How can I tell if my dog is a Shih Tzu?

Look for these signs: long, flowing double coat that grows over the eyes — often tied up in a topknot; short muzzle and a sweet, upturned 'chrysanthemum' face; small and sturdy, with a tail carried curled over the back. For a definitive answer, snap a photo and let Pawdigree compare your dog against 200+ dog and 70+ cat breeds.

What is a Shih Tzu often confused with?

Shih Tzus are most often mixed up with the Cavapoo and the French Bulldog. Pawdigree tells them apart by reading the actual coat, build, and proportions in your photo, then showing a ranked breed match with a confidence score.

Can Pawdigree identify a Shih Tzu from a photo?

Yes. Take one photo of your dog and Pawdigree returns your top breed match free, with a confidence score. Unlock the full profile — breed mix percentages, personality, and care — with a one-time purchase, no subscription.

dog breed

Shih Tzu

the long-coated lap dog with the chrysanthemum face

The shih tzu is a small, sturdy companion breed bred for palace life, with a long flowing coat and a sweet, upturned face. Groomed short, it's sometimes mistaken for a cavapoo; the face and coat texture set it apart.

How to identify a Shih Tzu

Long, flowing double coat that grows over the eyes — often tied up in a topknot
Short muzzle and a sweet, upturned 'chrysanthemum' face
Small and sturdy, with a tail carried curled over the back

Commonly confused with

If you're second-guessing the breed, these are the lookalikes people mix up with a Shih Tzu most often:

At a glance

Size: Small (9–16 lb)
Coat: Long double coat, low-shedding
Temperament: Affectionate, charming, calm
Origin: Tibet / China
Lifespan: 10–16 years

Not sure if your dog is a Shih Tzu?

Snap one photo and Pawdigree gives you the top breed match free — plus the full breed mix, personality, and care guide when you want it.

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Questions

Look for these signs: long, flowing double coat that grows over the eyes — often tied up in a topknot; short muzzle and a sweet, upturned 'chrysanthemum' face; small and sturdy, with a tail carried curled over the back. For a definitive answer, snap a photo and let Pawdigree compare your dog against 200+ dog and 70+ cat breeds.