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
Sadie, a 5-year-old shih tzu that weighs 7 pounds, was seriously injured in a confrontation with a bigger dog while out on a walk.
—
Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 16 Jan. 2026
One puppy, Wynonna, is an American shepherd and shih tzu mix who had a leg amputated.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Jan. 2026
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
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Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 16 Jan. 2026
One puppy, Wynonna, is an American shepherd and shih tzu mix who had a leg amputated.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Jan. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Shih tzu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shih%20tzu. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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