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shih tzu

noun

variants often Shih Tzu
plural shih tzu also shih tzus
: 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
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.
The shih tzu, used as a bed frame in this scenario, does not flinch or protest, appearing entirely resigned or even content with the arrangement. MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025 For 15 years, Coeli Fortun’s life had been intertwined with that of her beloved shih tzu, Manolo. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025 Valentina, a shih tzu, and Gato, an exotic short hair, were the clear winners of the Miami Herald’s first Cutest Pet Contest. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025 Breeds include Belgian Malinois, Chihuahua, English bulldog, Labrador retriever, boxer, Maltese, French bulldog, German shepherd, husky, shih tzu and Lhasa apso. Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 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 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 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 The Chihuahua, pug, and shih tzu are among the breeds included in the toy group. Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) shīzi (gǒu), from shīzi lion + gǒu dog

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shih tzu was in 1921

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shih tzu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shih%20tzu. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.

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