Cute dog (Shih Tzu) with big eyes pleading for attention.
(Photo Credit: Joel Hawkins | Getty Images)

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small companion breed from Tibet believed to have been bred from the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso thousands of years ago. While their name means “little lion,” there’s nothing fierce about this dog. Friendly and affectionate, they’ve made themselves comfortable on the laps of people from all walks of life since ancient times. Today, these little dogs…

Statistics
Dog Breed Group
Companion Dogs
Height
9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight
9 to 16 pounds
Life Span
10 to 16 years
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