Simply Southern Pups > Dog Breeds > Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu Breed Information
Shih Tzu puppies have a lot of personality and charm, and there is no doubt as to why they are one of the most popular breeds today. Their low-shedding coat makes them easy to groom, and their small size makes them perfect for apartments or small homes. Shih Tzu puppies are delightful and gentle pets. They are affectionate and constantly want to be with their family. They get along great with children and other pets as well. These puppies bond with everyone in the family, making them a wonderful addition to any home.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Purebred
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Shih Tzu has a double coat that sheds depending on the length. A long coat sheds less while a short coat is easier to brush and to keep clean.
TRAINING
Determined
TEMPERAMENT
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Sweet
ADULT WEIGHT
9-16 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
8-11 in
LIFE SPAN
11-14 yrs
Characteristics
- The Shih Tzu is a small breed of dog that is somewhat high maintenance. It has a long, double coat that sheds very little and has hypoallergenic qualities
- The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest breeds of toy dog. They are a lively and intelligent breed, who often takes on a protective and watchdog-like personality. These dogs enjoy being around people and will do well in an apartment or any other living situation
- Shih Tzu puppies are quick to adapt to their new environment
- Training Shih Tzus is easy as these puppies are smart and eager to please their owner
- Playful and very fond of games, Shih Tzu dogs make fantastic companions for children
- Sweet Shih Tzu personality
- The Shih Tzu’s adaptability and easy-going nature make this breed an excellent first pet for new dog owners
Appearance
The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed of dog that was bred for royalty in the Imperial Courts of China. And like any dog raised with royalty, the Shih Tzu carries himself elegantly and proudly. The Shih Tzu is a small, playful breed that is part of the AKC’s Toy Group.
These dogs have a soft, furry coat that varies in color between combinations of white, black, grey, red, cream, or gold. A small breed with an average height of 8 to 11 inches, the Shih Tzu weighs 9 to 16 pounds and has an elegant demeanor and a friendly, eager expression. Some of Shih Tzu’s most distinctive features include a short muzzle, large, soulful eyes, long drop ears, and a long, curled tail. These royal dogs also sport a long coat that sheds very little. They are a hypoallergenic dog breed that is excellent for owners who suffer from dog-related allergies.
Temperament
The Shih Tzu is a playful and extremely affectionate dog that loves its family above anything else. These cute dogs are known for their friendly, sweet, loyal, and intelligent characteristics. Their gentle nature makes them a perfect companion for owners of all ages and temperaments.
Shih Tzu puppies are not just beautiful and intelligent, they also come with a lot of personality. These dogs are calm, playful, and incredibly loyal. They love to roam around the house but also enjoy exploring new places outside of their home.
Shih Tzu dogs are very social and get along well with a variety of other pets. These pampered pooches are sometimes reserved around strangers and don't make other animals their priority in the household. They are intelligent and affectionate, but because of their gentle nature, Shih Tzu puppies may become unsettled by minor changes in the house or routines around them.
If a Shih Tzu puppy is not trained to meet these situations quickly, it will be less likely to adapt well to an environment full of strangers as it grows older. Although they are sometimes stubborn, training is not necessarily a problem. Shih Tzu puppies can be very gentle and compliant with someone who is consistent and patient with them.
Care
Shih Tzu Grooming
The Shih Tzu is a gorgeous, long-haired breed of dog. It has been known to be high maintenance when it comes to grooming and maintaining its coat. To keep this fancy puppy looking super fashionable, you should start grooming your Shih Tzu from a young age. The grooming routine for your Shih Tzu should include daily brushing of the coat to prevent tangles, bathing every 4 to 6 weeks, cleaning their ears, and brushing their teeth daily. Your dog’s nails should also be clipped periodically with a canine friendly nail-clipper. Always use products specifically designed for dogs and approved by your vet. Human products contain substances that may be harmful to your Shih Tzu.
A Shih Tzu is also prone to skin allergies and fleas that can be avoided by grooming them properly, using top quality products, and keeping their paws clean at all times. In addition, you should also make sure that your dog has the proper food to keep their digestive system on track.
Shih Tzu Exercise Needs
The Shih Tzu is a small dog that does not need a lot of exercise, making them perfect for apartment living. They have an extremely sweet disposition and are excellent companions for any type of owner. These adorable dogs love cuddle sessions with their humans more than anything. They like games but are not as active as other breeds. They may indulge in a chase or a friendly game of tug, and they are more than happy to join their humans on relaxing walks. Shih Tzus are often recommended to be walked for at least 20 minutes each day.
Shih Tzu Health
Shih Tzu dogs are a small dog breed that is known for their trademark lion-like mane. They are known as royal dogs because they were the pets of China's imperial household. Shih Tzu's come in many different colors and have a history of being healthy, but they can face some health conditions such as patellar luxation, allergies, hip dysplasia, and cataracts. They may also develop a condition that is called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). This condition is seen in most dogs that have short muzzles.
Shih Tzu Lifespan
The Shih Tzu is a medium-sized toy dog that was bred centuries ago to be a companion dog. Named after an ancient Chinese shih tzu or lion dog, they are among the most popular dogs in the world. They have a lifespan of 10-16 years and are known for being affectionate, loving, playful, and eager to please.
Shih Tzu Training
Shih Tzu puppies are sweet and adorable, but they need a lot of training. These dogs are intelligent, obedient, and generally eager to please their human companions. However, it is important for a new owner to understand the need for training and socialization with this breed. Shih Tzus are typically easy to train and respond well to a variety of commands, including sit, stay, down and come. In addition, these dogs can be extremely affectionate toward their owners and require frequent cuddling.
Shih Tzu puppies need short sessions in order to learn and focus. A young pup has a short attention span, so they cannot be expected to concentrate for long periods of time. Prolonged sessions can lead them to become stressed, which will make it difficult for the puppy to learn anything. Give your Shih Tzu a break and let them play a bit more often. Try to stick to short sessions that last no more than 15 minutes at a time.
Shih Tzus need to be motivated by either food or praise in order to learn new commands as they can sometimes possess a stubborn streak. For example, if you are trying to teach them how to sit, you may use treats as a reward. To increase the chances of success, keep your sessions limited at 10 minutes and give rewards intermittently.
History
The Shih Tzu has existed for hundreds of years and flourished in many cultures, but the modern Shih Tzu is a result of centuries of selective breeding. The earliest records of the Shih Tzu are from 2000 B.C. in a Shang Dynasty tomb, where it is shown as a member of the Royal Dog Guard. Some believe that in later dynasties, the Shih Tzu was bred with the Pekingese to create a smaller dog who could still be used as watchdogs and companions for royalty.
There are many different opinions regarding their origins, but it seems most likely that the Shih Tzu originated from China. Some believe it originated from China while others believe it originated from Tibet. It is unclear if they are related to other breeds, but some believe they are descendants of the Tibetan Mastiff. Originally bred as companion dogs, the Chinese believe that Shih Tzus were meant to be companions for children and help them learn about life. In Tibet and China, people consider the Shih Tzu to be a good luck charm.
The Shih Tzu is popularly known as a lap dog, but some people have even suggested that it was an early breed of guard dog. They are considered to be one of the most laid-back and easy-going breeds. Despite being somewhat diminutive in stature, the Shih Tzu are some of the most charming and loving dogs in existence.