The Full Grown White Shih Tzu: A Comprehensive Guide

A full grown white Shih Tzu typically weighs between 9-16 pounds and stands about 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder. Their small stature makes them a great fit for apartment living.

Their short, fine coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This can be a daily task, especially for owners with long hair Shih Tzus.

Full grown white Shih Tzus are known for their outgoing and friendly personalities, making them excellent family pets. They thrive on attention and interaction with their owners.

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A full-grown white Shih Tzu typically weighs between 9 and 17 pounds.

Their height is around 8 to 11 inches, making them a toy-sized breed. They have a sturdy little body and a small snout.

Their coat is a double coat that can tangle and mat easily if not brushed regularly, ideally every 2 or 3 days. A Shih Tzu's coat can be of any color, but white and with blazes of grey are frequently seen.

Here are some key physical characteristics of a full-grown white Shih Tzu:

The Shih Tzu's coat is one of its most distinctive features. They come in many colors, including black, black and white, gray and white, or red and white.

A white tip on the tail and a white blaze on the forehead are highly prized. The Shih Tzu's coat is gorgeous, but it requires a lot of maintenance to prevent tangles.

Daily brushing and combing is necessary to keep the Shih Tzu coat gorgeous. This can be a chore, especially if you have a busy schedule.

The Shih Tzu's coat changes from puppy fluff to a silky adult coat around 10-12 months of age. During this stage, the coat mats faster than you can brush.

The Shih Tzu comes in many colours, including black & white, brindle, brindle & white, gold & white, and many more. Here is a list of recognized coat colors by The Royal Kennel Club:

Shih Tzus are a toy-sized breed, weighing between 9 and 16 pounds, with a height of 8 to 11 inches.

Their regal gait is quite impressive, with an eye-catching, curled-up tail and luxurious hair.

A dark pigment is typically preferred on the nose and around the eyes, but any coat color is acceptable to Shih Tzu breed standards.

Shih Tzus are brachycephalic dogs, meaning they have a significantly shortened nose and upper jaw.

This condition creates several defining characteristics of the breed, including their round head, prominent eyes, short muzzles, and noticeable underbite.

Their floppy ears are covered with long hair, and their heavily hair-covered tail is carried curled over the back.

The ideal weight of a Shih Tzu is 4.0 to 7.5kg (9 to 17 lbs), and they should stand no more than 26.7 cm (10.5") at the withers.

Their soft and long double coat will tangle and mat easily if not brushed at least every 2 or 3 days.

Here are some key physical characteristics of the Shih Tzu breed:

Full grown white Shih Tzus are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Their short, squished muzzle makes them more susceptible to overheating or heatstroke, so it's essential to keep them out of the hot summer weather. They're also more prone to eye problems, such as cataracts, which can be corrected with surgery.

Shih Tzus are often sensitive to heat, so it's crucial to keep them indoors in an air-conditioned room or one with fans on hot days. They're also prone to eye irritations, which can be treated with eye drops.

Their long, luxurious double haircoat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They don't shed much, but they do require regular brushing and bathing to keep their coat clean and healthy.

A study from Japan found that Shih Tzus make up 16% of all glaucoma cases, while only making up 8.2% of the total population used in the study. This highlights the importance of regular eye check-ups and veterinary care.

Some common health issues in Shih Tzus include:

Shih Tzus are a generally healthy breed, but like any other breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Their average lifespan is 10-18 years.

Their prominent eyes make them more susceptible to eye problems, including cataracts, retinal detachment, corneal dryness, and progressive retinal atrophy. They're also prone to issues like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, ear infections, and umbilical hernia.

Some common eye conditions in Shih Tzus include glaucoma, chronic dry eye, and cataracts. These conditions can be painful and may require therapy with diet changes, oral medications, and fluid therapy.

A Shih Tzu's eyes can easily become inflamed if hair is allowed to rub against them, so regular grooming is essential. This includes trimming or pulling up the hair around their eyes to prevent irritation.

Here are some common health issues that Shih Tzus may experience:

Regular ear cleaning can help reduce the chances of ear infections, which are common in Shih Tzus due to hair growing inside their ear canals. Excessive hair can cause inflammation and infection by bacteria, fungus, or both.

