plural shih tzu also shih tzus
often capitalized S&T
: any of an old Chinese breed of toy dogs that have a square short unwrinkled muzzle, short muscular legs, and a long dense flowing coat
Examples of shih tzu in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rose said another theft of high-value dogs, including a shih tzu valued at more than $2,000, took place at the store Feb. 12, when a woman with a stroller and another woman carrying a baby used a story of purchasing hamsters for a niece and nephew as a diversion.
—
Dennis Romero, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025
Allen Villanueva sat at the top of a hill of artificial grass in San Francisco with his shih tzu, Gio, looking down at the plaza outside UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Mission Bay.
—Jia H. Jung, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
Bucky, a shih tzu who lives with his two cat siblings, Jojo and Ralphie, was caught on camera hiding under his owner's bed along with his brother Jojo, perfectly mimicking the feline's behavior.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
The Chihuahua, pug, and shih tzu are among the breeds included in the toy group.
—Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025
The two-year-old shih tzu came in as a stray to the Carson Animal Shelter in California where foster parent Jan Vega volunteers.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024
Mega Tjandra carefully clutched Putih, her pet dove, in her hands; Teddy, a shih tzu, sat patiently at the feet of his owner, while Mili was held by hers.
—Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register, 5 Oct. 2024
The Menards and their pet shih tzu, Cuddles, were reported missing by a friend after the couple missed a church service.
—Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2024
The Menards and their dog, a small shih tzu named Cuddles, were reported missing by a friend, police said.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dennis Romero, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025
Allen Villanueva sat at the top of a hill of artificial grass in San Francisco with his shih tzu, Gio, looking down at the plaza outside UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Mission Bay.
—Jia H. Jung, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
Bucky, a shih tzu who lives with his two cat siblings, Jojo and Ralphie, was caught on camera hiding under his owner's bed along with his brother Jojo, perfectly mimicking the feline's behavior.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
The Chihuahua, pug, and shih tzu are among the breeds included in the toy group.
—Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025
The two-year-old shih tzu came in as a stray to the Carson Animal Shelter in California where foster parent Jan Vega volunteers.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024
Mega Tjandra carefully clutched Putih, her pet dove, in her hands; Teddy, a shih tzu, sat patiently at the feet of his owner, while Mili was held by hers.
—Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register, 5 Oct. 2024
The Menards and their pet shih tzu, Cuddles, were reported missing by a friend after the couple missed a church service.
—Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2024
The Menards and their dog, a small shih tzu named Cuddles, were reported missing by a friend, police said.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Shih tzu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shih%20tzu. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share