Full Blooded Shih Tzu: A Comprehensive Breed Guide

The Full Blooded Shih Tzu is a friendly and outgoing dog breed that originated in Tibet and was later bred in China as a palace dog. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.

Their small size, weighing between 9-16 pounds, makes them a great fit for apartment living or families with small children.

Their long, flowing coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

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Shih Tzus have a unique appearance that's hard to resist. Their faces are often compared to chrysanthemum flowers due to their facial hair, which fans out like petals in every direction.

Their ears are a notable feature, flopping downward and covered with thick hair. Their large, round black eyes have an open, trusting gaze that's sure to melt hearts.

Their noses are flat and black with wide nostrils, adding to their adorable face. Their luxurious double coat is a hallmark of the breed, often sweeping the floor and requiring regular grooming.

Here are the key physical characteristics of full-blooded Shih Tzus:

The Shih Tzu's appearance is quite striking, with its face often compared to a chrysanthemum flower due to the facial hair that fans out in every direction. Their innocent round eyes and trusting demeanor only add to their adorable appearance.

The Shih Tzu's ears are quite distinctive, flopping downward and covered with thick hair. Their large, round black eyes have an open, trusting gaze that's hard to resist.

Their nose is flat and black, with wide nostrils that are quite distinctive. Their luxurious double coat is a must-see, often sweeping the floor and requiring regular grooming to prevent matting.

The Shih Tzu's coat comes in a variety of color combinations, including black and white, gold and white, and red and white. A white tip on the tail and a white blaze on the forehead are highly prized.

Here are the basic characteristics of a Shih Tzu's face and coat:

Their tail is set high on their back and curls toward the front, adding to their overall charm. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling of their coat, especially in the top knot and beard hair.

The Shih Tzu's size is quite compact, standing at nine to ten and a half inches tall.

Males and females alike share the same height range, making them a great fit for apartment living.

Their weight ranges from nine to 16 pounds, which is relatively light but still sturdy enough to support their playful nature.

The full-blooded Shih Tzu is known for its big personality despite its small size.

They make excellent watchdogs, always on alert for someone approaching your home and will let you know they're coming.

Shih Tzus are not known for biting, but they may bite if pushed too far in rough play, so it's essential to teach children how to interact with them gently.

This breed is adaptable and loves to play with older children who understand how to play gently, and they also enjoy the company of other four-legged pets if properly introduced.

Shih Tzus are intelligent and athletic, even at their small size, and they love to learn new things, although it may take them some time to truly "get it."

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They're also known for their loyalty and calm manner in all types of situations, making them excellent emotional support animals.

Their dominant characteristic is affection, and they simply desire to be with you, so don't expect them to hunt, guard, or retrieve.

They're happiest when they're with their family, giving and receiving attention, and their favorite destination is your lap.

Shih Tzus are outgoing and social, but proper proactive exposure to new sights, sounds, people, dogs, and other animals as a young puppy is essential for their socialization.

They do well with children, due to their sweet nature and sturdiness, but it's crucial to supervise young children and dogs, and provide a safe space for the dog to retreat to when needed.

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Regular grooming is essential for a full-blooded Shih Tzu, as it keeps their luxurious long hair out of their eyes and prevents matting. You'll need to brush their coat every day, especially the top knot and beard hair, to prevent tangles and keep their coat clean.

Shih Tzus have a double coat that requires consistent upkeep, and daily brushing is necessary to prevent matting. Brushing all the way down to the skin is also important to prevent bacteria and potentially harmful materials from building up in their coat and skin.

To keep their coat looking its best, you'll need to bathe your Shih Tzu every three weeks. This keeps their hair and skin healthy without stripping the natural oils from their coats.

Shih Tzus are prone to dental problems, so regular tooth brushing with a soft toothbrush and doggy toothpaste is essential to keep their gums and teeth healthy. Brushing their teeth at least three times a week is recommended, and you can also consider giving them a high-quality dental chew to help keep their teeth in great condition.

Trimming their nails every three weeks is also crucial to prevent overgrowth, which can affect their gait and cause pain. You'll know it's time for a trim when you hear that familiar tappity-tap on hard surfaces.

To keep their ears healthy, trim the excess hair in their ear canals and check their ears weekly for redness, swelling, and debris. If you notice any of these signs, take your Shih Tzu to the vet for a check-up.

Here's a quick rundown of the grooming tasks you'll need to perform regularly:

Shih Tzus are prone to certain health concerns that can affect their quality of life. Regular veterinary checkups and a balanced diet are essential for keeping them happy and healthy.

Bacterial and viral infections are common in Shih Tzus, but many are preventable through vaccination. Vaccination is usually recommended based on the dog's age, the diseases prevalent in the area, and other factors.

