Perros Shih Tzu: Todo Lo Que Necesitas Saber sobre Esta Raza

The Shih Tzu is a beloved breed known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They originated in Tibet and were later bred as a companion dog for royalty in China.

These small dogs have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and gray.

One of the most distinctive features of the Shih Tzu is its flat face, which can make breathing difficult in some individuals. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their health.

Shih Tzus are generally adaptable to living in small spaces, making them a great choice for city dwellers.

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy little dog with a small snout and normally has large dark brown eyes. Their head shapes are often described as "owl head" and "lion head" by the Chinese, and their mouth is likened to a "frog mouth" with "earthworm lips".

Intriguing read: Bull Terrier Head Shape

A Shih Tzu should stand no more than 26.7 cm (10 1/2") at the withers and weigh between 4.0 to 7.5kg (9 to 17 lbs). Their floppy ears are covered with long hair, and their heavily hair-covered tail is carried curled over the back.

The Shih Tzu's coat may be of any color, though white and with blazes of grey are frequently seen. A very noticeable feature is the underbite, which is required in the breed standard.

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy little dog with a small snout and normally has large dark brown eyes. Their head shape is often described as an "owl head" or "lion head". A Shih Tzu should stand no more than 26.7 cm (10 1/2") at the withers. Their ideal weight is between 4.0 to 7.5kg (9 to 17 lbs). The Shih Tzu has a soft and long double coat that will tangle and mat easily if not brushed regularly. Their floppy ears are covered with long hair, and their heavily hair-covered tail is carried curled over the back. The coat may be of any color, though white and with blazes of grey are frequently seen. A very noticeable feature is the underbite, which is required in the breed standard.

For your interest: Deer Head Chihuahua Lifespan

The Shih Tzu's history is a fascinating one, dating back to the 7th century in the monasteries of Tibet. They were bred to resemble a small lion, and their name "Shih Tzu" means exactly that.

The Shih Tzu was a favorite of the Chinese royal family, who popularized it in their country and beyond. In fact, they even introduced it to England and the United States.

In the 7th century, Shih Tzus were already living in Tibetan monasteries, where they were bred to be companions for the monks. They were later brought to China as a gift to the emperor.

The Shih Tzu's popularity soared in China, where it became a beloved companion of the royal family. However, with the rise of communism, the breed's numbers dwindled dramatically.

By the mid-20th century, there were only 14 purebred Shih Tzus left in China. But thanks to some dedicated breeders in Europe, the breed was saved and eventually made its way to the United States.

Consider reading: Bernese Mountain Dog Family

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

Their soft buds are very gentle in spring and autumn, but they rarely shed hair, instead, it gets tangled inside the undercoat, forming knots. Using cosmetics like detanglers and keratins can help with combing without causing damage.

It's essential to use desenredantes and keratinas to facilitate combing and prevent harming your Shih Tzu. Their ears are prone to dirt due to poor ventilation and excess hair growth inside the ear canal. To clean them, remove the excess hair and maintain proper hygiene following the guidelines of canine stylists and veterinarians.

Some Shih Tzus show red spots around their mouth due to food and water oxidation, which can be prevented with special feeders and waterers.

The Shih Tzu's coat is one of its most distinctive features, and it comes in a wide range of colors.

There are 11 recognized colors by The Royal Kennel Club, including black & white, brindle, and solid gold.

The Shih Tzu's coat can also be a combination of two colors, such as gold & white or liver & white.

Some of the recognized colors include solid black, solid gold, and liver.

Here are the 11 recognized colors by The Royal Kennel Club:

Additionally, there are some other colors that are recognized as existing within the breed, but not being part of the standard, such as blue and lilac.

The Shih Tzu's coat requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and tangling. Their fur is prone to forming knots, especially in spring and autumn, due to the softness of their hair.

To prevent damage, it's essential to use gentle products like desenredantes and keratinas when brushing their coat. These products make it easier to detangle without causing harm.

Their ears are particularly susceptible to dirt and debris due to their shape and the amount of hair that grows inside the ear canal. Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent infections.

Readers also liked: Yorkshire Terrier Coat

During bath time, be sure not to get water inside the ear canal, as this can lead to otitis. It's also a good idea to use specialized food and water bowls to prevent stains and discoloration around the mouth.

Daily dental care is vital for Shih Tzus, as their natural bite can lead to food particles getting stuck between their teeth and gums. Regular brushing can help prevent tartar buildup.

Shih Tzus are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

One of the most common health issues in Shih Tzus is eye problems, which can arise at any age but become more frequent in older dogs. Some veterinarians recommend eye drops to help with eye irritations, and older Shih Tzus may develop cataracts, which can be corrected with surgery.

Shih Tzus are also prone to ear infections due to their long coat and hair growth in their ears. Regular cleaning and plucking can help prevent these infections.

A different take: Shih Tzu Eye Problems Pictures

Shih Tzus can be sensitive to stomach issues and have been known to have allergies, with an increase in cases of food allergies in recent years.

