Florida Fur Babies > Dog Breeds > Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu Breed Information
Shih Tzu puppies are one the most popular breed of dogs in the U.S., and for good reason. These tiny dogs are just as cuddly as they are adorable, and they’re often referred to as little royal dogs. They’re very intelligent, which makes them easy to train, and they have the sweetest personalities. Shih Tzu puppies are also hypoallergenic which makes them an ideal choice for owners who suffer from pet-related allergies. These stunning little fur babies are great with kids and excellent for any type of owner.
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
- Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy and compact dog that is native to Tibet. The breed was originally bred to be a companion dog for Buddhist monks. This breed sheds very little if any hair, making them an ideal choice for those who suffer from sensitivities to dogs
- A member of the toy group, the Shih Tzu makes a great companion for children as well as adults. They love to go for walks or run errands with their owners and are ready to please at all times
- The Shih Tzu is a great family pet. They are very friendly and loving towards people of all ages
- With their gentle behavior and sweet personalities, Shih Tzus make excellent therapy dogs
- Shih Tzu grooming requirements are moderate
- The Shih Tzu is an independent dog that can be left alone for a few hours each day without the risk of destructive behavior
- Laid-back and cuddly, the Shih Tzu has low exercise needs and is great for novice owners
Appearance
The Shih Tzu is considered a purebred in the American Kennel Club and is classified as a Toy Breed. Like all breeds in the AKC, Shih Tzus have a standard when it comes to their gorgeous appearance. This breed comes in several colors including black, cream, sable, red, apricot and white. In addition to these colors, they also come in brindle or spotted patterns. These dogs are smaller than many other breeds in the Toy category and they have luxurious coats that grow quite long. The size of these dogs varies but they typically fall around 8 to 11 inches in height and weigh between 9 to 16 pounds. The body type is often described as short-coupled, and the tail is long, fluffy, and curled. Their short stature and gentle demeanor give them a delicate look. They have a broad, deep chest, rounded head with large eyes that can change colors from hazel to black or brown. Today, Shih Tzus can be distinguished by their bushy tail and small muzzle. They possess a pointed beard that is well groomed. These dogs are known to have a coat that is long and silky.
Temperament
The Shih Tzu is a very affectionate, friendly, and outgoing dog. These traits are one of the reasons Shih Tzu dogs are so popular as pets, especially with children and families. They are also known for their compassion toward their owners and calm temperaments. They are the perfect dog for a person who wants to have a loyal caretaker, therapy pet, or companion. This is because they provide comfort during times of uncertainty and stress, as well as companionship at home and in the company of other people. The Shih Tzu enjoys being pampered by its owners but is also known to repay that affection with unconditional love.
The Shih Tzu is typically a relaxed dog, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love to have fun. Some of this gorgeous dog’s favorite activities include playing outside with his furry friends, going on vacations with his owners, and fetching squeaky toys. Shih Tzu also has excellent behavior around children, making him an excellent playmate and companion for families.
Care
Shih Tzu Grooming
Building a healthy grooming routine is not always an easy task but keeping your Shih Tzu in shape can be made easier with some grooming tips. Haircuts every four to six weeks are recommended for the Shih Tzu, as well as brushing on a regular basis. It is best to use a brush that has soft bristles or a comb and brush your Shih Tzu every day for the best results. Your dog will also need to get their teeth brushed at least once a week. Brushing their teeth is a very important step that needs to be part of the grooming routine. You can use a toothbrush specifically designed for small dogs or your finger for this step, with a little bit of vet-approved dog toothpaste applied on it. Your Shih Tzu will also need to have his ears checked and cleaned regularly, and his nails clipped as they grow. It is also best to avoid getting your dog's nails clipped too close to the end of their nails. The ends should be cut flat and trimmed gently with a nail clipper.
Shih Tzu Exercise Needs
The Shih Tzu is an intensely sweet dog that makes for a great companion. They are affectionate, loyal and very intelligent. They do not need an abundance of exercise as they are not an active breed. Ideally, Shih Tzus should be walked for an average of 20 to 30 minutes each day and given enough opportunity to play indoors. It is also a good idea to pay attention to the Shih Tzu's diet plan if you want to keep your puppy at his best. This breed is small and has low exercise requirements, so he will need about ½ to 1 cup of food per day.
Shih Tzu Health
Our Shih Tzu puppies come from healthy, regularly screened parents. Both the puppies and their parents go through regular checkups to ensure they are healthy and happy. Although they are not considered a particularly sickly dog breed, Shih Tzus can still be prone to the conditions all small dog breeds may encounter. Health conditions that may appear in the breed include hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, cataracts, elbow dysplasia, and Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
Shih Tzu Lifespan
Shih Tzus are an adorable and loving dog with an average life expectancy of 10-16 years. A recent Guinness World Record determined the oldest living Shih Tzu to be 23 years old, so it's possible that they live even longer than 16 years when they are properly cared for.
Shih Tzu Training
Shih Tzu puppies are smart and can be easily trained once they are properly motivated. They can be stubborn and easily bored, so they require short, fun, and frequent training sessions. It is important to use positive reinforcement and reward-based methods when training these puppies. Obedience training is recommended for the Shih Tzu. Obedience training is the process of teaching your puppy how to follow commands. Sometimes, this involves simple directions such as sit, stay, and come. Other times it might involve more complicated commands that require a lot of patience and practice. For example, for an adult Shih Tzu obedience training might include following a long line, staying away from doors, walking on a leash and coming when called. Shih Tzus also need socialization from an early age and training to learn acceptable behavior around others. They also need a high level of mental stimulation, exercise and attention.
History
The Shih Tzus are small, attractive dogs that have become one of the most adored companion pets in the United States. These cute puppies have managed to maintain a place on top of the list for over 100 years among their fellow canine friends.
The Shih Tzu is a small breed of dog that originated from China. They are also known as “lion dogs” and “the chrysanthemum-faced dogs.” They have lived luxurious lives on the laps of rulers throughout Asia. It is said that they were taken to England during the Tang Dynasty and Japan in the seventh century. They were considered a type of lap dog and many people believed they were the reincarnation of a lion.
In ancient times, the Shih Tzu was regarded as a royal dog. They were one of the most prized companions, and it is said that the emperor of China would have over 10 Shih Tzus in his palace at any given time. These dogs were dignified and noble in appearance, aspects that gained them the favor of royal ladies.
The Shih Tzu’s ancestry is not entirely clear. Some say that they are a combination of the Pekingese and the Tibetan Mastiff, while others say they are a precursor to both breeds. It is also said that they were bred by the ancient Chinese to be companions for the nobility.
Thanks to their amazing personalities and royal appearance, Shih Tzus are currently one of the top dogs used in crossbreeding. They are the parents of the Shih Poo, Shichon, Malshi, and several more designer breeds.