Shih Tzus are also susceptible to eye injuries due to their protruding eyeballs. Scrapes or punctures to the cornea can be painful and may become infected, affecting their vision. Don't let your pet ride in the car with their head out the window to prevent eye injuries.

To maintain your Shih Tzu's eye health, it's crucial to have regular eye examinations by a veterinarian. This can help catch and manage conditions like glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and cataracts early on.

Here's a list of common health concerns in Shih Tzus:

Maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular, low-impact exercise can help reduce the risk of these conditions. Regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, can also help prevent dental problems.

Shih Tzus are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. These infections can be prevented through vaccination.

Many of the infections Shih Tzus can get are preventable through vaccination.

Shih Tzus are prone to certain genetic predispositions that can affect their health. These conditions can be managed with proper care and attention.

Hip dysplasia is a common inherited disease in Shih Tzus, causing the hip joints to form improperly and leading to arthritis. Weight control and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of this condition.

Patellar luxation, or a dislocated kneecap, is another common issue in Shih Tzus. This can cause pain and discomfort, especially when running or jumping.

Shih Tzus are also more susceptible to eye injuries due to their protruding eyeballs. Scrapes or punctures to the cornea can be painful and may lead to infection.

Glaucoma is a painful eye condition that can rapidly lead to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, and redness in the whites of the eyes.

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Shih Tzus are prone to skin allergies, which can cause itching, redness, and hair loss. Identifying and avoiding potential allergens can help manage these issues.

Here are some common genetic predispositions in Shih Tzus:

Regular veterinary checkups and proper care can help manage these conditions and prevent undue pain and suffering.

Bleeding Disorders are a serious concern for pet owners. They can range in severity from very mild to very severe.

Many inherited bleeding disorders occur in dogs and can be mild or severe. Some breeds are more prone to these disorders than others.

Von Willebrand’s disease is a common blood clotting disorder found in Shih Tzus. It's a good idea to check for this disorder before surgery.

Severe bleeding can result from a serious injury or surgery if a pet has an undiagnosed bleeding disorder.

Training and exercise are crucial for a full-blooded Shih Tzu's overall well-being. This breed requires consistent praise and rewards to overcome their attention-hungry nature. Consistency, gentleness, and firmness are key when training a Shih Tzu.

Puppies need to be trained and socialized early on, as they have a mind of their own and can be prone to anxiety. Crating your puppy for short periods when you're not around can help with housetraining, as they have small bladders. Taking them out every few hours or immediately after an accident can also help them learn to associate going outside with potty time.

Shih Tzus don't require a high level of physical exercise, but they do need some daily exercise to manage their moderate energy levels and stay healthy. Two to three 20-minute walks a day will suffice, but be cautious of signs of exhaustion like heavy panting or lying down on the ground and refusing to budge.

In warmer temperatures, it's essential to monitor your Shih Tzu for heatstroke symptoms, which include heavy panting, drooling, bright red tongue or gums, rapid pulse, and wide, panicked eyes. You can prevent health issues by avoiding heavy exercise and extreme temperatures.

Some ideal activities for Shih Tzus include:

These activities keep them close to their human and require a little quick thinking, making them perfect for this breed.

A full-blooded Shih Tzu's diet is crucial for their overall health and well-being.

Shih Tzus typically do well with high-quality commercial dog food, but it's essential to choose a formula that's right for their age - puppy, adult, or senior.

They need a diet that's easy to pick up and chew, so dry kibble is often a good option, but you should also consider making their meals at home with your vet's approval.

A Shih Tzu's coat is a major part of their charm, and a diet high in fat and protein with the right balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can help keep it looking its best.

Shih Tzus are prone to excessive weight gain, so it's essential to limit treats and check with your vet for proper mealtime and snack portions.

They need fresh water available at all times, especially if they're on a dry food diet.

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A Shih Tzu's daily food intake is about 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, but this can vary depending on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

The quality of dog food you choose also makes a difference - the better the food, the less of it your dog will need to stay healthy.

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The Shih Tzu has a rich history dating back to 1000 B.C. in China, where they were given as gifts to Chinese royalty and were a favored house pet during the Ming dynasty. They were later bred with Pekingese or Pugs in a world-famous breeding program.

Shih Tzus were originally kept in Tibetan monasteries and were held in high regard due to their association with Buddha. They were even kept hidden from the public eye in the royal court. Their noble origins have earned them the title of "royal lap dog."

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Every Shih Tzu dog alive today is descended from one of the last 14 pups used to rebuild the breed after the original breeding program fell apart. These dogs were exported to England and other European countries, and American soldiers brought them back to the US in the 1940s and 1950s.

