Click here to see full benefit table
Click here to see full benefit table
Why we love Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus can be an excellent addition to a family with children. As an adaptable breed, they’re great for owners who live in a flat or don’t have direct access to a garden or a large green space.
Favoured among Chinese royalty during the Ming dynasty
Their name translates to “Little Lions” in Mandarin
Originated in Tibet as early as 1000 BC
The oldest Shih Tzu lived to be 23 years old!
Shih Tzu facts
| Lifespan | 10 - 16 years |
| Average price | £738.19 |
| Size | Small (8 - 11 inches) |
| Weight | 4.5 - 7.5kg |
| Colours | Black and white, brindle, brindle and white, gold and white, gold brindle, gold brindle and white, gold with black mask, grey and white, solid black, solid gold |
| Coat and grooming | Short, coarse fur that requires regular brushing but only needs to be groomed several times a year |
| Personality | Affectionate, friendly, loyal, and intelligent |
| Exercise frequency | One hour per day |
Common health problems for Shih Tzus
Like every other breed, Shih Tzus have their own distinct look, personality and behaviours. They do, however, also come with their own set of potential health problems. While it’s never a fun topic to discuss, it’s important to be aware of the health issues your little pup may be vulnerable to in the future. This list is not exhaustive, and any concerns you have for your pet's health should always be raised with a vet.
What does John Lewis Pet Insurance include?
Pet insurance could give you peace of mind should your Shih Tzu become unwell. John Lewis Pet Insurance offers six different vet fee cover levels, ranging from £2,000 - £12,000 per year.
Our pet insurance includes:
Annual Online Health Checks
From home, or wherever you choose, you can hold an annual consultation with a vet expert at vetfone™. It’s a convenient service that complements your normal vet check-ups. The vet experts can help you spot any potential health issues with your pet.
Learn more about annual health checks
Lifetime cover
If your pet develops a long-term illness, there’s no limit to how long you can claim for their treatment. As long as you renew and there's no break in cover, you can continue to claim.
Learn about lifetime cover
24/7 vetfone™ helpline
Got a question about your pet's health or behaviour? For expert advice call the vetfone™ helpline. It comes as part of your policy and you can use the service as often as you want.
Read more about vetfone™
Dental treatment
John Lewis comprehensive Pet Insurance provides cover for accidental dental care and illness. This includes tooth decay, gum disease and post-illness teeth removal.¹
If you are an existing customer, check your policy document to see if this benefit is included.
| Vet fees - treatment limit per year | Up to chosen vet fee limit |
| Lifetime cover2 | ✔ |
| vetfoneTM helpline - 24 hour advice from veterinary nurses | ✔ |
| Behavioural treatment3 | up to £300 |
| Treatment food3 | up to £300 |
| Complementary treatment - such as physiotherapy3 | up to £1,500 |
| Third party liability (dogs only) | up to £2m |
| Boarding kennel and cattery fees | up to £1,500 |
| Dental cover1 | Up to chosen vet fee limit |
| Lost or stolen | up to £1,500 |
| Multi-pet discount | 10% |
What's not included with John Lewis Pet Insurance?
Treatment for any pre-existing medical conditions
Vet fees following an accident in the first 48 hours of your cover start date
Changes to your pet's health or behaviour in the first 14 days of your cover start date
Pet Insurance with six levels of vet fee cover
We understand that every owner’s situation is different. But this shouldn’t affect the quality of care for your pet. You can choose a level of vet fee cover that suits your pet's needs when you get a quote. Whatever level you choose, you will still receive the full range of benefits.
There are six levels of vet fee cover options available:
Plus, there are multiple excess options to suit your budget. This can help reduce your premium costs without any loss of cover:
- Increase your excess on claims you can choose an excess fee (ranging from £60 to £500) to pay each time you claim. By paying more when you claim, it enables us to bring your annual premium down.
- Contribute to your vet fees - if your pet is under nine years old, there is a voluntary option to pay 10% or 20% of the vet treatment costs. This is in addition to your chosen excess amount and it can reduce the cost of your premium payments.
Looking for insurance for your Shih Tzu?
Pet insurance could give you peace of mind if your furry companion were to become unwell. John Lewis Pet Insurance offers six different vet fee cover levels, ranging from £2,000 - £12,000 per year.
Common questions about Shih Tzus
Despite their long flowing hair, adult Shih Tzus are known to shed less than the average dog. That is, if they are washed and brushed regularly. However, as puppies, they may start to shed more than usual. This isn’t a cause for concern, as it’s a normal process when puppies grow and have to change their coats. During this stage, brush their hair once a day and get the hoover ready to vacuum up their strands of hair!
Yes, a Shih Tzu’s hair is considered hypoallergenic, however no dog breed is 100% allergen-free. Read more about it here.
According to the UK Kennel Club, a healthy Shih Tzu can live 10 years or more. However, some may even live longer, as the oldest Shih Tzu made it to age 23!
This article is for promotion or information purposes only. You must not rely on it for advice.
Pet breed guides
Pet Insurance through John Lewis is subject to eligibility. Terms and conditions apply.
The data in this article is provided by RSA.
¹For dental care up to your chosen vet fee limit we will pay;
1. For teeth or gums damaged in an accident,
2. If an underlying illness causes tooth decay or gum disease, or
3. To remove teeth as treatment of an illness which is not gum disease or tooth decay.
If your pet has a dental check every 12 months: once it has had its first check and your vet has done any necessary work, additionally we will pay;
1. If your pet suffers from tooth decay or gum disease before the next 12 month check.
2. If tooth decay or gum disease is found at the time of the next check.
2As long as you renew your policy with us and there is no break in cover
3Cover forms part of vet fees
John Lewis Money, John Lewis Finance and John Lewis Insurance are trading names of John Lewis plc.
John Lewis plc is an appointed representative (firm reference number: 416011) of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd.
John Lewis Pet Insurance is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd (company number: 93792). Registered in England and Wales. Registered office: St. Mark's Court, Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1XL. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (firm reference number: 202323).
vetfone is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd. Vetsdirect Ltd is not authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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