Description of a Shih Tzu Dog

The little lion dog of Tibet, or shih tzu, is an ancient breed. The American Kennel Club says that paintings and descriptions show that the shih tzu was a prized house pet during the Ming dynasty from 1368 to 1644 A.D. They were bred for centuries by Chinese royalty, but almost became extinct in the early 1900s. Today's shih tzu, descended from only 14 surviving dogs, were first registered by the AKC in 1969.

  1. Identification

    • The AKC classifies the shih tzu as a toy dog--the breed standard calls for a sturdy dog weighing between 9 and 16 lbs, standing 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders. The shih tzu's most distinctive feature is its coat--long, thick and flowing almost to the floor. Its head is carried high as befitting its regal heritage, and the plumed tail curls over its back. Shi tzus can be any color, including solid color, brindle, and different colors with white markings.

    Considerations

    • The luxurious shih tzu coat requires daily maintenance to avoid tangles and knots. To keep its long coat clean, you may want to trim the fur around the shih tzu's anus, feet and ears. Keep its fur out of the eyes by keeping the long fur on your shih tzu's head tied up in a top knot. Susan Kilgore, writing for the American Shih Tzu Club, suggests a puppy or pet clip if your shih tzu leads an active lifestyle.

    Function

    • The shih tzu has always been bred and valued as a companion and house pet, according to the AKC. However, if you want to do obedience or another dog sport with your shih tzu, it will be up to the challenge--they can be stubborn, but motivation and rewards yield good results in the ring.

    Shih Tzus and Children

    • Shih tzus are confident, friendly and intelligent dogs, but lack of training and socializing can make them yappy and prone to snapping. The American Shih Tzu Club warns that shih tzus and children don't always make the best combination. Small children can inadvertently injure little dogs, and although most shih tzus love children, those that have not been well trained are likely to bite a meddlesome child.

    Misconceptions

    • Some breeders advertise undersized shih tzus as "Imperial" or "Teacup." These are merely marketing terms for dogs that don't fit the breed standard, states the American Shih Tzu Club. An undersized shih tzu is not rare, it is merely a runt or an intentionally-bred-undersized shih tzu. The American Shih Tzu Club warns that breeders who intentionally produce undersized shih tzus are risking "the overall health and wonderful distinguishing breed characteristics that responsible breeders have worked long and hard to preserve."