Shih Tzu

American  

[shee dzoo] / ˈʃi ˈdzu /

noun

1. one of a Tibetan breed of toy dogs having a long luxurious coat of any color, formerly bred in imperial China as a pet of the nobility.

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shih-tzu British  

/ ˈʃiːˈtsuː /

noun

1. a small dog of a breed derived from crossing the Pekingese and the Tibetan apso. It has a long straight dense coat and carries its tail curled over its back

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Etymology

Origin of Shih Tzu

1945–50; < Chinese (Wade-Giles) shih 1 tzŭ ( kou 3 ), (pinyin) shīzi ( gǒu ) literally, lion (dog)

Example Sentences

They brought their most valuable belongings, including a Scottish Straight cat and a Shih Tzu dog.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

The couple’s dog, a small white Shih Tzu named Cuddles, was also missing.

From BBC • Aug. 31, 2024

Also entered are Comet, a Shih Tzu who won the huge American Kennel Club National Championship show in December, and Stache, a Sealyham terrier who won the National Dog Show that was televised on Thanksgiving.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2024

Ultimately, the Rivases — who have a son, Isaac, 10; a daughter, Maleeyah, 9; a Shih Tzu named Polly Pocket; and a Chihuahua named Mia — were lucky.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2024

In late August, we got a box full of rescued Shih Tzu puppies.

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King