Some other potential issues in Shih Tzus include hernias, joint dysplasias, and eye problems such as entropion, where the eyelashes grow inward instead of outward.

It's essential to regularly inspect your Shih Tzu's eyes for any signs of injury or irritation and to remove any foreign objects promptly.

Here is a list of some common health issues in Shih Tzus:

The shih tzu is a family dog that gets along well with other animals and children, as long as the kids know how to treat and respect them.

They are naturally friendly and outgoing, always eager to accompany their owners wherever they go. This breed is known for being a great companion.

Shih tzus are a bit stubborn and can be difficult to train if you're not consistent and patient. They need early socialization and training to become well-behaved dogs.

They require regular exercise and attention, including daily walks after meals and playtime. This breed is prone to heatstroke due to their flat face, so they should be kept indoors during hot days.

Shih tzus are generally quiet dogs, but they can be vocal when they sense something unusual, such as an unfamiliar person approaching their home.

Despite their calm nature, shih tzus are playful and loving companions, always ready to brighten up their owner's day.

If this caught your attention, see: Are Shih Tzus Good with Kids

The Shih Tzu's long and fine hair requires daily attention to prevent matting and tangling. This can be done by peining or brushing the hair, depending on its texture, with some needing daily maintenance and others only once a week.

To keep their hair looking its best, regular grooming sessions are a must, with some owners opting for a professional groomer every six to eight weeks. If you decide to do it yourself, it's best to start by brushing the hair in sections while the dog is lying down on its side.

Discover more: When Is It Best to Breed a Dog

Bathing your Shih Tzu regularly is also essential, ideally once a week, using a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner to avoid irritating their skin. Be sure to detangle any knots before bathing, as they can become more stubborn when wet, and dry the coat thoroughly with a towel or a hair dryer to prevent it from getting cold.

To prevent matting and tangling, it's also important to regularly check the hair for any knots or tangles, especially in areas prone to matting such as the face and legs. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are also essential to keep your Shih Tzu healthy and happy.

The Shih Tzu's coat is a dense, long-haired one that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Daily brushing is a must, but the frequency of brushing depends on the individual dog's coat texture.

To prevent matting, brush your Shih Tzu's coat in sections, especially when it's dry. You can also take your dog to a professional groomer every six to eight weeks for a trim.

Suggestion: Bernese Mountain Dog Coat

Bathing your Shih Tzu once a week is a good rule of thumb, but be sure to desenredar the knots before getting it wet, or they'll get worse when it's damp. After the bath, use a towel to dry your dog thoroughly, paying extra attention to the ears, eyes, and nose.

Daily care of your Shih Tzu's face and head is essential, as the long hair can get in the way and cause irritation. You can either trim the hair or tie it back with a special hair tie for dogs.

To keep your Shih Tzu's coat looking its best, you'll need a good brush, a comb, and some dog-specific shampoo and conditioner. Don't forget to use a gentle touch when washing your dog's face and ears.

The Shih Tzu's coat is prone to matting and tangling, which can lead to skin problems if left unchecked. Regular brushing and grooming will help prevent this.

In addition to regular brushing, your Shih Tzu will need to be bathed regularly to keep its coat clean and healthy. However, be careful not to overdo it, as this can strip the coat of its natural oils.

To keep your Shih Tzu's coat looking its best, you'll need to use a high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using human hair products on your dog.

Discover more: Shiba Inu Coin 1 Cents

The Shih Tzu's coat requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and tangling. This includes daily brushing, regular bathing, and trimming to prevent overgrowth.

A good brush and comb are essential for keeping your Shih Tzu's coat looking its best. Look for a brush with soft bristles and a comb with wide teeth to gently work out tangles.

When bathing your Shih Tzu, be sure to use a gentle touch and avoid getting water in the ears, eyes, or nose. A towel or blow dryer can be used to dry your dog quickly and prevent chilling.

The Shih Tzu's coat can be prone to matting and tangling, especially around the face and head. Regular trimming and grooming can help prevent this.

A good conditioner can help keep your Shih Tzu's coat looking its best, but be sure to use a dog-specific conditioner and avoid overusing it.

Regular grooming is essential for keeping your Shih Tzu's coat healthy and looking its best. This includes daily brushing, regular bathing, and trimming to prevent overgrowth.

To keep your Shih Tzu's coat looking its best, you'll need to use a high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using human hair products on your dog.

Explore further: Welsh Corgi Grooming

When choosing your dog's food, make sure it's high-quality and meets their needs. This means looking for ingredients that are good for them, not just tasty.

The amount of food your dog needs depends on their level of activity, size, age, and health. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for serving size.

Giving your dog too many treats can lead to obesity, so it's best to keep them to a minimum. Deduct the treats from their regular meals to avoid overfeeding.

Puppies need to eat more frequently than adult dogs, typically 4 to 6 times a day. As they grow, you can gradually reduce the number of meals to 2 times a day.

It's essential to give your dog time to adjust to their new food, rather than switching abruptly. This will help prevent digestive issues and ensure a smooth transition.

Suggestion: Boston Terrier Day