The Shih Tzu’s only purpose is as a companion, and this dog will be outgoing, affectionate, and friendly to everyone. With royal dignity and loving affection, they are self-assured, keen and alert.

The Shih Tzu has a long, dense, and abundant double-coat. The luxurious and profuse outer-coat often sweeps the ground, and may be slightly wavy. The under-coat is wooly and soft in texture.

In 1994, the Shih Tzu was the 12th most popular dog of AKC's 139 breeds with more than 37 thousand new individual registrations.

The Shih Tzu is often referred to as a "small lion". Americans commonly pronounce the Shih-Tzu as SHEET-sue, however, the actual original Chinese translation is - sure-ds. They make excellent watchdogs.

Ideal height is nine to 10.5 inches at the withers, but ranges from eight to 11 inches. Ideal weight is nine to 16 pounds, depending on height.