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Shar Tzu Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Shar Tzu so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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Shar Tzu dog profile picture
OriginChina flagChina
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Shar-Pei and Shih Tzu mix

Shar Tzu Size and Weight

Size
Is a Shar Tzu small, medium or large dog?

How big do Shar Tzu get?

What is the average size of a Shar Tzu?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Shar Tzu weigh? How much should a Shar Tzu weight? What is the normal weight of a Shar Tzu? How much does a full-grown Shar Tzu weight?
20-50 pounds (9-23 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Shar Tzu?
35 pounds (16 kg)
Height
How tall is the Shar Tzu? Shar Tzu height:
12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Shar Tzu?
15 inches (37.5 cm)

Shar Tzu Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Shar Tzu puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Shar Tzu in the United States? How much money is a Shar Tzu?

Where to buy a Shar Tzu with a good pedigree?

$800-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Shar Tzu, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Shar Tzu for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Shar Tzu gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Shar Tzu? How many Shar Tzu are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Shar Tzu is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Shar Tzu Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Shar Tzu? Is the Shar Tzu breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Shar Tzu obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Shar Tzu ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Shar Tzu dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Shar Tzu?
Shar Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Shar Tzu good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Shar Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Shar Tzu dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Shar Tzu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Shar Tzu can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Shar Tzu will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Shar Tzu Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Shar Tzu have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActivePlayfulLovingIndependentHappyCourageousIntelligentFriendlyOutgoingAffectionateDevotedLivelyGentleReservedSuspicious
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Shar Tzu sensitivity:
Shar Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Shar Tzu a good family dog?
Average to High: Shar Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Shar Tzu need? Shar Tzu social needs:
Shar Tzu dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Shar Tzu to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Shar Tzu roam?
Shar Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Shar Tzu have high prey drive?
Shar Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Shar Tzu dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Shar Tzu Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Shar Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Shar Tzu dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Shar Tzu bark?
Average: The Shar Tzu barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Shar Tzu good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Shar Tzu in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Shar Tzu breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Shar Tzu Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Shar Tzu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Shar Tzu be left alone? How long can you leave a Shar Tzu alone?
Shar Tzu dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Shar Tzu Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Shar Tzu has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Shar Tzu? How much bite force does a Shar Tzu have? How strong is a Shar Tzu bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shar Tzu bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Shar Tzu measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Shar Tzu is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Shar Tzu bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Shar Tzu bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Shar Tzu puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Shar Tzu, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Shar Tzu bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Shar Tzu can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Shar Tzu bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Shar Tzu? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Shar Tzu? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Shar Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Shar Tzu do?
Shar Tzu dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Shar Tzu dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

Shar Tzu Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Shar Tzu dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Shar Tzus are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Shar Tzu breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Shar Tzu breed? Most common health risks of Shar Tzu:
Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationAllergiesCancerHypothyroidismProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Umbilical HerniasBloatEntropionEar InfectionsElbow DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDistichiasisOsteochondrosis DissecansGlaucomaPortosystemic Liver ShuntBladder StonesEctopic CiliaReverse SneezingDry EyeSeborrheaProptosisCutaneous MucinosisFeverPyodermaJuvenile Renal DysplasiaKeratitisRetained Baby TeethSnuffles
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Shar Tzu breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Shar Tzu see the vet?
Rare
The Shar Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Shar Tzu dogs live? How old can a Shar Tzu be? What is the age limit of the Shar Tzu? How many years can the oldest Shar Tzu live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Shar Tzu?

How long is the lifespan of a Shar Tzu?

10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shar Tzu: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Shar Tzu Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Shar Tzu have? What is the activity level of the Shar Tzu?
Shar Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Shar Tzu need? How much exercise do Shar Tzu dogs require per day?

Do Shar Tzu dogs need a lot of exercises?

Shar Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Shar Tzu breed need?
Shar Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Shar Tzu Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Shar Tzu need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Shar Tzu breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Shar Tzu? How much food should I feed my Shar Tzu?
2 to 2.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Shar Tzu risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shar Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Shar Tzu weight regularly.

Shar Tzu Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Shar Tzu have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Dense
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Shar Tzu coats?
Black Red Blue Cream SilverBrownFawn Brindle LiverGold Apricot
Grooming
How to groom the Shar Tzu and how often? How often should I take my Shar Tzu to the groomer?
Advanced: The Shar Tzu requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Shar Tzu a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Shar Tzu, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Shar Tzu dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Shar Tzu? Do Shar Tzu dogs shed a lot?
Shar Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Shar Tzu dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Shar Tzu need a bath? How often should you give a Shar Tzu a bath? Can I bathe my Shar Tzu every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Shar Tzu breed hypoallergenic?
No
Shar Tzu dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

High 🔼

The Shar Tzu has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Shar Tzu drool?
The Shar Tzu is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Shar Tzu Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Shar Tzu dogs get along with other pets? Are Shar Tzu dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Shar Tzu dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Shar Tzu temperament with other people:
Shar Tzu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Shar Tzu dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Shar Tzu temperament with children:
Shar Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you may have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from this breed.
Cat Friendly
How well do Shar Tzu dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Shar Tzu breed live with a cat?
Shar Tzu dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Shar Tzu good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Shar Tzu dogs get along with other dogs?
Shar Tzu dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Shar Tzu can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Shar Tzu breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Shar Tzu breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Shar Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Shar Tzu dogs good office canines? Do Shar Tzu dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Shar Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Shar Tzu dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Shar Tzu temperament with senior people? Are Shar Tzu dogs good for elderly owners?
Shar Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Shar Tzu As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Shar Tzu be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Shar Tzu is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Shar Tzu be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Shar Tzu be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Shar Tzu is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Shar Tzu be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Shar Tzu is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Shar Tzu be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Shar Tzu is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Shar Tzu be a boat dog?

Not really

Shar Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Shar Tzu be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Shar Tzu breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Shar Tzu dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shar Tzu Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Shar Tzu pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Shar Tzu breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Shar Tzu: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Shar Tzu have in a litter? How many puppies can the Shar Tzu breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Shar Tzu have? How many puppies can a Shar Tzu give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Shar Tzu Recognition

AKC Group
Is Shar Tzu recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Shar Tzu recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Shar Tzu Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Health Issues: Shar Tzus are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Shar Tzu breed.
  • Shedding Level: Shar Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Shar Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Shar Tzu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Cat Friendly: Shar Tzu dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Shar Tzu dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Shar Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Hypoallergenic: Shar Tzu dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The Shar Tzu requires a lot of grooming.
  • Stinkiness: The Shar Tzu has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shar Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthiness: Shar Tzu dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Shar Tzu dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Child Friendly: Shar Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Shar Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Shar Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

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