Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a sturdy yet tiny dog with a lush, long, double-hair coat. This breed is known for its confident, alert, playful, and brave personality, and it is a popular choice among toy dog lovers. With its long history as a lap dog to nobles, the Shih Tzu is a breed of ancient origin.
When given proper training and care, Shih Tzus can become fantastic companions. Their small size makes them well-suited for living in apartments and other small spaces. Just be prepared for some snorting and snoring; The Shih Tzu is considered a brachycephalic breed because of its head shape and short, “smooshed” face. Overall, most Shih Tzu owners would agree that this breed is incredibly lovable and charming.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 9 to 16 pounds
COAT: Long double coat
COAT COLOR: Found in nearly any color, most commonly in black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 16 years
TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, intelligent, playful, alert, loyal, lively
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
ORIGIN: Tibet
Characteristics of the Shih Tzu
Beloved for their charming and lovable temperament, Shih Tzus adore plenty of attention and love nothing more than hanging out with, and sitting on their humans. . They are adaptable to a variety of living situations, including both large and small families, and tend to thrive in homes where they can receive love and attention.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | Low |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | Medium |
| Amount of Shedding | Low |
Shih Tzu Care
Shih Tzu dogs are known for their intelligence and are relatively easy to train and care for, thanks to their small size. However, it’s important to remember a few essential care requirements to ensure your Shih Tzu remains happy and healthy throughout their lifetime.
Exercise
Shih Tzu has a moderate energy level and will benefit from regular walks and engaging activities such as games or playtime with toys. While they are adaptable to apartment living, it’s essential to make time for active play.
However, it’s important to note that Shih Tzus may struggle in excessively hot weather or environments due to their brachycephalic skull shape, which can make it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. Keep an eye on your Shih Tzu during hot weather and provide them with plenty of shade and fresh water to prevent heat exhaustion.
Grooming
The Shih Tzu’s coat grows continuously with very minimal shedding, leading the majority of people to consider them a hypoallergenic dog breed. The loose hairs are more likely to be retained in the coat rather than the air—however, be aware that the allergens remain in dander and saliva, so there will still be some present in the environment around the dog. If you’re sensitive, it’s wise to spend time with a Shih Tzu to see if this breed provokes your allergies before adopting one.
Many owners choose to keep their dog’s hair trimmed short, making it appear somewhat curly and fluffy. Others opt to keep the coat long and luxurious. Because of their coat type, routine grooming is an absolute necessity for the Shih Tzu. They should be brushed once or twice a week (up to once daily if the coat is kept long) and haircuts may be necessary every several weeks.
In addition to grooming, regular visits to the veterinarian are necessary for the Shih Tzu’s overall health and wellbeing. They may be prone to certain health conditions, such as eye problems, respiratory issues, and dental problems, so it’s important to keep up with routine check-ups and preventative care.
Training
Proper training and socialisation are important to keep your Shih Tzu happy and well-adjusted. Do not skip these practices just because the Shih Tzu is a small dog, this breed tends to have a smart yet stubborn nature.
Shih Tzus can be difficult to housebreak, hence you do need to be diligent in training your dog beginning at a young age. They can be also trained to use a litter box indoors—be aware, however, that they tend to eat their own (and other dogs’) feces, so please keep your dog’s area clean.
In summary, the Shih Tzu is a loving and loyal breed which gets along well in a multi-pet household with other friendly dogs and cats, especially if they’re raised together. Shih Tzus are great with children as long as the child is old enough to handle a dog gently and respectfully. Please be aware that the Shih Tzu can be easily injured by rough play due to its small size.
Common Health Problems
Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs, such as the AKC – dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems may still occur in Shih Tzus. The following are some conditions to be aware of:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Distichiasis
Diet and Nutrition
Shih Tzus being small dogs, typically require a maximum of 1 cup of dry dog food daily, although the exact amount varies based on age, size, activity level, and health status. Consistently checking your dog’s weight and taking corrective measures if necessary is vital. Consult with your vet for expert advice on the best nutritional approach.