PetShih Tzus are sturdy, affectionate lapdogs that have been companions for centuries. They're less extreme than some brachycephalic breeds but still carry the flat-face risk profile, plus the dental and eye concerns common to toy breeds. Here's the realistic picture for Canadian owners.
Shih Tzu at a glance
| Typical adult weight | 4–7 kg |
| Height | 20–28 cm at the shoulder |
| Lifespan | 10–16 years |
| Breed group | Toy |
| Coat & shedding | Long, dense double coat; low shedding but high grooming, plus eye and fold care |
| Energy level | Low to moderate — an affectionate lapdog, heat-sensitive |
| Insurance snapshot | Moderate premiums — higher than the healthiest small breeds due to brachycephalic and eye risk, lower than Pugs |
Common Shih Tzu health issues
| Condition | How common | Typical treatment cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Dental disease (crowded small jaw) | Very common — the dominant ongoing cost | Moderate per cleaning, recurring; extractions add up |
| Eye conditions (prominent eyes, ulcers, dry eye) | Very common | Moderate to high; some need ongoing management |
| Brachycephalic breathing issues | Common but usually milder than Pugs | Moderate to high if surgical |
| Patellar luxation | Common in toy breeds | Moderate to high if surgical |
| Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) | Elevated — long-backed toy build | Catastrophic if surgery required |
| Ear infections | Common — hairy, floppy ears | Low per episode, recurring |
| Hip dysplasia | Moderate | Moderate to high |
Our Recommendation
For a Shih Tzu, comprehensive coverage plus a wellness add-on is a strong match — the wellness portion offsets the frequent dental and eye maintenance, while the comprehensive base covers the occasional surgery (breathing, knee, or back). Enrol early to lock in coverage before dental or eye conditions become documented pre-existing exclusions.
What drives a Shih Tzu's insurance cost
As a flat-faced (brachycephalic) toy breed, the Shih Tzu shares the risk profile of Pugs and Bulldogs, usually in milder form. Dental disease (~$650–1,300 per cleaning) and prominent-eye problems — ulcers, dry eye, and cherry eye (~$500–1,200 per eye) — are the everyday costs. The occasional big ones are brachycephalic breathing surgery, patellar luxation, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) from their long-backed build, which can be catastrophic if surgery is needed. Recurring ear infections are common too.
How to structure coverage for a Shih Tzu
Comprehensive coverage with a wellness add-on is a strong match — the wellness portion offsets the frequent dental and eye maintenance, while the comprehensive base covers the occasional breathing, knee, or back surgery. Enrol early to lock in coverage before dental or eye conditions become documented pre-existing exclusions, discourage jumping from furniture to protect the spine, and take care in Canadian summer heat.