As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to consider the unique needs of your Shih Tzu. They're adaptable to living in small spaces, but they still require regular exercise and attention.

Shih Tzus are sensitive to heat, so it's crucial to keep them indoors on hot days and provide a cool, well-ventilated space for them to relax.

To prevent injuries, be careful when carrying your Shih Tzu, and avoid letting them jump from high surfaces. They may think they can fly, but it's not worth the risk.

Early socialization is key to helping your Shih Tzu puppy grow into a well-rounded dog. This will help prevent timidity and ensure they're confident in new situations.

Shih Tzus can be challenging to housebreak, so it's essential to establish a routine and provide plenty of opportunities for them to eliminate outside.

To keep your Shih Tzu's coat healthy and looking its best, consider a "puppy cut" or regular grooming sessions every 4-6 weeks. This will help prevent matting and tangling, and keep their fur from dragging on the ground.

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Here are some essential things to consider when caring for your Shih Tzu:

By following these tips and considering your Shih Tzu's unique needs, you can help ensure they live a happy, healthy life.

Full grown white Shih Tzus are adaptable dogs who can thrive in small city apartments or large suburban homes, but they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long, silky coats.

Daily brushing and combing is necessary to prevent tangles, and frequent bathing is also required, ideally once a week. They are prone to ear infections due to hair growing inside their ear canals, so regular cleaning with a vet-approved ear cleaner is essential.

Shih Tzus are sensitive to heat and should stay indoors in an air-conditioned room or one with fans on hot days to prevent heat exhaustion. They are also prone to dental problems, so regular tooth brushing with a soft toothbrush and doggy toothpaste is crucial.

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Their eyes are prominent and can easily become inflamed if hair is allowed to rub against them, so it's essential to trim or pull up the hair around their eyes to avoid any eye irritation. Regular nail trimming, every one to two weeks, and ear cleaning will also help prevent ear infections.

Shih Tzus are generally happy and sociable with people and other animals, but they do require attention and playtime to be happy. They are also prone to tear staining due to their flat face, so keeping the area around their eyes clean and dry is vital.

To keep your Shih Tzu's coat looking its best, you'll need to commit to regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, ideally once a week. A shorter coat can help prevent heat stroke in dogs by keeping them cool, but it still requires regular nail trimming and ear cleaning.

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A full-grown white Shih Tzu needs a well-balanced diet to stay healthy and happy.

Choose a small-breed dog food that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFC) guidelines to ensure your Shih Tzu gets all the necessary nutrients.

As a small breed dog, your Shih Tzu only needs up to one cup of dry dog food a day, divided into two or three meals.

Limit the number of treats you offer to prevent weight gain, as Shih Tzus are prone to obesity.

Your veterinarian will recommend the proper meal and snack portions for your pet based on their unique needs and medical history.

A protein-rich diet balanced with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids will help nourish your Shih Tzu's luxurious coat from the inside out.

Keep your dog's bowl filled with fresh water throughout the day, as Shih Tzus have higher heat sensitivity than other breeds and might be more thirsty than usual.

Feeding your Shih Tzu 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.

Your veterinarian can help calculate the appropriate daily calories your pet should eat to avoid weight gain.

Choose a small-breed food to allow for easy chewing, and follow the recommendations for how much food to offer with each feeding.

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Full-grown white Shih Tzus are known to be alert dogs, and they'll bark to alert you to new people or things in their environment. They can be quite vocal!

Their small stature and sweet disposition make them wonderful companions, but they do require attention and love. They need to be monitored closely in new or outdoor environments to prevent digging.

Shih Tzus are people pleasers and are usually easy to train, responding well to high-reward treats and positive reinforcement. Just be mindful of the calorie count, as they can add up quickly in a small breed like the Shih Tzu.

Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key when training your Shih Tzu, especially when it comes to obedience training and early socialization. They can be a bit challenging to housebreak, so indoor supervision is a good idea.

A short, daily walk or some indoor playtime is all the exercise your full-grown white Shih Tzu needs, thanks to their breeding as lapdog companions. Crate training can also be helpful when you travel.

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Shih Tzus are perfect apartment pets due to their small size and low exercise needs.

