Shih Tzu – Breed Profile

Among the most ancient of modern dog breeds, the Shih Tzu makes a perfect companion for those with enough patience to groom and train them…

The Shih Tzu (whose Chinese name translates into “lion dog”) is among the most ancient of breeds that is now more commonly known for their long hair styles when seen around the dog show circuit. The breed officially came into existence during the 17th century with origins dating back as far as 10,000 years, and was first bred for the core reason of being companion dogs for the Chinese royal family.

A number of their most typical traits include their playful and affectionate temperament as well as a non-shedding coat that comes in a range of colors – which assist in making the Shih Tzu a common companionship dog breed for apartment dwellers and even allergy sufferers. Below are just a few fast Shih Tzu facts:

Trainability & Intelligence:

Friendliness With People:

Compatible With Animals:

Daily Exercise Required:

Grooming Requirements:

Suitable For A Family Pet:

Suitability As A Guard Dog:

Origins Of The Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is among the most ancient of dog breeds that is believed to have come from China and was a favorite of the Chinese royals who refused to sell or trade the dogs – though much of their history is actually shrouded in mystery. It wasn’t until the 1930s when they were taken back to England and the breed’s modern-day foundations were formed. They are assumed to be a product of crossing some unknown Tibetan breeds with the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese.

Average Size Of The Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are termed as a toy-sized breed of dog. The recommended standard size for both Shih Tzu males and females is 8-11 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 9-16 pounds.

Temperament Of The Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is legendary for their playful and affectionate temperament – though sometimes they can become stubborn and develop small dog syndrome if not correctly managed. They are generally trusting with strangers, which along with their size often makes them not very suitable as a guard dog.

The Shih Tzu is not demonstrated to be highly intelligent – placing 70th compared to other dogs based on their ability to be trained obedience instructions. They are additionally renowned to be playful with kids – which means they are quite suitable as a family pet, though they should not be handled too roughly and are not always the best with very young children. The Shih Tzu is usually well-suited with animals such as other dogs and cats if properly socialized.

Grooming Requirements Of The Shih Tzu

Grooming the Shih Tzu is a fairly demanding undertaking – though the effort required varies depending on whether their coat is kept long or short. They need regular brushing every day and proper grooming every 2-3 weeks along with weekly attention for their ears assuming their coat is kept long. The method for properly grooming the long-haired Shih Tzu can be explained as:

1. Brush the coat and tail using a slicker brush to remove any matted hair.
2. Use medicated ear powder to clean the ears and remove any stray hair.
3. Use nail clippers to cut the tips of the nails.
4. Wipe the eyes with a cotton ball dipped in eye drops to clean them and trim stained hair from the corners of their eyes.
5. Shave around their rear end with a #10 blade, avoiding contact with their skin.
6. Use the same blade to shave their abdomen and the insides of their thighs.
7. Place a cotton ball in each ear to prevent water going down the ear canal and then bathe and dry them.
8. Use a metal comb to part their coat down the middle from the top of the head to the tail. Part the hair from the top of the head to their nose, comb it back evenly, secure it with a rubber band and then attach a bow. Alternatively, you may choose to make a braid with the hair.
9. Use scissors to trim the hair between the foot pads as well as around the edges to give a rounded look.
10. Finish by using a fine-toothed metal comb to brush through the entire coat. You may choose to use conditioner to rinse but often this can cause the coat to become matted more easily.

Living Requirements For The Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu thrives with a small yard to run around in, though one isn’t always necessary and they can be very suitable for living in an apartment so long as they are exercised on a regular basis. They prefer cooler temperatures, and they will be made uncomfortable if it gets too hot.

Health & Life Expectancy Of The Shih Tzu

Similar to a lot of small-sized dogs, the Shih Tzu is commonly longer-lived possessing a life expectancy of 10-15 years. The greatest health problem for Shih Tzus is commonly recognized as Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVD) due to their long back and short legs. They are also vulnerable to conditions like hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, eye problems and breathing difficulties due to the shape of their face.

Exercise Needs For The Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu enjoys leisure activities such as playing with a favorite toy or running around an off-leash dog park. They possess a low to medium amount of energy and this necessitates exercise every day in the form of short walks to avoid behavior problems that result from an excessive amount of energy.

Who Should Own The Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu could make the ideal dog for families with older children, seniors or aspiring dog groomers. They are appropriate for anybody who is eager to carry out a high level of grooming and take time to provide them with consistent and firm training that demonstrates the human is the pack leader in addition to take them on short walks each day and grant a high sum of company and attention. Although they may be a bit out of place as a guard dog and with younger children, if you are capable of meeting their high grooming demands and being a little patient in training them then the Shih Tzu may perhaps make the perfect dog breed for you.

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