Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information & Characteristics

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The Shih Tzu dog, whose name means “little lion,” is a small-bodied companion dog breed from Tibet. These dogs are affectionate and not vicious. We have learned that thousands of years ago the Shih Tzu was bred from Pekingese and Lhasa Apso. In modern times, these small Shih Tzu dogs have become good companion dogs. However, in recent years, there are some dog owners who take the Shih Tzu into dog sports, training Shih Tzu dogs for obedience and agility competitions.

Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information and Characteristics

If you want to get a Shih Tzu dog, you should adopt one from a rescue organization or shelter. However, if you want to buy a Shih Tzu puppy, you should buy it from a reputable breeder. Make sure that the breeder follows ethical practices and prioritizes the welfare of their dogs so that you can bring home a healthy, socialized Shih Tzu puppy. Continue reading below to learn more about Shih Tzu Dog breed information and characteristics.

Shih Tzu Dog Overview

Shih Tzu Dog Overview

The Shih Tzu is a small dog with long, bushy hair. It has a distinctive face that can melt the hearts of many people, especially dog lovers. Originally, this dog breed was kept by the Chinese royal family during the Ming Dynasty. Shih Tzu dogs have loose fur and beautifully tied tufts. And, Shih Tzu dogs are also interested by many people because of their friendly, lively, and loyal nature. These dogs are bred to be good companion dogs. Shih Tzu dogs love to meet and greet people they know and strangers alike. They can make friends wherever they go. In addition, Shih Tzu dogs are also adaptable. They can live in a small room or in an apartment. Children will be comfortable playing with this dog because Shih Tzu dogs love children and get along easily with other animals. However, you should supervise interactions between Shih Tzu dogs and children. Please note that one of the unique characteristics of the Shih Tzu dog is its sharp bite. Shih Tzu dogs have a lower jaw that is slightly wider than the upper jaw.

There are many legends about Shih Tzu spread around. One legend says that Buddha travelled with a Shih Tzu dog. According to the legend, one day, some robbers came to Buddha with the intention of robbing and killing him. However, the little Shih Tzu dog turned into a ferocious lion. The dog successfully chased away the robbers and saved Buddha’s life. That is the reason why the Shih Tzu is called a ferocious lion. After Buddha saw the action of his favourite dog, then Buddha took and kissed the Shih Tzu dog. Well, the white spot on the Shih Tzu’s head is said to mark the place where Buddha kissed his loyal dog. In addition, there are also those who believe that Dog Fu, the guardian of the Buddhist temple, is a representation of the Shih Tzu.

History of the Shih Tzu Dog

History of the Shih Tzu Dog

Now you must be curious to know the origin of the Shih Tzu. Actually, the origin of the Shih Tzu dog has been around for a long time. According to research, the Shih Tzu is one of the 14 oldest dog breeds in the world. Based on Shih Tzu dog bones found in China, it proves that Shih Tzu dogs have been there since 8,000 BC. Some people believe that the Shih Tzu dog was developed by Tibetan monks and given as a gift to Chinese nobility. However, there is also another speculation that the Shih Tzu was developed in China by crossing other breeds with the Pekingnese or Lhasa Apso.

Some paintings, artworks, and writings from China’s Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), many depict small Shih Tzu dogs. From 990- 994 AD, references to Shih Tzu small dogs also appear in some paintings, engravings, and documents. In the 13th century, it was reported that the Mongolian Emperor Kubla Khan kept a Shih Tzu dog. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), many Chinese royal families also kept Shih Tzu dogs. At that time, Shih Tzu dogs were known as intelligent and docile little dogs. From 1700 to 1900 AD, there is not much mention of Shih Tzu dogs in documents, but there are many artworks depicting Shih Tzu dogs as shaggy and cheerful little dogs.