They require regular walks and playtime, but excessive exercise can be a problem in hot, humid weather, so be careful not to overdo it.

Shih Tzus are affectionate and gentle with children, making them a great choice for families.

However, don't count on your pet Shih Tzu to guard the home; they'd probably give intruders a very warm welcome.

To keep your Shih Tzu safe, never leave them unsupervised outside, and consider a coyote protection vest or microchipping to prevent theft or wildlife attacks.

Shih Tzus can thrive in apartment living due to their small size and minimal exercise needs.

They require regular walks and playtime, but don't need a lot of space to roam.

Their gentle nature makes them a great fit for families with children, who will love their affectionate and playful personalities.

However, Shih Tzus can be prone to excessive barking and destructive behavior if their needs for attention and training aren't met.

To prevent this, make sure to set aside time each day for training and play, and consider enrolling in a training class to keep them engaged and stimulated.

Shih Tzus are also susceptible to heat stroke due to their brachycephalic breed, so be extra cautious with physical activity in hot and humid weather.

Never leave your Shih Tzu unsupervised outside, as they can be at risk for wildlife attacks, particularly from coyotes.

Consider investing in a coyote protection vest and microchipping your Shih Tzu to help keep them safe.

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Living with a Shih Tzu can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider their unique needs and characteristics.

Shih Tzus are small dogs, standing at nine to ten and a half inches tall, which makes them perfect for apartment living.

Their weight range is relatively consistent, weighing between nine to 16 pounds, making them easy to manage for most owners.

Shih Tzus are adaptable dogs, but they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

A daily walk of about 20-30 minutes should suffice, but be sure to adjust the duration and intensity based on your dog's age and health.

Their exercise needs are relatively low, but they do require regular playtime to keep them engaged and entertained.

If you're considering bringing a full grown white Shih Tzu into your life, it's essential to understand their needs and lifestyle requirements.

They can live up to 10 to 16 years, with some even reaching 18 or longer, so be prepared for a long-term commitment.

Shih Tzus have a high-maintenance coat that needs daily brushing and regular trips to the groomer for haircuts every 4 to 6 weeks.

Some Shih Tzus can be clingy and develop separation anxiety, so extra training may be necessary to help them adjust to being left alone.

They do better in homes without overly rambunctious children or dogs, as toy breeds like Shih Tzus can be fragile.

If you're interested in adopting a Shih Tzu, consider reaching out to organizations like the American Shih Tzu Club or Shih Tzu Rescue for rescue opportunities and breeder referrals.

You can also check local animal shelters to see if they have any Shih Tzu rescues available.

If you're looking for similar breeds, consider checking out the Maltese, Lhasa Apso, Bolognese, and Silky Terrier.

Some popular Shih Tzu mixed breeds include the Shih Tzu-Poodle (Shoodle), Shih Tzu-Maltese (Malt-Tzu), Shih Tzu-Yorkie (Shorkie), and Shih Tzu-Chihuahua (Shichi).

The full grown white Shih Tzu is a beloved companion dog breed that originated in Tibet and was later bred in China. They typically weigh between 9-16 pounds.

Their small size requires minimal exercise, but they still need regular walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. A 10-16 minute walk daily is a good starting point.

Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them great family pets, but they can be wary of strangers, so early socialization is key.

Breed Organizations play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of purebred dogs. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies.

To find a reputable breeder, you should look for one who screens their breeding stock for health problems. This is a crucial step in producing healthy puppies. Backyard breeders, on the other hand, are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy dogs.

Reputable breeders also socialize their puppies from a young age, which is essential for their development. They provide lifetime support to their puppy owners, which is a big plus.

If you're looking for a reputable breeder, you can check with the American Kennel Club (AKC) for a list of registered breeders. They have strict standards for breeders, ensuring that puppies are healthy and well-socialized.

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There is a difference between the Shih Tzu of the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club (UK).

The American Kennel Club recognizes the Shih Tzu as a separate breed from the Chinese Lion Dog.

The Kennel Club (UK) recognizes the Shih Tzu as a distinct breed, but with a different name and breed standard.

This difference can make it confusing for breeders, owners, and enthusiasts to determine which breed standard to follow.

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