Height: 9 to 10.5 inches at shoulder
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Coat: long and silky
Life span: 15 years
Breed Group: Companion Dogs

His name means little lion, but there's nothing fierce about this dog. The Shih Tzu is a lover, not a hunter. Bred solely to be a companion, the Shih Tzu is an affectionate, happy, outgoing housedog who loves nothing more than to follow his people from room to room. In recent years, however, owners have started taking the Shih Tzu off their laps and into dog sports, training him for obedience, rally, and agility competitions.