Do Shih Tzus Bark a Lot? What to Expect and How to Help
Wondering whether a Shih Tzu will turn your home into a barking zone? Here is the honest picture from a longtime owner.
The short answer
Shih Tzus are not known as excessive barkers. They are alert barkers. Most are quiet much of the time and then sound off when something gets their attention. In one large survey of owners, around three out of four Shih Tzus only barked when triggered by something, rather than barking for no reason. So as small breeds go, the Shih Tzu is generally on the calmer end, not a yappy nightmare.
I’ve lived with Shih Tzus for a lot of years, and the breed gives you a starting point, not a guarantee. Our Jubilee, the black and white girl in the photo above, was super friendly and easygoing. Almost nothing bothered her, and she loved every person she ever met. Vasco was the fun, playful one, and Akiva was my best buddy and constant companion. Same breed, three very different personalities, and a dog with Jubilee’s temperament simply has a lot less to sound the alarm about. So when you’re wondering how much a particular Shih Tzu will bark, look at the individual dog as much as the breed.
What sets them off
- The doorbell or a knock at the door
- A visitor arriving
- Another dog or a person passing the window
- Birds or squirrels out in the yard
- Being startled by a sudden noise
It is the old watchdog instinct. For a little dog bred to keep company in palaces, sounding the alarm is just part of the job.
How to keep barking in check
- Socialize early. A Shih Tzu used to lots of sights, sounds, and people has far less to bark about.
- Do not accidentally reward it. Yelling, or rushing over with attention every time, can teach a dog that barking works. Stay calm.
- Teach a “quiet” cue. Calmly acknowledge the bark, then reward the silence that follows.
- Handle boredom and anxiety. A bored or anxious dog barks more. Exercise, company, and a predictable routine all help. Some barking comes from separation anxiety, which is worth addressing directly.
When barking is telling you something
A sudden change in barking, especially in an older dog, or barking that comes with pacing, hiding, or distress, can point to pain, anxiety, or a health issue. If the pattern changes out of nowhere, it is worth a mention to your vet.
Frequently asked questions
Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?
Not usually. They are alert barkers, generally quiet until something triggers them, like the doorbell or a passerby. Most are on the calmer end for a small breed.
Why does my Shih Tzu bark so much?
The most common reasons are alerting to sounds and visitors, boredom, or anxiety. Socialization, exercise, and not rewarding the barking all help bring it down.
Can you train a Shih Tzu to stop barking?
You can greatly reduce it. Early socialization, a calm response, a “quiet” cue, and addressing boredom or anxiety make a real difference.
This article is written from one dog lover to another and is for general information only. It is not veterinary or professional training advice.
