There are the following attributes of the Shih Tzu.
Size:
Weight
Male 9-16 lbs.
Female 9-16 lbs.
Height (at withers)
Male 10 in.
Female 10 in.
Club Recognition:
History of Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu breed is one of the most famous breeds across the world, especially in the United States, China, and Tibet. This Breed originates in Tibet. This breed is more than 1000 years old. This dog existed in China in 1000 B.C. People usually say that Shih Tzu came from China, but they came from China’s western neighbor, Tibet. It was the Sovereign nation until the 1950s. The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. This dog became known as the noble dog of China. They were also favorites of the Empress Dowager Cixi in the Old Era.
The Shih Tzu has always been a house pet and a lap dog, and it has never been bred for any other purpose, like as hunting, Security, or Running. The Mandarin phrase “Shih Tzu” translates into “Little Lion.” The Shih Tzu’s name was given to this dog because of the association with the Tibetan Buddhist God of Learning. According to people, they traveled with a small lion dog that could transform into a full-sized lion.
The Shih Tzu was imported from China to England in 1930. In 1940, England became a Kennel Club and added this dog to it. After that in between 1940 to 1950, American Soldiers stationed in England took Shih Tzu back to the United States for Military purposes.
Characteristics of Shih Tzu
Size
Small
Exercise
Up to 1 hour per day
Size of home
Flat/ Apartment
Grooming
Every day
Coat length
Long
Sheds
No
Lifespan
Over 10 years
Native breed
No
Town or country
Either
Size of garden
Small/ medium garden
Many Celebrities have owned Shih Tzu.
When Shih Tzu became one of the most popular dog breeds, it’s no surprise that many stars owned them for their home. The following names of the celebrities who own the Shih Tzu include Nichole Richie, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Colin Farrell, Bill Gates, and even Queen Elizabeth II.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | Low |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Low |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | Medium |
| Amount of Shedding | Low |
Shih Tzu Care
Due to the small size of the Shih Tzu, they are highly intelligent dogs. By keeping some important care requirements in mind, you can ensure a happy and healthy dog. These dogs are very sensitive with long hair and a low height. These dogs are either low maintenance or high maintenance.
Training of Shih Tzu
It is a small dog, and proper training and socialization are important to keep them healthy, happy, and well-adjusted. Don’t skip these practices by just saying that the Shih Tzu is a small dog.
These dogs are a bit stubborn; if you cannot train them professionally, then they will create trouble for you. So it is necessary to instill a good habit in it. The only way to install a good habit is through Training.
Females may be harder to train because they are naughty and moody, and they are jealous of other female dogs.
Grooming
These breeds are low-allergy breeds. They are more likely to retain heat rather than the air. Many people choose to keep their dogs’ hair short. They should be brushed once or twice, and hair cuts may be necessary for this dog every several weeks.
If their facial hair is not trimmed, then they can irritate their eyes, and they cannot see in front. That’s why hair trimming is necessary for this dog.
This dog’s nails should be cut at least once a month, and its ears should be checked and cleaned regularly.
It’s your responsibility to clean your dog and maintain their health regularly. They need professional dental cleaning by a veterinarian several times in their lives.
You will need to help your dog with oral hygiene by brushing and cleaning their ears daily.
Common Health Issues in Shih Tzu
They are healthy dogs, but sometimes they fall into some health problems, which I discussed below:
1. Brachycephalic syndrome:
This Syndrome is common in Shih Tzu. A dog with this Syndrome may snore and have noisy breathing and struggle with head and exercise.
2. Hip Dysplasia
This Dysplasia is a genetic condition where Shih Tzu’s Hip joints do not develop properly, which causes looseness and joint Instability. By passing time, this dysplasia causes pain and difficulty in walking and standing.
3. Patellar Luxation
With this illness, this small dog can cause limping, skipping steps, or sudden lameness in the affected leg. This illness is more common in small breeds like as Shih dog.
4. Intervertebral disc disease:
Disc Disease can cause pain, weakness, or even paralysis, especially in the back legs. IVDD disease is more common in small breeds like this small dog.
5. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Sicca is the condition where a dog’s eyes don’t produce tears to keep the eyes moist. This causes dryness, redness, irritation, and potential eye infections. This illness is common in breeds like this dog.
Where to adopt or buy a Shih Tzu?
If you are looking to adopt or buy a Shih Tzu, there are very price factors and varieties in the United States. The average cost of this dog is 500$ to 2000$. The price depends on the quality and the championship in the line. They need a lifelong expense that will greatly exceed with proper veterinary, grooming, diet, and care.
You can find these dogs from the following organizations:
> Shih Tzu Rescue
> American Shih Tzu Club
> American Kennel Club
You can also get in touch with local animal shelters and pet rescue organizations for pets.
Overview of This Breed
These dogs live in apartments, but they need physical exercise on a daily basis, like other dogs. They also need to be groomed properly and receive challenging training.
Here are the Pros and Cons:
Pros:
> Lovable and affectionate
> Great with kids
> Loves to sit on your lap
> Can live in small homes
> Coexists with other dogs and pets
Cons:
> High-maintenance coat
> Difficult to housebreak
> Breathing issues
> Prone to certain health problems
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt a great dog for children, families, and people living in apartments. This breed is a gentle, friendly, and Charming Companion dog. This dog is not ideal for home protection due to its small size and friendly nature. This dog requires regular grooming because they faces many health issues if they are not properly maintained. They face eye issues, but with proper care, they live longer. This breed is best for those who are affectionate, seeking companionship, and little extra joy in their homes.
There are the following Mix’s of Shih Tzu:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Shih Tzu good family dogs?
Yes, this dog is a good family dog, and they are very attractive due to their friendly nature.
2. Do they live in an apartment?
Yes, they live in an apartment and a house due to their small size.
3. Do they bark a lot?
No, they do not bark a lot due to their small size and friendly nature.
4. Where to find these dogs?
These dogs could be found near animal shelters, rescue organizations, and the American Kennel Club.
5. What is its lifespan?
They usually live 10 to 14 years with proper care.
