Shih Tzu Dog Breed Complete Guide: Lively, Beautiful, and Loyal

Shih Tzu puppies are extremely adorable and one of the most playful breeds you can own. They are great for people living in small spaces and are very mild-mannered and well-behaved. This breed is also widely known for being great with children and small babies. Find out why Shih Tzus are one of the top favorite dog breeds to own around the world!

 

 

 

Shih Tzu Characteristics (Physical)

A Shih Tzu's general appearance is a straight-up head with a tail that curves over the back, and the sizes will range depending on the size of the Shih Tzu. They are also known for their elegant flowing double coat that comes with various vibrant colors. Their head is broad and round with a large section between the eyes. Along with the head, their shoulders fit just right compared to the rest of the body.

 

Shih Tzu Breed Size

Shih Tzus are very small dogs, making them part of the Toy Dog breed category. They typically stand from 8 to 11 inches tall, meaning they have very short legs. Shih Tzus are only 9 to 16 pounds, with males and females being similar in size.

 

Shih Tzu Personality

Even though Shih Tzus are known as being lap dogs and one of the cutest dog breeds, they are actually quite intelligent. They are incredibly smart but can be very stubborn at times. Shih Tzus make great family dogs because of their natural friendliness, confidence, affectionate demeanor, and absolute lack of prey drive. Shih Tzus are completely fine being picked up and carried by small and respectful children.

 

Some Shih Tzus are very independent and can be stubborn at times. However, with enough training and socialization, their personalities are easily manageable. Maybe making you pick them up halfway through a walk, them not eating all their food when you want them to, or them just simply not listening to you. It is important to remember this is not a malicious act from your Shih Tzu.

 

 

 

Shih Tzu Breed Exercise

Shih Tzu puppies six months or older need at least one walk a day that lasts around 20 minutes. Exercise is important for all dogs to maintain a healthy weight. The ideal exercise for a Shih Tzu that is fully grown is two walks a day, lasting anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. More active Shih Tzus can have up to three walking sessions per day, but it's also important to not overwork your Shih Tzu.

 

Training a Shih Tzu Dog

House training for a Shitzu is one of the most difficult things found out by dog owners. Because of their small bladders, Shih Tzus have a hard time waiting for their owners to let them out to use the bathroom. It is important to start training them young to ensure your dog doesn't have any accidents in the house and is trained right. You can start early training for your Shih Tzu puppy as soon as eight weeks of age is important to solidify good behaviors. Otherwise, it may be much harder to correct bad behaviors later on.

 

Socialization

Socialization for your Shih Tzu puppy is one of the most important things you can provide. Make them comfortable going out by taking them to many places when they are puppies and giving them lots of treats throughout the trip. Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to train a new puppy. Give them plenty of praises, dog treats, and head scratches to associate new experiences with positive rewards.

 

 

 

Shih Tzu History

The first ShihTzu breed was recorded at least 100 years ago, but they may have existed far before that. Some people speculate that the Shih Tzu actually originated from the neighboring country of Tibet. However, most experts agree that Shih Tzus were developed for Chinese royalty. Many believe the modern-day Shih Tzu came from a mix of Pekingese and Lhasa Apso.

 

The name Shih Tzu means "little lion" in Chinese and Tibetan culture. According to ancient legend, they received this name from the Tibetan Buddhist goddess of learning. The legend says that the goddess traveled with a small lion dog that could turn into a full-size lion. In 1861, Empress Tzu Hsi was one of the first significant figures that boosted the popularity of Shih Tzu dogs. She had a great love for all dogs and made it punishable by death to torture or kill any palace dogs.

 

 

When the Dalai Lama gave Empress Tzu Hsi two extraordinary and beautiful Shih Tzus, she created an extensive breeding program for the breed. Her program led to the increase in popularity for Shih Tzus across the nation. After her death in 1908, many royal families sought to produce a breed with the finest coats and colors. However, this led to poor breeding practices and a decrease in breed quality overall. Higher quality Shih Tzus were smuggled out of the palaces and sold to the highest bidder, noblemen, or foreigners.

 

The first ShihTzu dog arrived in the western world in 1928. Lady Brownrigg of England is credited with creating the first Shih Tzu kennel. Soon the popularity of the breed found itself making its way to America. Shih Tzu clubs began to pop up all over the United States until 1963, until the creation of the American Shih Tzu Club. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed as a member of the Toy Dog category.

 

 

 

Common Health Problems Found in Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are generally healthy but may have some health problems that pet owners should be aware of, especially with Shih Tzu mixes. If you notice any of these health issues, it is important to get them to the vet and treated as soon as possible. Some health issues may be hereditary, but most have been phased out from responsible breeding.