In 1861, after a royal concubine became Empress of China, Shih Tzu became popular in the Imperial Palace. In fact, one of Empress T’zu Hsi’s first royal edicts was that anyone caught torturing a palace dog would be put to death. During Empress T’zu Hsi’s reign, she had a pair of exceptionally intelligent Shih Tzu dogs, which was given from Dalai Lama. The dogs were trained to sit upright and wave their front paws when Empress T’zu Hsi visited. After her death in 1908, many royal families wanted to produce dogs with the best coat and colour. The breeding practices of Shih Tzu dogs were kept secret. Usually, poor quality dogs were sold in the market, while good quality dogs were smuggled out of the palace and given as gifts to Chinese nobles.

In 1928, Lady Brownrigg brought a pair of Shih Tzu dogs to England from Peking. Then, in 1933, Mrs. Hutchins brought a Shih Tzu dog from China to Ireland. Eventually, these Shih Tzu dogs were bred at Lady Brownrigg. These three Shih Tzu dogs became the foundation of Lady Brownrigg’s kennel. The first people to import and breed Shih Tzu dogs in the United States were Maureen Murdock and Philip Price. In 1960, there were three Shih Tzu clubs; the Shih Tzu Club of America, the American Shih Tzu Association, and the Texas Shih Tzu Society. Later, the Shih Tzu Club of America and the Texas Shih Tzu Society merged to form the American Shih Tzu Club in 1963. Finally, in 1969, the American Kennel Club recognized the Shih Tzu dog breed as a member of the Toy Group.

Size of the Shih Tzu Dog

Size of the Shih Tzu Dog

As said before, Shih Tzu dogs are small dogs. Approximately what size is it? For your information, male and female Shih Tzu dogs are both 9-10 inches tall. And, the weight of Shih Tzu dogs, both male and female, is 9-16 pounds.

Personality of the Shih Tzu Dog

Personality of the Shih Tzu Dog

Shih Tzu dogs are good companion dogs. They are affectionate and playful. They just want to be with you and want to be treated with affection. Affection is the dominant characteristic of Shih Tzu Dogs. Your lap is the Shih Tzu Dog’s favourite place. These Shih Tzu dogs really enjoy moments with you and your family. They are very happy to be given attention and rewarded. Even so, Shih Tzu dogs are also lively dogs. They will be wary and may bark at strangers or newcomers to their home. However, do not worry, Shih Tzu dogs are sociable. Once your guests enter the house, the Shih Tzu dog will be able to make friends with your guests.

Shih Tzu Dog Feeding

Shih Tzu Dog Feeding 1

Shih Tzu Dog Feeding 2

How to feed a Shih Tzu dog is an important thing you should know if you want to keep this dog in your home. It should be noted that the recommended daily amount is 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. However, how much your adult dog eats will depend on its age, size, body shape, metabolism, and activity level. So, every dog has a different portion of food to eat. Generally, a very active Shih Tzu dog needs more food than a lazy dog. And, the quality of the dog food you give will also affect the dog. Make sure you provide high quality dog food so that your dog meets its nutritional needs. To get more information about the right food for Shih Tzu dogs and how to feed Shih Tzu dogs, whether puppies or adult dogs, try browsing the internet.

Shih Tzu Dog Care

In this paragraph we will explain information about Shih Tzu dog care. It should be noted that Shih Tzu dogs do not really mind where they live, they will be able to live in a small room as long as they are with you. Shih Tzu dogs are house dogs, they will enjoy a little play in your backyard. Shih Tzu dogs are not very active dogs. They will be happier sitting on your lap and taking little walks around the house. When guests come to your home, this Shih Tzu will welcome your guests. They are adaptable and social dogs.

