Shih Tzu Dog Breed

The Shih Tzu is a proud toy breed of noble bearing and arrogant carriage whose long, silky, flowing coat, distinctive facial features, top knot, and tail plume over his back assure his unquestionably pure Chinese lineage. He has a compact, sturdy body with short legs, a blunt muzzle, and large ears that are heavily coated. The hair on his head is tied up and a lion-like mane radiates around the face. The Shih Tzu is a hardy, playful, feisty, alert, and very intelligent, little breed. Few dogs are as unconditionally loving to their owners as the Shih Tzu. He loves to be carried around, yet he does not become rotten and obnoxious like some other toy dogs. He is an attractive, curious, and happy dog who loves to be around people and hates to be neglected. He is initially reserved with strangers but warms up to them quickly. He is a little stubborn though not nearly as difficult as the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. Training should be consistent and patient. This is an intelligent breed and can be a good obedient dog if trained properly. Spoiling him could result in a pushy, nippy behavior as well as timidity. Socialization increases his confidence and should start early in puppy hood. The Shih Tzu may be difficult to housebreak and can be a picky eater. He can suffer from respiratory problems and may snore and wheeze. In addition, his protruding eyes are susceptible to injury.

Size:

This Shih Tzu stands 8-11in at the shoulder and weighs between 10 and 16lb.The head is round and broad, the eyes are large and very dark, and the ears are large and dropped. The body is compact and sturdy, with a tail carried in a curve over the back. The undercoat is soft, and the outer coat is long and flowing. All colors are permitted. The American Shih Tzu Club says there is only one size and no such thing as an imperial or tea cup; those are simply ploys to sell dogs.

History and origin:

Developed in China, this ancient breed may date back to the 7th century Tang dynasty and Ming dynasties. Many believe that the Chinese may have crossed the Lhasa Apso with the Pekingese to develop the Shih Tzu. Similar to the Imperial Pekingese, the export of Shih Tzu from China was forbidden. It was not until the death of the Empress Tzu-his in 1908 that the toy breed was smuggled out to Europe. The Shih Tzu has always been a companion dog; it was never a hunter or a guardian.

Feeding:

Recommended feeding for the Shih Tzu is 1/2 - 1 can (13.3oz size) of high-quality meat product with biscuit added in equal amount or 1 1/2 cupfuls of a complete, dry food.

Exercise and Training:

An apartment is fine for this toy breed provided he is walked several times a day. The Shih Tzu is a happy, playful breed. They will enjoy daily walks and a play session or two during the day but are not high-energy dogs. Although not demanding of exercise, daily exercise is important, as this breed can become fat with too many snacks and not enough exercise.

Housetraining Shih Tzu can sometimes be a challenge. Owners should be patient, follow a schedule, and supervise the puppy. Although training is not as important with this breed as with so many others, Shih Tzu do thrive in a training program that is fun. Shih Tzu are also easily spoiled, so training can help prevent bad behaviors. This breed was bred to be a companion, plain and simple. These dogs love people and are friendly and affectionate. The breed is also great with children, as long as the kids are not too rough. They are fine with other dogs and with smaller pets. Health concerns include allergies and eye and kidney problems.

Grooming:

His long, silky shedding coat requires a daily brushing with a pure bristle brush. Do not neglect this task to avoid the painful combing out of tangles. Keep the topknot from getting into the eyes and make sure that the ears are free of matted hair. Periodic clipping is also necessary. His coat can be kept in a shorter clip to reduce the grooming maintenance. This breed's coat requires time and effort to keep it looking good. Show dogs may have hair that reaches and drags on the ground, but most pet owners keep the hair trimmed. Daily brushing and combing is needed, even if the hair is trimmed, because the coat can easily tangle and mat.