Shih Tzu in Australia — the honest 2026 guide
By Dogthings Editorial · Updated 2026-05-06
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The imperial lion dog of ancient China — affectionate, sturdy, and happy as a companion. Lower exercise needs than most breeds and well-suited to apartment life.
Shih Tzu temperament
Friendly, playful, and affectionate. Can be stubborn — especially about toilet training. Generally good with kids and other dogs.
History in Australia
Bred in Tibet and gifted to Chinese emperors; brought to the UK in the 1930s. One of the ancient breeds genetically.
Who the Shih Tzu suits
Good for:
- Apartment dwellers
- Seniors
- Low-activity households
- Families with older kids
Watch out for:
- Brachycephalic airway issues
- Heat intolerance
- Eye ulcers (prominent eyes)
- Dental disease
Training a Shih Tzu
Short positive training sessions. Toilet training is notoriously slow — expect 4–6 months. Consistent schedule and no punishment for accidents.
Owning a Shih Tzu in Australia — the essentials
Beyond the breed-specific notes above, every Australian dog owner needs to know:
- Microchipping: Mandatory in every state and territory before sale or transfer. Around $60–80 at most vets, often included with the puppy's first vaccination.
- Council registration: Required by 3 months of age in every state. Annual fee $30–250 depending on council, breed, and desexing status (desexed dogs are typically discounted 50%+).
- Desexing: Required by 6 months in the ACT and parts of VIC; strongly encouraged everywhere else. Most council registration discounts hinge on desexing status.
- Restricted breeds: Some breeds (American Pit Bull, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario) are restricted or banned in most AU states. Check your state's restricted breeds list before buying anything that looks similar.
- Strata & rentals: Strata schemes can no longer impose blanket no-pet bans (post-2020 NSW law, similar reforms VIC/QLD), but they can impose "reasonable" conditions on size, breed, or behaviour. Read by-laws before signing.
- Vet costs: Budget $400–900/year for routine care (annual checkup, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental check) plus an emergency fund of at least $3,000 — a snake bite, GDV, or cruciate repair can hit $4,000–10,000.
Common Shih Tzu health issues
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome
- Dental disease
- Eye ulcers
- Hip dysplasia
- Intervertebral disc disease
Insurance note: Moderate premiums. Brachycephalic airway issues, dental disease, and eye problems dominate claims. Confirm the policy doesn't sub-limit brachycephalic surgery if needed.
Best food for a Shih Tzu in Australia
Our top picks based on coat quality, digestion, and AU availability:
- Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult
- Hill's Science Diet Small Bites
- Advance Small Breed Adult
Essential gear for a Shih Tzu
Three things that genuinely matter for a Shih Tzu living in Australia:
Frequently asked questions
Do Shih Tzus shed?
Minimally — they have hair rather than fur. Daily brushing prevents matting. Professional groom every 6–8 weeks.
Are Shih Tzus good for first-time owners?
Yes, with realistic expectations about toilet training time and grooming commitment.
How much exercise do Shih Tzus need?
20–30 minutes of walking daily plus indoor play. Avoid exercise in hot weather (brachycephalic heat intolerance).
Similar dog breeds
If the Shih Tzu doesn't quite fit, these breeds share a similar size and energy profile:
Read next
- Apartment vs Backyard Dogs in Australia — which breeds actually work in a unit?· 7 min read
- Puppy Vaccination Schedule Australia — C3, C5, C7 explained· 6 min read
- First-Year Dog Budget Australia — what a puppy actually costs in 2026· 8 min read
Still deciding on a Shih Tzu?
Run the numbers with our food cost calculator, or compare pet insurance for Shih Tzus before you commit.
Updated 2026-05-06 · Not veterinary advice — always consult your vet.