Shar Tzu

also known as Shih-Pei

Breed Information


Type

Is Shar Tzu a purebred?

Cross Breed

Purpose

What were Shar Tzus originally used for?

Companion, Watchdog

Lifespan

How Long Do Shar Tzus Live? What is average life expectancy for a Shar Tzu? How long can Shar Tzus live?

10-16 years

The average Shar Tzu lifespan is somewhere between 10-16 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Shar Tzu Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Shar Tzu?

What is the average height of a Shar Tzu? How big is a Cross Breed Shar Tzu height? Shar Tzu dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 12-18 inches (30.5 - 45.7 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm)
Female 10-17 inches (25.4 - 43.2 cm) 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) 11.0 inches (27.9 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm)
What is the average weight of a Shar Tzu? How much should Shar Tzus weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 25-40 pounds (11 - 18 kg) 12.0 pounds (5 kg) 18.0 pounds (8 kg) 32.5 pounds (15 kg)
Female 20-35 pounds (9 - 16 kg) 11.0 pounds (5 kg) 15.5 pounds (7 kg) 27.5 pounds (12 kg)
Hypoallergenic

Are Shar Tzus Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Shar Tzu is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Shar Tzu personality? What are Shar Tzu dogs best known for?

Active
Playful
Loving
Independent
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Affectionate
Devoted
Lively
Gentle
Reserved
Suspicious

Shedding Level

Are Shar Tzus heavy shedders? How Much Does a Shar Tzu Shed?

Shar Tzu will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Shar Tzus come from?

United States

Ancestry

What are Shar Tzus descended from?

Chinese Shar-Pei and Shih Tzu

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Shar Tzu breed?

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Shar Tzus first bred? How old is the Shar Tzu breed?

1990s

Shar Tzu Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Shar Tzu eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Shar Tzu nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Shar Tzu coat be naturally?

Cream
Fawn
Brown
Black
Red
White

Coat Length

How long is a Shar Tzus coat?

The coat of a Shar Tzu falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Shar Tzu Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Shar Tzu?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Shar Tzu have in a litter? How many puppies can a Shar Tzu have in her first litter?

4-6 puppies per pregnancy

A Shar Tzu can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Shar Tzu dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Shar Tzu Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Shar Tzus have a lot of health problems?

The Shar Tzu breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Shar Tzu?

Patellar Luxation
Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
Renal Dysplasia
Urinary Stones

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Shar Tzus?

Ear Infections
Skin Allergies
Eye Disease and Disorder

Occasional Diagnoses

Breathing Difficulties
Weight Gain

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Shar Tzu breed?

Serum Biochemistry
Urinalysis
Full Physical Examination
Ear Tests and Myringotomy Tests
Laryngeal Examinations
Ophthalmic Examination
Blood Tests and Blood Count
Ultrasound to detect urinary stone location
X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Shar Tzu Needs and Activities


Social Needs

Do Shar Tzus need socialization? How social are Shar Tzus?

Shar Tzu have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Shar Tzu have? Do Shar Tzus sleep a lot?

The Shar Tzu breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Mouthiness

Are Shar Tzus mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Shar Tzu running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Shar Tzu dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Shar Tzu? How much energy does a Shar Tzu have?

Medium

Shar Tzus are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Shar Tzu walk each week? How many miles should a Shar Tzu walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shar Tzu, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Shar Tzu should exercise a day? How much activity does a Shar Tzu need?

60 minutes

In general most Shar Tzus usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Shar Tzu?

The Shar Tzu is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Shar Tzu?

Daily

Ideally, Shar Tzu should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Shar Tzus?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Shar Tzu eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 25-40 pound (11 - 18 kg) Shar Tzu feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Shar Tzu Cost Daily?

$2.00 - $3.10 / day

The average cost of a Shar Tzu is somewhere $2.00 - $3.10 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Shar Tzu Cost Per Month?

$50 - $56 / month

The average per month expenses of a Shar Tzu is between $50 - $56. This makes an average of $600 - $672 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Shar Tzu Characteristic


Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Shar Tzu dog?

Shar Tzu dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Apartment Friendly

Do Shar Tzu do well in apartments? Are Shar Tzus good indoor dogs?

Shar Tzus are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Shar Tzus good with kids? Are Shar Tzus good around children?

Shar Tzus are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you might want to reconsider adopting another dog as a companion.

Senior-friendly

Are Shar Tzus good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Shar Tzus good with cats? How friendly Shar Tzus are toward cats?

Shar Tzus are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Shar Tzu dogs get along with other dogs? Are Shar Tzus OK with other dogs?

Shar Tzus are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Shar Tzu dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Shar Tzus friendly with strangers?

Shar Tzus are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Shar Tzus are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Shar Tzus will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Shar Tzus like to play? Are Shar Tzus playful?

Shar Tzus have an average level of playfulness. The Shar Tzus, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Shar Tzu easily trained?

Shar Tzu dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.