Full Grown Red Shih Tzu Complete Guide to Ownership

They typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds.

These dogs are known for their outgoing and affectionate personalities, making them a great addition to any family.

Their short, easy-to-maintain coats require minimal grooming, which is a plus for busy owners.

Red Shih Tzus are generally quiet dogs, but they do have a tendency to bark when they sense something unusual.

As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health concerns that can affect your full-grown red Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzus are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain medical conditions. Their average lifespan is 10-18 years, which is quite impressive.

Regular grooming is crucial to prevent periodontal disease, which can be prevented by brushing your dog's teeth daily. This will also help to keep their coat looking its best.

One of the most common health issues affecting Shih Tzus is patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place. You might notice your dog running and suddenly picking up a back leg and skipping or hopping for a few strides.

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Hip dysplasia is another inherited disease that can cause arthritis and lameness in the hind legs. Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering.

Shih Tzus are also prone to eye problems, including glaucoma, chronic dry eye, and cataracts. Signs of eye conditions include red eyes, bulging eyes, eye discharge, rubbing the eyes, cloudy eyes, squinting, and blindness.

Regular monitoring of your dog's skin and coat is essential to catch any skin health issues or wider health problems early on. Changes in the skin or coat, such as dry skin, redness, or flakiness, could indicate a problem that needs attention.

Here are some common signs of skin or coat issues to watch out for:

If you notice any of these changes, it's essential to have your veterinarian take a look as soon as possible.

Taking care of a full-grown red Shih Tzu is a big responsibility, but with the right routine, you'll be well on your way to a happy and healthy companion.

To keep your Shih Tzu's coat looking its best, you'll need to brush and comb it daily, starting from when they're a puppy, so they get used to grooming. You can opt for a wire brush with flexible pins to brush all the way to their skin.

Shih Tzus are low shedders, but their coats do require regular maintenance to prevent tangles and matting. You'll need to bathe them weekly and trim their nails monthly.

In addition to their coat, you'll also need to clean their ears regularly, even as a puppy, to prevent dirt and wax buildup. You'll also need to check for any hair that grows inside the ear canal and pluck it if necessary.

Shih Tzus are prone to tear stains around their eyes, so be sure to wipe their faces with warm water and a soft cloth regularly. You can also pull their hair on top of their head into a top knot to keep their eyes clean.

When it comes to exercise, Shih Tzus don't require a lot of it, but they do need a daily walk and some indoor playtime. They're happy to just be with you, but it's essential to find a home where their owners are willing to perform routine grooming and help them stay at a healthy weight.

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Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect from a full-grown red Shih Tzu's lifestyle:

Shih Tzus are loving and charming companions, but they do have some quirks. They tend to eat their own feces, so be sure to clean up after them quickly. They also love to be carried around, but be sure to hold them securely, as they can be front-heavy.

Shih Tzus are prone to obesity, so it's essential to feed them a well-balanced diet and limit treats throughout the day. A twice-daily, balanced adult small-bite diet is recommended.

Feeding dry kibble instead of canned food can help lessen the risk of periodontal disease, as dry kibble is abrasive and can remove some plaque buildup. A dental-specific diet can also be beneficial.

Your veterinarian can help calculate the appropriate daily calories your pet should eat to avoid weight gain. They can provide personalized recommendations for your Shih Tzu.

Choose a small-breed food to allow for easy chewing, and look for formulated diets that have recommendations for how much food to offer with each feeding. These diets are specifically designed for small breeds like the Shih Tzu.

If your Shih Tzu is eating a dog food that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFC) guidelines, they shouldn't need any extra supplementation unless recommended by your veterinarian.

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A full-grown red Shih Tzu is a beautiful sight to behold, but their stunning coat requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and tangling.

Their double coat, made up of an undercoat and a topcoat, needs to be brushed at least a few times a week, but daily brushing is recommended to keep their coat looking its best.

Shih Tzus are minimal shedders, but they do shed some, especially during coat transition around 10 months to one year of age.

To prevent tangles, bathe your red Shih Tzu weekly and brush their hair daily, using a wire brush with flexible pins to get to their skin.

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Their nails should be trimmed monthly, and their ears should be checked for dirt, redness, odor, or hair growth inside the ear canal.

Shih Tzus appreciate a clean face, so wipe their faces with warm water and a soft cloth to prevent tear stains and irritation.

Here's a grooming routine to follow:

By following this routine, you'll be able to keep your full-grown red Shih Tzu looking and feeling their best.

Full grown red Shih Tzus are naturally alert dogs, so they'll often bark to alert you to new people or things in their environment. This is just their way of doing their job, after all.

They're also prone to getting curious and digging if left unattended, so it's essential to keep an eye on them in new or outdoor environments. I've seen it happen to friends with Shih Tzus - they'll sniff out a spot and start digging in no time!

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As for training, Shih Tzus are people pleasers and usually respond well to positive reinforcement. They love treats, especially high-reward ones, but be mindful of the calorie count - those little treats can add up quickly in a small breed like the Shih Tzu.

