare gains you a grateful companion and avoids supporting the further propagation of extreme features.
If You Still Choose a Breeder: What Proof You Must Demand
If you decide on a puppy anyway, choosing the breeder is the most important decision of all—more important than any detail about appearance. For a breed affected by torture-breeding, “reputable” isn't enough; the breeding must actively work against the breed-specific strains. Look specifically for health-oriented breeding that can prove the following to you:
- Clear breathing: The parent animals breathe silently while at rest and playing, without wheezing or snoring. Ideally, breeding animals have passed a standardized exercise test for breathing.
- Visible muzzle: A breeder who consciously breeds for more nose rather than keeping the face as flat as possible. Open, wide nostrils are a must.
- Healthy eyes: Written veterinary eye examinations of the parents (e.g., for PRA), not just verbal assurances.
- Knee joints: Veterinary proof that the parent animals are free from patellar luxation.
- Transparency on-site: You must be allowed to see the mother with the puppies in a home environment. The mother should look relaxed, well-groomed, and breathe freely.
- Clean handover: Puppies should not leave before the 8th to 10th week of life; they should be vaccinated, chipped, dewormed multiple times, and have an EU pet passport.
A breeder who prioritizes appearance over breathing or dismisses your health questions as exaggerated is the wrong one—no matter how cute the photos are. You can read which examinations responsible breeding in Germany documents at the German Kennel Club (VDH). You can also find pre-checked breeding sites via our overview of health-oriented Shih Tzu breeding in Germany.
Warning Signs: Leave Immediately
Stay away without exception if a puppy is to be handed over from a car trunk or in a parking lot, if the mother is “not there right now,” or if you never hear the parent animals breathing. Such patterns are classic signs of illegal puppy trafficking and animal-cruelty-based breeding.
What a Shih Tzu Really Costs – Beyond the Purchase Price
When it comes to the Shih Tzu price, an honest assessment is worth it: It’s not the purchase price that dictates the cost, but the dog's life of about 10 to 16 years. A suspiciously low price is not a bargain, but a warning signal—with an unethically bred puppy, you almost always pay the difference later in vet bills and emotional distress. Conversely, a high price doesn't buy you health; it only means something if the aforementioned evidence backs it up. Instead of focusing on the purchase sum, realistically plan for ongoing costs:
- Coat care: This is the biggest item for the Shih Tzu. The long topcoat without undercoat must be professionally clipped or trimmed every few weeks—roughly 50 to 80 euros per session, depending on the region and coat condition.
- Nutrition: For a small dog of this size, you should budget about 30 to 50 euros a month for high-quality food.
- Insurance and taxes: Dog liability insurance is mandatory (roughly 40 to 70 euros per year), and the dog tax varies greatly depending on where you live. For a health-sensitive breed, surgery or health insurance makes a lot of sense.
- Veterinarian: In addition to routine check-ups and vaccinations, brachycephalic dogs potentially incur higher costs for airways, eyes, and teeth—in emergencies, also for surgeries. Budget more generously here than you would for a long-nosed dog.
Does a Shih Tzu Even Fit Your Lifestyle? An Honest Assessment
In terms of temperament, the Shih Tzu is adaptable—provided you account for the health issues and grooming effort from the start.
Living Situation and Exercise
Standing about 25 to 27 cm at the shoulder and weighing about 4 to 7 kg, the Shih Tzu fits easily into a city apartment; it doesn't need a large garden. Its exercise needs are low: several short, leisurely walks with plenty of sniffing are perfectly sufficient. Because of their labored breathing, you should spare them on warm days, schedule outings for cooler hours, and use a well-fitting chest harness instead of a collar.
Family and Children
The Shih Tzu is very child-friendly and enjoys being part of a busy household. It is important that children interact with the dog respectfully: due to their sensitive eyes and small frame, rough play is off-limits, and an undisturbed retreat is mandatory. With good socialization, they usually get along well with other dogs and pets.
Trainability and Being Alone
The Shih Tzu is friendly but charmingly stubborn. You won't get anywhere with harshness—the dog will simply tune you out. Consistency, patience, positive reinforcement, and good treats go much further. An important point upfront: As a companion dog bred for centuries, they do not cope well with being left alone for long periods. If you work full-time, you need a sustainable concept involving home office, doggy daycare, or a dog sitter.
Grooming: The Premier Discipline
The Shih Tzu hardly sheds because it lacks an undercoat and the hair grows continuously. This doesn't make it low-maintenance; on the contrary: you must brush and comb the long coat thoroughly almost every day to prevent painful matting, plus there is daily eye and wrinkle cleaning. Many owners opt for a practical short haircut (“puppy clip”)—but even then, regular brushing and visits to the groomer remain essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Shih Tzu a breed affected by torture-breeding?
The Shih Tzu is bred to be brachycephalic (short-nosed) and is classified in Germany among breeds susceptible to torture-breeding; the legal basis is § 11b of the Animal Welfare Act. Not every dog is affected to the same degree, but the typical stresses—labored breathing, heat sensitivity, sensitive eyes, and crowded teeth—are breed-related. If you love the breed, you should prefer adoption and, when buying, look exclusively for health-oriented breeding with demonstrably clear breathing.
Should I buy a Shih Tzu at all?
The most honest way is to first consider adoption from animal welfare. If you really want a puppy, only choose a breeder who actively works against the short-headedness: clear breathing, more muzzle, open nostrils, and documented examinations of eyes and knees. You should stay away from unethically bred puppies and dubious online ads in any case.
How much exercise can a Shih Tzu handle?
Relatively little, and above all, leisurely. Several short walks a day with plenty of sniffing are a great fit. Long running, dog sports, or exertion in the heat will quickly overwhelm their short nose—be extra cautious on warm days.
Does the Shih Tzu really not shed?
It loses very little hair because it lacks an undercoat. However, this doesn't make it low-maintenance: dead hairs stay in the coat and mat if not brushed almost daily. The grooming effort for this breed is high.
How long can a Shih Tzu be left alone?
As a people-oriented companion dog, they do not cope well with being left alone. With gradual training, many Shih Tzus can handle being alone for a few hours, but a full eight-hour workday is not suitable for them.
Conclusion: The Honest Way to a Shih Tzu
Wanting to buy a Shih Tzu is understandable—it’s a tender, cheerful, affectionate dog that fits wonderfully into quiet lifestyle models. But honesty is part of the deal: this breed suffers for its breeding. Whoever adopts a Shih Tzu takes responsibility for a dog that breathes harder, has more sensitive eyes, and requires more grooming and preventative care than many other breeds.
The best first step is therefore adoption from animal welfare. And if you decide on a puppy, please only choose a breeder who prioritizes health over appearance and can provide evidence of clear breathing, more muzzle, and documented examinations. We want to help you with exactly that: in our Shih Tzu breed profile, you will find a transparent health overview, and via HonestDog, you can access a platform committed to honest, health-oriented dog adoption.