 

Ear Infections

Many Shih Tzus can easily obtain ear infections because of their big floppy ears. A Shih Tzu's ear makes a perfectly dark and moist canal that is the prime environment for ear infections. Ear infections can be particularly painful if not treated early enough.

 

Eye Problems

Many pet owners will notice their Shih Tzu's large prominent eyes. Because of their big eyes, they are prone to damage like scrapes and cuts. Shih Tzu's eyes are known to get keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea that could lead to dry eye and blindness. Shih Tzu's can also have their eyes dislodged from the socket.

 

 

 

How to Care for a Shih Tzu

Caring for your Shih Tzu is pretty easy. Shih Tzus can have serious problems with their teeth, and it is important to brush them at least three times a week. Be sure to also clean their ears weekly. They can also be sensitive to very hot temperatures, and it is best to avoid spending a long time in extreme heat. You can keep your puppy healthy and happy with regular vet checkups. Remember to:

 

• Watch their diet
• Make sure they get plenty of exercise
• Regularly brush their teeth and coat

 

 

Nutrition and Feeding For A Shih Tzu

The recommended feeding for a Havanese is ½ to 1 cup of high-quality dog food divided into two meals. However, their diet depends on the dog's size, age, activity levels, and metabolism. Dogs are just like people and react differently to all different kinds of foods. The quality of dog food also has a huge effect on their health and wellness.

 

Related: Organic Dog Food Vs Non Organic [In-Depth Comparison]

 

 

Coat Color And Grooming

It's important to groom your Shih Tzu's coat to keep it silky and smooth. Shih Tzus do not shed easily despite having long hair and will not leave your couch covered in fur. The coat is long and ranges from straight to curly. The colors come in white, black, gray, stable, or a combination the different colors and markings. Many owners clip the coat very short of making it easier to take care of so it's not always matted. Longer coats often need more grooming and maintenance to keep them clean and neat.

 

Many owners hire a professional groomer to manage the long coat and make sure it doesn't become dirty and tangled. You can learn great grooming tips from the groomer so that it's easier for you to manage at home. If you plan on going this route, plan on making an appointment every six to eight weeks.

 

 

 

Children and Other Pets

Shih Tzus love children and are never aggressive with them. They are affectionate dogs that love playdates, being around people, and getting attention from you. The Shih Tzu is known to relax and calm their owners down, making them great therapy dogs. Shih Tzus have the personality and capability to cheer someone up or calm them down with just their presence.

 

A small child needs to know how to approach a dog to ensure that there are no bad experiences. Small kids are often very aggressive towards animals and don't understand that they shouldn't pull on their tails or disturb them while eating. If a bad experience does occur in the presence of a child, either for the puppy or the kid, they could become traumatized.

 

The dog could become very skittish and sometimes even mean. If a dog has a bad experience with a small child in the early stages of life, it may become mean and snippy. If a dog bites a child at an early age, it is fair to say that child may gain some phobia related to dogs.

 

Shih Tzu Dog Rescue Groups

Rescue groups are dedicated to saving and taking in unwanted or abused pets. These groups focus on the Shih Tzu breed and have great options for looking to adopt a pet or giving away a pet if you cannot care for it. Some of these organizations are:

 

• Colorado Shih Tzu, Maltese and Lhasa Apso Rescue.
• Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue.
• Lone Star Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso Rescue.
• Peke A Tzu Rescue.
• ResQ Animal Coalition..
• Shih Tzu and Furbabies Rescue.
• Shih Tzu Rescue.

 

Shih Tzu Breed Organizations

A breed organization is a great place for all Shih Tzu lovers and enthusiasts to come together. The American Shih Tzu Club has all the information you need regarding events and meetups with other owners. The website also has referrals for breeding and training videos to ensure you know all about your dog before purchasing.

 

 

 

More About Shih Tzus

Getting a Shih Tzu from a reputable breeder can cost around $1000-1500. However, Shih Tzus with a higher quality bloodline or pedigree may be worth thousands of dollars more. Many Shih Tzus that have purer bloodlines are usually show-quality and represent all the best qualities of the breed. Remember to always visit the breeder in person to ensure that your next dog grew up in a proper, clean environment with no health problems.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Shih Tzu owners will tell you all about how amazing this breed is. According to the AKC, the Shih Tzu is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, ranking at 20th out of almost 200 different breeds. They are incredibly lively and loyal companion dogs that make them perfect for any family!