The Shih Tzu Mini is a beloved breed known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size.
These dogs typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds and stand about 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder. Their long, flowing coat requires regular grooming.
Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great companion for families with children. Shih Tzu Minis are also adaptable to living with other pets in the household.
Despite their small size, they require daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. A short walk or playtime indoors can suffice.
Quick Facts
The Shih Tzu is a beloved breed, and for good reason. They originated in Tibet, China, and have a rich history as a royal companion.
These small dogs typically weigh between 9 to 16 pounds (4 to 7 kilograms) and are part of the Toy Group.
With a lifespan of 10 to 16 years, Shih Tzus can be long-term friends. They have a long, flowing double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Their friendly, affectionate nature makes them a great fit for families and other pets. They need moderate exercise, which can be met with daily walks and playtime.
Shih Tzus are intelligent, but can be stubborn at times. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training works best for this breed.
Here are some key characteristics of the Shih Tzu:
Origin and History
The raza shih tzu mini has a rich history that dates back to ancient China. The breed was originally created to resemble the majestic lions depicted in traditional Chinese art.
The name "shih tzu" is derived from the Chinese word for "lion dog", with "shih" meaning "lion" and "tzu" meaning "dog." This is because the breed was bred to look like the lions that guarded Chinese palaces.
In China, the shih tzu is also known as the "Xi Shi" dog, named after Xi Shi, one of the most beautiful women in ancient Chinese history.
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Lao
The Shih Tzu's rich history is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. The breed was originally kept by royal Chinese families during the Ming Dynasty.
Their regal background is evident in their appearance, with flowing hair sweeping the ground and an elegantly tied topknot. This "snobbish" look belies their friendly and outgoing personalities.
Shih Tzus are bred to be companions, not hunters, herders, or guards, and that's exactly what they are. They love meeting and greeting friends and strangers alike.
Their adaptability is impressive, suiting them to life in apartments in the city or on a country farm. They get along with children and other animals, making them a great addition to many families.
Interestingly, the Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, due to the way their hair grows in all directions on their face.
History
The Shih Tzu's history is a fascinating one. The breed's name, "Shih Tzu", is derived from the Chinese word for "lion dog", as it was bred to resemble the majestic creature.
This breed was created to mimic the lions depicted in traditional Chinese art, specifically the guardian lions that are often shown in Eastern art. The name "Shih Tzu" is the romanization of the Chinese characters 獅子, which literally translate to "lion."
The Shih Tzu was also known as the "Xi Shi" dog, named after Xi Shi, who was considered one of the most beautiful women in ancient China.
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Breed Profile
The Shih Tzu breed originated from China and was known as the dog of royalty, warming the laps of Chinese emperors for years.
These tiny furry companions were hidden in the palace and tucked away from the outside world, but it wasn't until the 1930s that the breed was noticed by breeders in Beijing.
A Teacup Shih Tzu is an even smaller version of this already tiny breed, also referred to as the Imperial Shih Tzu, Toy Shih Tzu, or Mini Shih Tzu.
Teacup Shih Tzus are 100% Shih Tzu and aren't crossed with any other teacup dogs, bred by repeatedly pairing two runts of the litter to produce the smallest pups possible.
Despite their small size, Teacup Shih Tzus have big hearts and lots of love to give, making them loyal and beautiful companions.
They have the same rounded heads, bulging eyes, squashed noses, and puppy-like appearance even when fully grown as the normal Shih Tzu breed.
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Teacup Shih Tzus traditionally have straight, long-haired coats that come in multiple color options, including black, white, silver, brindle, and red.
Their small size requires plenty of attentive care from their owners, but it's well worth the effort to have these tiny dogs by your side.
A full-grown Teacup Shih Tzu needs to measure less than 7 inches tall at the shoulders to fall into this classification, and they're around 3 inches smaller than the standards set out for Shih Tzus by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The average full-grown Teacup Shih Tzu will weigh 7-8 pounds, making them very light and delicate dogs.
The cost for a Teacup Shih Tzu usually ranges from $2,000 to $3,000, which is a significant investment in these tiny furry companions.
