The Shih Tzu is a sturdy little dog with a small snout and normally has large dark brown eyes.

Their floppy ears are covered with long hair, and their heavily hair-covered tail is carried curled over the back.

This was the result of the first congregation of these dogs from China at Crufts in 1933 at which it was realised that the Tibetan Terrier, Apso and Shih Tzu were distinctly different breeds.

[3] It is also recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale for international competition in Companion and Toy Dog Group, Section 5, Tibetan breeds.

[9] Controversially, breeder Freda Evans of England introduced a black and white Pekingese into the breed in 1952.

The name "Shih Tzu" in Mandarin directly translates to "little lion," an animal considered sacred in Buddhist religion.

[14] These stone statues are often called Fu (or Foo) dogs, and it is suggested that these are the lionized form of the Shih Tzu.

[15] Fu dog statues typically represent a male and female Shih Tzu, carved out of stone, jade, teak, ivory, cinnabar, bronze, or ceramics.

[15] Legends vary across different sources, however many cite the Shih Tzu accompanied the Buddha of wisdom, Manjushri.

The physical features of Shih Tzus serve as proof of the eternal connection between Buddha and this breed.

[18] A number of health issues, some of them hereditary, have been found in individual Shih Tzu, and are listed below.

[19] The short nose of the Shih Tzu causes breathing difficulties and other health issues in the dog.

The main issues arising from the shortened muzzle are stenotic nares, where the nostrils are close together causing difficulties with breathing through the nose; an elongated soft palate; and tracheal hypoplasia, a narrow windpipe.

Dogs suffering from BAOS struggle with exercise, are prone to heat stroke due to ineffective evaporative ability, and have trouble sleeping.

The most common problem of Shih Tzus concerning eye conditions is the formation of epiphora caused by the fur on the eyelids scratching the conjunctiva and the cornea.

[2] A UK study found the Shih Tzu to have a 4.02 times greater risk of impaired hepatic perfusion compared to other dogs.

[25] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 12.8 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.