Please note that Shih Tzu dogs are sensitive to heat. So, make sure your dog is in an air-conditioned or cool environment so that they do not experience heat exhaustion. When carrying a Shih Tzu be careful. You must hold your dog tightly. Do not let your Shih Tzu dog jump from your arms or from furniture. These jumps are very high for Shih Tzu dogs that have small bodies. And, these jumps also often end in injury. Shih Tzu need early socialization and training even though they are docile and friendly. If not properly socialized and trained, Shih Tzu can become shy and stupid. In addition, early socialization also helps ensure that the Shih Tzu grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

Some dog owners find Shih Tzu dogs difficult to train to relieve themselves outside the house. For this matter, you should never give a Shih Tzu dog the opportunity to relieve itself in the house. You certainly do not want your dog to get used to relieving himself on your favourite carpet. However, do not worry, with good and regular training, your dog will be able to follow your commands regarding toileting. Make sure you watch your Shih Tzu closely in the house until your dog has not relieved himself in the house for at least three to seven weeks. Generally, crate training will also be useful to train your dog to relieve himself in a clean area and provide a quiet place to relax.

Shih Tzu Dog Coat Colour and Grooming

Shih Tzu Dog Grooming
Shih Tzu Grooming
Shih Tzu Dog Coat Colour
Shih Tzu Dog Coat Colours

Shih Tzu dogs have a long, soft coat. Shih Tzu dog coat colours come in a variety of colours such as black, white, black, and white, grey and white, or red. You need to be able to keep the Shih Tzu’s coat beautiful. To prevent the Shih Tzu’s coat from tangling, you can brush and comb its coat every day. If you are not confident in your ability to take care of your Shih Tzu’s coat, you can take your dog to a groomer. You can ask a professional groomer to cut the Shih Tzu’s long hair. If you cut your Shih Tzu’s coat short, you should schedule your Shih Tzu’s grooming every six to eight weeks. If you comb your Shih Tzu’s coat yourself, make it a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both you and your Shih Tzu.

When brushing a Shih Tzu’s coat, make sure you brush it down to the skin. To make brushing the Shih Tzu’s coat easier, experienced groomers usually teach Shih Tzu dogs to lie on their sides. You need to know that at the age of ten to twelve months, the Shih Tzu dog’s coat will change from puppy fluff to adult dog hair. The process of changing from a fine puppy coat to an adult dog coat lasts for about three months. Brushing will become easier once the adult coat is fully grown. And, you do not have to take your dog to the groomer.

For Shih Tzu nail and ear care, make sure you trim your Shih Tzu’s nails every month. And, make sure you check your Shih Tzu’s ears once a week to see if there is any debris or bad odor that may cause infection. You can clean your Shih Tzu’s ears with a cotton ball moistened with a gentle ear cleaner every week. Usually, there is hair growing inside the Shih Tzu’s ear canal. If the Shih Tzu dog has many ear infections, the fur needs to be removed. For Shih Tzu facial care, you can wipe the Shih Tzu dog’s face regularly with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. Finally, regarding the Shih Tzu’s dental care, you can brush the Shih Tzu’s teeth with a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste regularly to keep the Shih Tzu’s gums and teeth healthy.

Shih Tzu Dog Health Problems

Shih Tzu Dog Health Problems

Here are some of the health problems that can occur in Shih Tzu dogs:

    • Allergies
    • Canine hip dysplasia
    • Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
    • Patellar luxation
    • Juvenile renal dysplasia (JRD)
    • Bladder stones and bladder infections
    • Eye problems
    • Ear infections
    • Persistent deciduous teeth
    • Umbilical hernias
    • A portosystemic liver shunt
    • Reverse sneezing

How to Get the Shih Tzu Dog?

If you want to add a Shih Tzu dog to your family, you can contact your local animal shelter or animal rescue group. They will help you find the dog you want. Some animal rescue groups you can try contacting are Shih Tzu Rescue or Tzu Zoo Rescue. Apart from adopting a Shih Tzu dog from an animal rescue group, you can also buy a Shih Tzu dog from a dog breeder. Make sure you buy a Shih Tzu dog from a reputable dog breeder. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy and well-socialized Shih Tzu puppies so that the Shih Tzu will be a good companion dog. Remember that the Shih Tzu dog is a very wonderful family pet. They are also friendly with other dogs or animals. Its docile nature makes the Shih Tzu a great companion for children.

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