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Temperamento
The Shih Tzu mini's temperament is truly one of a kind. They're loyal, affectionate, and social, always staying alert and ready to play.
Their friendly nature makes them excellent companions, and they're known to get along well with people of all ages, other dogs, and even pets of different species.
Shih Tzu minis are playful, but they also love to curl up on their owner's lap, making them the perfect breed for families or older people looking for a low-maintenance companion.
They're not the best choice for busy owners, as they need social interaction and attention from their owners to stay happy and healthy.
Their small size means they can be easily injured by rough handling, so families with small children need to be careful to provide a safe and gentle environment.
Despite their delicate nature, Shih Tzu minis are excellent watchdogs, alert and lively, and may bark at newcomers to their home.
However, they'll quickly warm up to guests and make friends in no time, making them a great addition to any family.
Health
The Shih Tzu is a sensitive breed when it comes to heat, so they need to stay indoors in an air-conditioned room or one with fans on hot days.
Their short faces make them prone to breathing difficulties, known as brachycephaly, which can cause severe pain and even paralysis. This is a serious health issue that requires surgery in most cases.
Shih Tzus are also at risk of intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), which is caused by their tiny legs and long spine. This can be a painful condition that affects their quality of life.
Eye problems are common in Shih Tzus, especially those with large round eyes, which can lead to infection. Cleaning around the eye area and trimming long hairs around the eyes can help reduce this risk.
Daily teeth cleaning is essential for Shih Tzus, as their small mouths are prone to overcrowding and plaque accumulation. This can lead to more serious health issues if not addressed.
To keep your Shih Tzu healthy, it's essential to provide them with a clean and safe living environment. This includes keeping them indoors on hot days and providing regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their health.
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Care and Feeding
The Raza Shih Tzu Mini is a wonderful companion, and with proper care and feeding, they'll thrive in your home. They're adaptable to small spaces, but do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
They're not high-maintenance when it comes to exercise, happy with short walks each day. In fact, they're content with just lounging around the house or playing with their toys.
Their sensitive noses make them prone to heat exhaustion, so it's essential to keep them indoors in an air-conditioned room or one with fans on hot days.
Shih Tzus are naturally docile and friendly, but they need early socialization and training to grow into well-rounded dogs. This means exposing them to new people, places, and experiences from an early age.
They can be challenging to housebreak, so it's crucial to supervise them closely and avoid giving them opportunities to have accidents indoors. Crate training is a great tool for housetraining and provides a quiet space for them to relax.
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When it comes to feeding, the recommended daily amount is 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. However, this can vary depending on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.
Teacup Shih Tzus, in particular, have high metabolisms as growing puppies, so they need to be fed four to six times daily with food containing authentic ingredients, including meat and vegetables.
As they grow into adults, you can limit their meals to two or three per day, choosing the healthiest food options available with plenty of nutritional value.
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Grooming and Maintenance
Daily grooming is a must for Shih Tzus, especially those with long hair, which needs to be brushed daily to prevent tangles.
You can get away with brushing a clipped dog a couple of times each week, rather than every day.
Regular nail trimming is essential, and it's recommended to trim your Mini Shih Tzu's nails monthly to prevent nail cracking or breaking.
Baths should be given every 3-4 weeks, and oiling the coat can keep it sleek, shiny, and soft.
The hair of the Mini Shih Tzu grows at record speed, and their stylish haircuts will soon look messy without good upkeep.
Regular ear cleaning is necessary to prevent problems, and you should wipe out your Shih Tzu's ears weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner.
Coat Grooming and Maintenance
The Shih Tzu's long, silky coat is a beautiful feature of the breed, but it requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting.
Daily brushing is essential to prevent tangles and matting, especially during the puppy stage.
At around ten to twelve months of age, the Shih Tzu coat changes from puppy fluff to a silky adult coat, which can be more prone to matting.
Brushing all the way down to the skin is crucial, and many experienced groomers teach the dog to lie on their side while brushing in sections.
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.
Regular ear cleaning with a cotton ball and gentle ear cleaner can help prevent problems.
Hair grows inside the Shih Tzu's ear canal and may need to be plucked if the dog gets frequent ear infections.
