Living with a Shih Tzu: What to Expect
The day-to-day reality of sharing your home with this small breed for the next 10-18 yrs - routine, grooming, money and temperament.
โก Daily routine
Plan for 30-45 minutes of walking a day. The Shih Tzu enjoys a steady routine: a morning walk, an evening loop and calm indoor time in between.
โ๏ธ Grooming & shedding
This coat is a commitment: near-daily brushing and professional grooming every 4-8 weeks. Budget both the time and the salon money.
Shedding is minimal - your black clothes are mostly safe.
๐ฐ First-year Shih Tzu budget
Plan on $500-$1,800 upfront for the puppy, then roughly $800-$1,500 every year for food, vet care, grooming and supplies. Year one usually adds one-off costs on top: crate, leash, training classes, spay/neuter.
๐ Temperament at home
Around the house, the Shih Tzu is best described as:
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