Here are some fun activities to help with training and keep your full grown red Shih Tzu happy and engaged:

Shih Tzus are naturally alert dogs, and they'll bark to alert you to new people or things in their environment. This is a leftover trait from their ancient origins as alert dogs.

They can be curious and dig if left unattended, so it's essential to keep a close eye on them in new or outdoor environments. This means watching them closely during neighborhood walks or backyard playtime.

Despite their built-in alarms and digging tendencies, Shih Tzus have a sweet disposition and need love and attention to thrive. They make wonderful companions due to their small stature, loyalty, and calm spirit.

Here are some fun activities to help your Shih Tzu get the exercise and attention they need:

Training your Shih Tzu is a breeze, thanks to their people-pleasing nature. They thrive on positive reinforcement and high-reward treats, which can be a fun and motivating way to teach new tricks.

Just be mindful of the treats you're giving, as they can add up quickly in a small breed like the Shih Tzu and lead to extra weight. Make sure to count the calories to keep your pup in top shape.

Shih Tzus are naturally alert and will bark to alert you to new people or things in their environment. This built-in alarm system can be a great asset in training, as it shows they're eager to please and alert you to potential issues.

To make training even more effective, focus on the activities they enjoy, such as learning tricks and cuddling with family. These positive interactions will help strengthen your bond and make training a fun experience for both you and your Shih Tzu.

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Full grown red Shih Tzus are a stunning sight to behold, with their long, silky coats coming in a range of colors including red and white.

They typically weigh between 9-16 pounds, making them a compact and adorable companion.

Their unique smiles are thanks to their undershot bite, where their lower jaw is just wider than their upper jaw, so their upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth when their mouth is closed.

With their regal heritage, Shih Tzus carry themselves with great pride, often walking with their head held high and tail curved over their back.

These friendly companions thrive on lavish attention, and are never happier than when perched on your lap, where they can soak up all the love and affection they crave.

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The Shih Tzu is a unique breed that's full of personality! They're excellent companions and love to be with and on their family whenever possible.

Their small size and fragile nature mean they can be easily injured if not handled with care. They're also sensitive to the heat and require only moderate exercise.

Shih Tzus are known to be sweet, playful, and friendly, making them a joy to be around. They're also intelligent and easily won over, which can make training a breeze.

However, they can be difficult to housetrain and may have a tendency to bark excessively if not properly trained. They also require frequent attention from their family, which can be time-consuming.

Here are some key traits to keep in mind when considering a Shih Tzu as a pet:

And here are some potential drawbacks to consider:

A small number of dogs saved the Shih Tzu breed from extinction.

These 14 dogs, seven males and seven females, were the foundation of the breed's revival.

Their descendants are the Shih Tzus we see today, a testament to their importance in the breed's history.

Their numbers dwindled to almost nothing during the first half of the 20th century, making their survival a remarkable feat.

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Shih Tzus are loyal and loving companions that thrive on attention from their owners. They're naturally inclined to please their pet parents, making them a joy to train and interact with.

Their adaptable nature allows them to adjust to various lifestyles, from a sedentary lifestyle indoors to a more adventurous walk in the park. This means they can fit into a range of family dynamics and living situations.

Shih Tzus are quick to form friendships with everyone they meet, including children and other animals, as long as they're socialized at a young age. This makes them an excellent addition to families with kids.

Their friendly demeanor and gorgeous appearance command attention wherever they go, making them a popular choice for many people.

Shih tzus are a sturdy toy breed, weighing anywhere between 9–16 pounds.

Their long, silky, luxurious double coat is a standout feature, and it comes in 14 different colors. You might see them in black, black and white, gray and white, or red and white.

The hair on their faces grows in every direction, including up from their snout, and must be groomed often so it doesn't hang in front of their eyes.

A shih tzu's unique smile is due to its undershot bite, where the lower jaw is just wider than the upper jaw, so its upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth when its mouth is closed.

They often have a small white spot on their foreheads, called the "Star of Buddha", which is highly prized.

A shih tzu carries itself with great pride, thanks to its royal heritage – Chinese royalty kept these dogs as companions – and it's not uncommon to see them with their head held high and tail curved over the back.

Shih Tzus have a double coat, made up of two distinct layers: the undercoat and the topcoat. The undercoat is soft and feathery, while the topcoat is longer and fine.

The Shih Tzu breed has hair instead of fur, which means it sheds minimally. You're unlikely to find a lot of shed hair around your home, but you will notice some loose hair when brushing them.

Regular brushing is essential to maintain a clean and healthy coat. Brushing dislodges loose hair trapped in the topcoat, so it's recommended to brush your Shih Tzu at least a few times a week, preferably daily.

Shih Tzus don't shed much because the undercoat traps loose hair in the topcoat. However, they will shed a bit more during coat transition, around 10 months to one year of age, when their coat changes from the puppy coat to the adult coat.

Here are some reasons why your Shih Tzu sheds more than usual:

To keep your Shih Tzu's coat healthy, follow these best practices:

Remember, a healthy coat is just as important as a healthy body. Regular grooming and attention to skin and coat issues will keep your full-grown red Shih Tzu looking and feeling its best.