All Shih Tzu Breed: A Comprehensive Guide

The Shih Tzu breed has been around for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient China. They were bred as companions for royalty.

These small dogs have a big personality, and with proper care, they can live up to 10-16 years. Their outgoing nature makes them a great fit for families with children.

Shih Tzus are known for their long, flowing coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, and brindle.

The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed with a rich history dating back over 2000 years. They originated in Tibetan monasteries and were often given to Chinese royalty as gifts.

These dogs were highly valued by many Chinese dynasties, living in the royal court and being kept hidden from the public eye. They were considered "warmers" for their humans, often kept in sleeves or placed on the feet of their royal companions to help generate heat.

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In the late 1800s, Empress Tzu Hsi (Cixi) was gifted a breeding pair of Shih Tzus by the Dalai Lama, which led to a strict breeding program to create her ideal "Imperial Dog." This program was discontinued after her death, and the breed almost went extinct.

Here's a brief timeline of the breed's history:

The breed was later revived through imports from England and Scandinavia, with 13 dogs being brought to these countries between 1928 and 1952.

The Shih Tzu breed has a rich and fascinating history that spans over 2000 years. They originated in Tibetan monasteries and were often given to Chinese royalty as gifts.

These dogs were highly prized by Chinese dynasties and lived in the royal court, where they were kept hidden from the public eye. They were considered "warmers" for their humans, often kept in sleeves or placed on the feet of their royal companions to generate heat.

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The Shih Tzu was held in high regard due to its association with the Buddha, who was believed to have ridden down to earth on the back of a lion. This led to the breed being named "Shih Tzu", which means "lion" in Chinese.

Here's a brief timeline of the Shih Tzu's history:

The breed almost went extinct after the empress died, but a pair of Shih Tzus eventually found their way to England in 1930.

The Shih Tzu's rich history is fascinating, and one of the most interesting stories is about a brave little dog named Lao. Lao was said to have saved Buddha's life by chasing away robbers.

This legendary dog was so loyal that it even became a symbol of good fortune and protection. The white spot on the heads of many Shih Tzus is believed to be a mark of the spot where Buddha kissed Lao.

The story of Lao is just one example of the Shih Tzu's long history, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty in China. This breed was highly valued by royal families for its friendly and outgoing personality.

Shih Tzus are bred to be companions, which makes them naturally affectionate and playful. They thrive on human company and are happiest when they're at your feet or side.

This breed is quite smart and athletic, despite their small size. They love to learn new things, but it may take them some time to truly understand. With patience and positive reinforcement, they can pick up commands and tricks with ease.

Shih Tzus are generally outgoing and social, but they can be wary of strangers. They prefer to get to know people on their own terms, which means they need lots of socialization as puppies. Proper exposure to new sights, sounds, and people is essential for their socialization.

Here are some key characteristics to keep in mind when interacting with Shih Tzus:

Shih Tzus are bred to be companions, which makes them perfect for families who want a furry friend to hang out with. They love being around people and are happiest when they're at your feet or side.

Their alert nature means they'll often bark at strangers, but don't worry, they'll warm up to new people in no time. With proper socialization, they can even become great friends with other dogs and pets.

Shih Tzus can be a bit stubborn at times, but their playful and extroverted personalities make training a joy. They're smart and athletic, even at their small size, and love to learn new things.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when it comes to Shih Tzu behavior and temperament:

Overall, Shih Tzus are a loving and loyal breed that thrive on human companionship. With patience, socialization, and proper training, they can make wonderful pets for families and individuals alike.

Shih Tzus are social dogs that thrive on interaction with their human family members. They love to be close to their people and enjoy activities that bring them together.

One of the best ways to engage your Shih Tzu is through Rally Obedience, which requires quick thinking and teamwork.

Trick Training is another great option, as it allows your Shih Tzu to use their problem-solving skills and please their human with new tricks.

Conformation is also a suitable activity for Shih Tzus, as it emphasizes their physical characteristics and allows them to show off their unique features.

Canine Freestyle and Small Dog Agility are also excellent choices, as they provide a fun and energetic way for your Shih Tzu to stay active and engaged.

Here are some ideal activities for Shih Tzus:

Shih Tzus have a long and dense double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This is especially important for the top knot and beard hair, which need daily brushing.

To prevent shedding, Shih Tzus can be a good option for some allergy sufferers, but it's essential to remember that no dog can be totally hypoallergenic. Regular grooming also helps prevent bacteria and potentially harmful materials from building up in their coat and skin.

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Daily brushing, especially with a pin comb, pin brush, or slicker brush, can help prevent matting and tangling, and regular bathing is also necessary to keep their coat clean. Some owners prefer to keep their Shih Tzu's coat trimmed short to simplify maintenance, which can be done through regular professional grooming.

