Photo: danny O · CC BY 2.0 dog breed · 927 on Animalso
Shih Tzu: Origin, Size and Breed Facts
- Animal
- Dog
- Origin
- People's Republic of China
- Height
- 27 cm
- Weight
- 4.5 kg
The Shih Tzu is a toy and pet dog breed. Its history points to Tibet, while its listed origin is the People's Republic of China. It is believed to have been bred from the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. The recorded height is 27 cm and weight is 4.5 kg.
What the Shih Tzu is
The Shih Tzu is a toy dog and pet dog breed. Its history places its beginnings in Tibet, with the People's Republic of China listed as its origin.
It is believed to come from the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. See more dog breeds from the People's Republic of China.
Before choosing one
Start with its basic profile: this is a small companion breed rather than a working breed described in the available facts.
Its recorded height is 27 cm, and its recorded weight is 4.5 kg.
What stands out
The Shih Tzu has a clearly documented toy and pet-dog role.
Its background connects two named breeds, the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso, giving readers a concise way to place it among dog breeds.
What the facts do not tell you
The available record does not give a lifespan, temperament, health profile, grooming needs, or care requirements.
It also does not provide a more detailed account of the breed's working history. Ask a veterinarian about health or care questions.
Size and origin
The listed measurements are 27 cm in height and 4.5 kg in weight.
The breed is associated with Tibet and is listed as originating in the People's Republic of China.
Who may need another breed
Readers seeking a dog with documented working duties, lifespan, temperament, or care details should compare other entries before deciding.
The available facts identify the Shih Tzu as a toy or pet dog, but they do not describe a broader set of roles.
A concise breed profile
Choose the Shih Tzu if you want a small toy or pet dog whose recorded background links Tibet, China, the Pekingese, and the Lhasa Apso.
Look beyond this profile if you need evidence about lifespan, behavior, health, grooming, or a specific working purpose.
What stands out
- Toy and pet dog classification is clear.
- Origin is listed as the People's Republic of China.
- History points to Tibet.
- Recorded size is 27 cm and 4.5 kg.
- Pekingese and Lhasa Apso ancestry is noted.
Worth knowing
- No lifespan is provided.
- Temperament details are not provided.
- Health and grooming information are not provided.
- Working duties are not described beyond its pet role.
Suits
- People seeking a small toy or pet dog profile
- Readers interested in Tibetan and Chinese breed origins
Think twice if
- You need documented lifespan, temperament, health, or grooming details
- You are comparing breeds by a specific working role
In short
The Shih Tzu is a compact companion breed with a Tibetan history and a listed origin in the People's Republic of China. Its recorded size is 27 cm tall and 4.5 kg. The breed is believed to have Pekingese and Lhasa Apso ancestry. Those facts make its identity and scale clear, but they do not answer questions about lifespan, temperament, health, grooming, or other care. Use this page as an origin and size guide, then ask a veterinarian about health or care decisions.
Questions
What kind of dog is a Shih Tzu?
It is described as a toy dog or pet dog breed.
Where did the Shih Tzu originate?
Its history places its beginnings in Tibet, and the listed origin is the People's Republic of China.
How tall is a Shih Tzu?
The recorded height is 27 cm.
How much does a Shih Tzu weigh?
The recorded weight is 4.5 kg.
Which breeds are linked to the Shih Tzu?
It is believed to have been bred from the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso.
How long does a Shih Tzu live?
A lifespan is not included in the available facts.
More dog breeds from People's Republic of China
Photo credits9 photographs on this page
- Shih Tzu — danny O · CC BY 2.0 · file page
- Bone-mouth — Inuyasya1106 · Public domain · file page
- Chinese Chongqing Dog — Markus Monroe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Chinese Crested Dog — Tommy Gildseth · CC BY 3.0 · file page
- Chow Chow — Prayitno · CC BY 2.0 · file page
- Kunming wolfdog — Bigsteeve · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Miniature Shar Pei — Eganfi · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Pekingese — SheltieBoy · CC BY 2.0 · file page
- Shar Pei — UpdOWN · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.