About the Shih Tzu Dog Breed

The Shih Tzu is a dog of Chinese origin, small and at home in a city or country setting. The Shih Tzu has a long coat that requires maintenance, and the breed is prone to certain health problems. The Shih Tzu comes in an assortment of colors and the breed is long-lived, with the average life span of about 15 years.

  1. Identification

    • The average male Shih Tzu stands about 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs 9- to 16 pounds. The females are similar in size. The Shih Tzu can have a coat that is brown, white, black or other colors, including combinations of these shades. The Shih Tzu has long hair, a short muzzle, broad rounded eyes and drooping, hairy ears.

    History

    • The origins of the Shih Tzu are unclear, but the prevailing thought is that the dog is a cross between Tibetan mountain dogs and the Lhasa Apso, probably occurring in the 1600s. The name translates to "lion dog," an indication of the high regard the Chinese had for that feline. The Shih Tzu held a high place among royalty in China, so much so that the breed stayed within that nation until about the 1930s. The popularity of the Shih Tzu took off when some made their way to England, with the Shih Tzu catching on in the United States in the late 1960s. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1969.

    Temperament

    • Shih Tzus are alert and full of pep. The dog is friendly and smart and has little fear, despite its diminutive stature. The Shih Tzu interacts well with children and most other pets. The dog can be stubborn, and some are difficult to housetrain. If not properly trained, some Shih Tzus may develop separation anxiety.

    Grooming

    • The long coat of the Shih Tzu is one of the breed's trademarks, but it does require grooming to keep it flowing and free of tangle. Many Shih Tzu owners will prevent the hair from covering the dog's eyes with some sort of clip or bow on the forehead. The Terrific Pets website recommends a daily routine of brushing the coat to keep mats from forming. This can be much easier to accomplish if you begin doing it when the dog is young so that the animal gets used to such handling on an everyday basis. Despite their long hair, Shih Tzus are not heavy shedders.

    Health Concerns

    • Overfeeding and lack of exercise can cause obesity in Shih Tzus. The breed tends to suffer from ear infections, so proper cleaning of the ears is important. Breathing problems can emerge in a Shih Tzu as can snoring. The relatively long back coupled with the short legs often leads to disc ailments and spinal problems.