dog · Boop field guide
Shih Tzu
Tiny lion dog with a face built for snuggles, not exercise.
Shih Tzus were bred for Tibetan monks and Chinese emperors. They're companion dogs through and through — happy with one walk a day, two if you're feeling generous. Their flat faces mean heat and exercise tolerance are limited; their giant eyes mean injury risk is elevated.
What makes them, them
- 9–16 lb adult; long double coat needs daily brushing.
- Brachycephalic — limited exercise tolerance, especially in heat.
- Eye injuries (corneal ulcers) are common; protruding eyes catch on everything.
- Long-lived (10–16 years).
Safety — what actually goes wrong
- Never leave outside in heat above 22°C without shade and water.
- Shih Tzus get stolen — they're cute, expensive, and easy to grab.
- Saline rinses for the eyes after dusty walks; corneal ulcers escalate fast.
How Boop helps Shih Tzus stay home
If a Shih Tzu walks into a vet for an unrelated injury, the Boop tag tells them who to call before treatment starts.
Get a Boop tag