The Shih Tzu's face needs daily attention, with a soft cloth and warm water used to wipe away dirt and tear stains.
Regular tooth brushing with a soft toothbrush and doggy toothpaste is essential to prevent dental problems.
Brushing a clipped Shih Tzu can be done a couple of times a week, rather than every day.
However, regular trips to the groomer are still necessary to maintain the coat's shape and style.
Bathing a Teacup Shih Tzu every 3-4 weeks can help keep their coat clean and healthy.
Oiling the coat can help keep it sleek, shiny, and soft.
Regularly trimming the hair inside the ears and around the eyes, anus, and genitals is necessary to prevent irritation and inflammation.
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Nail Maintenance
Keeping your Mini Shih Tzu's nails under control is essential for its happy and healthy life. Short nails allow dogs of all breeds and sizes to walk comfortably without nail cracking or breaking.
Nail damage can lead to various types of dog paw injuries that complicate their lives. To prevent this, regular nail trimming is a must.
Trimming nails can be challenging, especially when dealing with tiny nails on a small, fidgety dog. Traditional clippers can be effective, but require care to avoid cutting the nails too short.
A dog nail grinder is a great alternative to clippers, as it gradually files down the outer layers of the nail, reducing the risk of cutting them too short.
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Sociabilidad con Personas y Animales
The Shih Tzu mini is a social butterfly, and I mean that in the best possible way! They love being around people and other animals, and with proper socialization, they get along great with adults, children, and other pets.
They have a strong attachment to their families, which is why it's essential to devote attention and affection to them. This breed is known for its big personality, and they thrive on interaction.
When interacting with children, it's crucial to supervise playtime to ensure they're being gentle and respectful with the dog. Shih Tzus are delicate due to their small size, so we need to be mindful of that.
Socializing your Shih Tzu mini with other dogs and pets requires a gradual and controlled approach. This will help them develop confidence around other animals and become comfortable playing and interacting with them.
To avoid any potential issues, it's best to start with small, gentle interactions and gradually increase the contact. This way, your Shih Tzu mini will feel at ease and be more likely to enjoy the company of others.
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Final Thoughts and Considerations
They have gorgeous fur coats that require ongoing maintenance. The Shih Tzu Mini is a time-consuming breed that needs a lot of patience, especially when it comes to training.
Their friendly temperaments and loving nature make them wonderful companions, but they can't be left alone without suffering from anxiety. Busy owners should search for a less needy dog, as they require a lot of attention and care.
If you have the time to put in, your Miniature Shih Tzu will be your new best friend, packed with personality and love to give.
Final Thoughts
Before bringing a Shih Tzu Mini home, consider their high maintenance fur coats that need ongoing grooming.
They're a time-consuming breed that requires patience, especially when it comes to training.
Their friendly temperaments and lots of love to give make them wonderful companions, but they can't be left alone without suffering from anxiety.
Busy owners should search for a less needy dog, as they need attention and interaction to thrive.
With the right care and attention, your Miniature Shih Tzu will be your new best friend, but it's essential to be aware of their needs before making a decision.
Razones Para Adquirir
If you're considering bringing a Shih Tzu into your family, there are several reasons why our certified breeding center is the perfect place to start. Our center has a zoo-like nucleus, which means we have all the necessary resources and practices to ensure the health and well-being of our dogs.
We guarantee the purebred nature of our puppies, with verified genetics and healthy lineage. This means you can trust that you're getting a purebred Shih Tzu with good genes.
Our center meets all health and hygiene standards, which helps prevent diseases and promotes healthy development in our puppies. We also have veterinary check-ups and a medical history for each dog.
We specialize in small breeds, so we have a deep understanding of the Shih Tzu breed. This allows us to provide personalized and high-quality care for our dogs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest Shih Tzu?
The rarest Shih Tzu color is blue, which is extremely hard to find due to its limited production by only a few breeders. Determining a blue Shih Tzu's nose color can be tricky, ranging from light purpleish blue to dark gunmetal grey.
How long do miniature Shih Tzus live?
Miniature Shih Tzus typically live between 10 to 16 years, with proper care and attention to potential health issues
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