The Shih Tzu breed has a rich history that spans over 2,000 years, with roots in Tibetan monasteries and a long history of being cherished by Chinese royalty. They were often given as gifts to Chinese emperors and were even kept hidden from the public eye.

Shih Tzus were considered "warmers" for their humans, often kept in sleeves or placed on the feet of their royal companions to help generate heat. This unique role earned them great respect and admiration.

The breed almost went extinct after Empress Tzu Hsi's breeding program was discontinued, leaving only 14 pups to rebuild the breed. These 14 pups are the ancestors of every Shih Tzu alive today.

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Shih Tzus were first introduced to the West in the 1930s, with a pair finding their way to England in 1930. The Shih Tzu Club of England formed in 1934, and the Kennel Club (UK) officially recognized the Shih Tzu as a separate breed from the Lhasa Apso in 1940.

The Shih Tzu breed has come a long way since its origins in Tibetan monasteries, with a long history of being pampered and adored by royalty and now by families around the world.

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The Shih Tzu is a small dog with a big personality. They are part of the Toy Group in breed classification and are often said to take their noble origins seriously.

Shih Tzus are sweet dogs who love life and are known for their gentle and affectionate temperament. They make great family pets and are ideal companions for individuals of all ages.

One of the best things about Shih Tzus is their adaptability. They thrive in apartments or spacious homes alike, provided they receive ample love and attention from their human companions. This makes them a great choice for city dwellers or those with limited space.

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Shih Tzus are sturdy little dogs who love to play and bond closely with their family. They are known for their spirited personality and playful nature, which delights in interactive play and affectionate gestures.

Their flowing hair and elegant appearance may make them seem snobbish, but in reality, they are friendly, lively, and devoted companions. They love nothing more than to meet and greet friends and strangers alike.

Shih Tzus are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living environments, from apartments to country farms. They love children and get along with other animals, making them a great addition to many families.

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Shih Tzus have made a name for themselves in the world of pop culture. They've gained a global following for their friendly nature and glamorous appearance.

You might be surprised to know that Shih Tzus have been featured in several popular movies and TV shows. In fact, one of the most notable appearances was as Daisy in The Secret Life of Pets 2.

Other notable mentions include Bonny in Seven Psychopaths and Miss Agnes and her sibling in Best in Show. These adorable dogs have stolen the hearts of audiences everywhere with their charming on-screen presence.

Here are some of the most notable Shih Tzus in pop culture:

Shih Tzus are truly one-of-a-kind dogs, and it's fascinating to learn about their unique characteristics.

Their name, "shih-tzu kou" or "lion dog" in Chinese, reflects their regal heritage.

One of the most interesting things about Shih Tzus is their hair, which is more similar to human hair than the fur found in most canine breeds.

Their distinctive facial features, including their flat face and long flowing coat, have earned them the nickname "Chrysanthemum-faced Dogs."

Shih Tzus are brachycephalic, meaning their muzzle is shortened, which can sometimes lead to breathing difficulties.

On average, Shih Tzus live between 10 and 16 years and weigh between 9 and 16 pounds.

Despite their luxurious coat, Shih Tzus are not considered a hypoallergenic breed, meaning they may not be the best choice for those with allergies.

Here are some key statistics about the Shih Tzu breed:

Their gentle and patient nature makes them great with families and children, and they're also relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement.

Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs that are capable of learning and adapting to new situations.

If you're considering bringing a full-blooded Shih Tzu into your family, I highly recommend checking out local shelters or rescue groups first.

Unfortunately, many Shih Tzus end up in shelters or in the care of rescues when people purchase them from breeders without understanding how to care for them.

You can try contacting Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. or Tzu Zoo Rescue, both of which are reputable nonprofit organizations that can help match you with a dog you'll love.

These rescue groups often have a wide range of Shih Tzus available for adoption, so don't be discouraged if you don't find the perfect match right away.

Here are a few nonprofit rescues you can try:

Full-blooded Shih Tzus are known to thrive in a variety of living situations, making them a great choice for city dwellers and suburban families alike.

They typically weigh between 9-16 pounds and stand about 8-11 inches tall.

This small stature makes them a great fit for apartments or homes with limited space.

Their short, fine coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Shih Tzus are generally quiet dogs, barking only when necessary, which makes them a good choice for people who live in noise-restricted areas.

Their outgoing and friendly nature makes them excellent companions for families with children.

They are also known to get along well with other pets, especially if socialized from an early age.

Shih Tzus are prone to certain health issues, including eye problems and respiratory issues, which require regular veterinary check-ups.

Their average lifespan is around 10-16 years, making them a long-term companion.