All About Shih Tzu

Looking for a furry little ball of pure fun? Well, the Shih Tzu dog can offer its “lion” way and much more! These little dogs are a great choice for many families in a variety of environments. Let's take a closer look at this ancient and beloved breed.

The Little Lions Dynasty – History of the Breed

This cheerful and outgoing dog has a long history of living within city walls. That is, between the walls of ancient Chinese temples. The Shih Tzu breed dates back over 2000 years and the best evidence shows that Tibetan monks offered the Shih Tzu dog as a gift to the Emperor of China.

In Chinese, the breed is known as “Shih Tzu Kou”, which translates to “Lion Dog”. If you've ever seen lion statues in a Buddhist temple or lions in ancient Chinese art, the resemblance is there.

The characteristic face shape and long coat of the breed made them revered in royal courts. During the Manchu and Ming dynasties, these little lions were bred exclusively for the court and were rarely seen outside the palace. Possessing one being an ordinary person was punishable by death.

Luckily for us, the Shih Tzu breed was brought to the west around 1860. After gaining popularity among the British and Germans, this lion dog roared to America around 1930.

Small figurines - Breed Characteristics

In addition to resembling a small lion, the Shih Tzu breed has many traits that make it unique. They are the right size for a cuddle, weigh around 3 to 7 kilos and are between 20 and 30 cm tall. They have a beautiful crumpled face (called a brachycephalic) and large, spaced-out eyes.

The Shih Tzu dog was legendary hairdresser Vidal Sassoon's favorite dog, and for good reason. It's hard to resist the urge to comb your fur for hours. Believe me, your Shih Tzu would be very happy and enjoying the treat. His beautiful fur comes in 14 different colors. White stripes not only on the face but also on the neck and legs are not only acceptable but adorable.

Its stunning fur forms a plume as its tail curves in an elegant arch over its back. The ears are wide and floppy, but they stick up for attention when you call them by name or offer to play.

They have short legs and a long back. When they trot, they seem to be sliding on the ground.

Recently there has been a demand for miniature dogs (mini, micro, dwarf). Among them, is the mini Shih Tzu. However, it is not recommended to buy this variant of any breed due to several existing health problems. The incentive to create mini dogs has been fought for being harmful to the health of the dogs themselves.

This Dog's Personality

Shih Tzus are characterized by being very outgoing, affectionate, happy and friendly. They tend to trust new people and make friends easily.

They don't need much exercise. However, they will love walking with you in the park, playing with toys in the living room and keeping their feet warm on a long winter night. They also tend to be very loyal and excellent with children.

Shih Tzu Care

The Shih Tzu dog tends to be very strong and relatively long-lived, around 10-13 years. However, like every breed, he has a predisposition to some specific health problems. The most common include:

· Eye problems
· Skin disease
· Teeth problems
· Early onset of arthritis
· Kidney disease ·
Brachycephalic syndrome (breathing problems)
· Susceptible to overheating

It may sound strange, but brushing your dog's teeth regularly can prevent painful dental disease and heavy vet bills. Shih Tzu dogs can have a mouth full of teeth that can lodge debris more easily predisposing them to periodontal disease.

Shihtzu Grooming

Bathing and grooming your Shihtzu regularly will help you bond with your dog and prevent many skin conditions. A Shih Tzu's eyes tend to have excess tears, so having a Shih Tzu shaved and face-cleaned frequently will help prevent skin infections, dirt, and gnarled fur.

Your little prince or princess can also benefit from a regular bath and grooming at a pet store. About once every 6 weeks send your puppy out to be treated. Once they get used to the process, your dog will enjoy all the extra attention he's getting.

Why professional grooming? Hair between the paws can be safely clipped as well as hair around the eyes and ears. Nail trimming should also be done every 4-6 weeks.

If you're worried about being able to handle all that fur, or if you live in a hot climate, talk to your pet shop for a shorter Shih Tzu puppy-style coat. It will keep them beautiful and easy to keep at home.

Home is where the heart is – Environment for your Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu loves to be where you are. It is an excellent breed of apartment dog as it does not require a lot of space.

If you live in a cooler climate, your long coat will be an advantage. If you live in warmer temperatures, air conditioning is recommended to cool them down a bit. Being a brachycephalic breed they are more likely to overheat and may suffer significantly.