Grooming Schedule:

When considering the size of your Shih Tzu, it's essential to note that they stand at nine to ten and a half inches tall.

Their compact size makes them a great fit for apartment living, but they still require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Males and females alike weigh nine to 16 pounds, which is relatively light compared to other breeds.

Shih Tzus don't require a high level of physical exercise to stay in shape. They do best with a short daily walk.

You might see them get the "puppy zoomies" every once in a while, which is completely normal. This is especially funny to watch.

Heavy exercise, or exercise in warmer temperatures, should be avoided to prevent health issues. This is crucial to prevent heatstroke symptoms.

Shih Tzus, like all flat-faced breeds, should always be monitored for heatstroke symptoms. These symptoms often include heavy panting and drooling.

Bright red tongue or gums, rapid pulse, and wide, panicked eyes are also signs of heatstroke in Shih Tzus.

Grooming is a crucial part of Shih Tzu care, and it's essential to do it regularly to prevent matting and tangling. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent tangles, especially of the top knot and beard hair, and regular bathing is also needed to keep the coat clean.

Shih Tzus have a long and dense double coat, which requires consistent upkeep. They shed less often than their long locks might suggest, but it's still important to brush them regularly to prevent matting.

A pin comb, pin brush, and slicker brush are the best tools for grooming a Shih Tzu. Regular grooming can help prevent issues such as abscesses and gum disease, which can be caused by their slight underbite.

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The Shih Tzu's nails should be trimmed monthly, and their ears checked once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems.

Here are some recommended grooming tools for Shih Tzus:

Daily attention is also necessary for the Shih Tzu's face, as it can get dirty after eating and their eyes can tear up readily. Wipe their face regularly with a soft cloth dampened with warm water to keep them clean and healthy.

Shih Tzus are prone to a range of health issues, including brachycephalic syndrome, which can lead to breathing difficulties, particularly in hot or humid weather. This can manifest as snoring, wheezing, or even more severe respiratory distress.

Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian are crucial to catch and manage ocular issues, including corneal ulcers, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Their prominent eyes are susceptible to these problems.

Shih Tzus are also prone to dental problems, such as tooth overcrowding and be challenging to clean, making regular dental care essential. Regular brushing and professional cleanings can help prevent issues like dental decay and gum disease.

Skin allergies are another concern for the breed, causing itching, redness, and hair loss. Identifying and avoiding potential allergens, such as certain foods or environmental triggers, can help manage these issues.

Maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular, low-impact exercise can help reduce the risk of orthopedic problems like hip dysplasia and luxating patella (dislocated kneecap).

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These small to medium-sized companions require a moderate amount of exercise, up to 30 minutes per day, to stay happy and healthy.

Their long and silky coats need daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling, which can be a real challenge for some owners.

A daily brushing routine can be a great way to bond with your pet and keep their coat looking its best.

With a lifespan of 10+ years, these furry friends can be a long-term companion, requiring a commitment to their care and well-being.

Here are the vital stats for these wonderful pets:

Shih Tzus are prone to brachycephalic syndrome, a condition that causes breathing difficulties due to their shortened airways.

This can manifest as snoring, wheezing, or even more severe respiratory distress, particularly in hot or humid weather.

Their prominent eyes are susceptible to a range of ocular issues, including corneal ulcers, progressive retinal atrophy, and dry eye syndrome.

Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian are crucial to catch and manage these conditions early.

Dental problems are another concern for the breed, as their small mouths can put them at higher risk of tooth overcrowding and be challenging to clean.

Regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, can help prevent issues like dental decay and gum disease.

Shih Tzus are also prone to skin allergies, which can cause itching, redness, and hair loss.

Identifying and avoiding potential allergens, such as certain foods or environmental triggers, can help manage these issues, along with appropriate veterinary treatment.

Maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular, low-impact exercise can help reduce the risk of orthopedic problems like hip dysplasia and luxating patella.

Genetic screening of breeding stock can also help minimize the inheritance of predisposing factors.

Shih Tzus can become overweight if overfed and/or under-exercised, which can exacerbate other health issues.

Their short nose causes breathing difficulties and other health issues, leading to conditions like brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS).

BAOS can cause difficulty breathing, increased respiratory effort, and even laryngeal collapse.

Shih Tzus are prone to eye problems at any age, and even more so once they are older.

Older Shih Tzus are known to develop cataracts, which can be corrected with surgery.

Their distinctive large eyes can easily be scratched, causing ulcers.

Ear infections are a common issue for Shih Tzus, especially if their ears are not regularly cleaned.

Regular ear care can help prevent recurring infections and more serious health issues.

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