What Does a Shitzu Look Like?

The Shih Tzu is a small dog that looks like a little lion. It is often called the Tibetan temple dog because its ancestors were Tibetan holy dogs. It has been called the chrysanthemum dog because its snubby face surrounded by puffy long hair looks like a chrysanthemum flower. This small dog with long flowing hair is a companion and show dog.

  1. History

    • The American Kennel Club (AKC) lists the Shih Tzu as a house pet cherished by Chinese royals for over a thousand years. Legend says the dog was bred by crossing the Lhaso Apso and Pekingese. Recent DNA results confirm this heritage, indicating the dog is genetically related to ancient Tibetan dog breeds. During World War II, English soldiers discovered the dogs and brought the Shih Tzu to Europe.

    Features

    • The American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) and the AKC set the standards considered desirable in the Shih Tzu. These include height from 9 to 11 inches, weight of 9 to 16 pounds and body length slightly longer than the height. Judging standards require the head be round and broad while the tail should be curled up across the back and torso. It can be any color and should have an alert, pleasant personality.

    Benefits

    • The Shih Tzu is bred as a companion and lives 13 to 15 years. It is bred as a happy, friendly and trusting dog. The Shih Tzu likes to be with people. It needs little exercise and sheds very little when its hair is kept short and groomed. This small dog is suited to apartment living and is loyal to its owner. It is often an alert watchdog.

    Considerations

    • The Shih Tzu has a short inner coat and long flowing outer coat. This double coat requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting. It is often clipped in a short cut or medium length for dog comfort and easy care. Long hair around the face is usually trimmed or pulled back in a rubber band so the dog can eat easily. Many Shih Tzu are trained to drink from a lick bottle instead of a water bowl to keep water out of the short nose.

    Warning

    • The AKC advises many Shih Tzu are slow to learn basic commands. They need consistent training. The Shih Tzu can develop Small Dog Syndrome when the owner has failed to gain control and the dog thinks it is in command. The dog may then snap, bark and bite. The solution is to walk or exercise the dog daily and work off pent-up energy. Regain control with training and rewards for more friendly behavior.

    Expert Insight

    • Shih Tzu owner James E. Mumford described the dog's versatile personality as, "A dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces of domestic cat, one part court jester, a dash of ballerina, a pinch of old man (Chinese), a bit of beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one part baby seal, a dash of teddy bear and the rest dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin."