About Shi Tzus

Shi Tzu dogs belong to the toy breed group and have long beautiful coats that resemble that of a lion. They are energetic, fun and loving, making them great companions for children as well as adults. However, it is important to understand the amount of work and care their coats need on a regular basis before adding a Shi Tzu as a member of the family.

  1. About the Breed

    • Shi Tzu dogs, also spelled Shih Tzu, are one of America’s most beloved toy dogs. Weighing anywhere from nine to 16 pounds and growing to be only eight to 11 inches in height, Shi Tzus bring a whole new meaning to the word "toy dog." This breed has also earned the nickname “small lion” because of its lion-like appearance. They make excellent apartment and condominium dogs, but also like the outdoors; they should be taken on daily walks or outside to play.

    History of the Breed

    • The Shi Tzu breed originates from Tibet. However, the breed is usually associated with China because the breed was highly revered there as prized companions and palace pets. The breed came to the United States in the 1930s, but didn’t become popular until the 1960s.

    Character and Temperament

    • Shi Tzus are known as being very proud dogs that will carry themselves with a dignified and noble strut and expect to be spoiled rotten. The eyes of a Shi Tzu are distinctive due to their human-like quality and warmth. This breed is very family-oriented and loves being a companion to others. Shi Tzus get along with other pets and do not do well if they are separated from their owners. In some cases, Shi Tzus may even become destructive if they are left alone for too long. They are very outgoing and spunky, and love to play. However, they can also be very quiet and docile at times and make excellent watchdogs.

    Coat Information and Care

    • The Shi Tzu breed is famous for its glorious coat and the variety of colors that this coat may have. Shi Tzus have a double-layered coat that is long and dense. The outer coat is the hair that often touches the ground, and in some dogs is wavy. In order to prevent irritation to the eyes, you should make a topknot of the long hair on top of the head to keep the coat out of your dog's eyes. The undercoat of the Shi Tzu is very soft and wooly.

      Shi Tzus' coats must be brushed every day. The dogs should be bathed monthly in order to prevent tangles and knots in the coat. Surprisingly, even with all the hair that Shi Tzus have, they are minimal shedders and are even considered to be "hypoallergenic" dogs.

    Health

    • Shi Tzus are a fairly healthy breed. However, there are some things to keep in mind: Their eyes and ears are very sensitive and should be kept clean. Slipping kneecaps and kidney disease seem to be common in the breed, and should be watched for, especially in older Shi Tzus. Tooth loss and decay is common in toy-size dogs, making dental hygiene a must. Due to their short muzzle, Shi Tzus are prone to snoring, as well as other breathing problems such as wheezing. Finally, it is important not to overfeed Shi Tzus because they tend to gain weight easily.

    Training

    • House-training a Shi Tzu can be a difficult task due to the breed’s stubborn streak. The crate method is usually best when it comes to training Shi Tzus. It is important when training this breed to understand that they do not respond to punishment or harshness. Persistence and consistency are paramount when training a Shi Tzu.