The Complete Guide to Shih Tzu Adult Dog Ownership

Owning a Shih Tzu adult dog can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to understand their unique needs and characteristics.

Shih Tzus are a small breed, typically weighing between 9-16 pounds and standing 8-11 inches tall.

They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long, flowing coats.

Their outgoing and friendly nature makes them great companions for families and singles alike.

The Shih Tzu breed is more than 1,000 years old, with documentation dating back at least 1,000 years. Its ancestry goes back even further, with records showing short, square dogs existing in China as early as 1000 B.C.

The breed's history is marked by a significant decline in numbers during the first half of the 20th century, with only 14 dogs remaining to rebuild the breed. Every Shih Tzu alive today can be traced back to one of these 14 dogs.

The Shih Tzu was a favorite of the Chinese royals during the Ming Dynasty, with many court eunuchs breeding them to win favor with the Emperor. The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe in the 1920s and 1930s, with Lady Brownrigg bringing two Shih Tzus to England in 1928.

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The Shih Tzu breed has a rich history that spans over 1,000 years, with records showing that short, square dogs existed in China as far back as 1000 B.C.

The breed's ancestry is a bit of a mystery, but one theory is that it descended from a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso.

The Shih Tzu was a favorite of the Chinese royals during the Ming Dynasty, and they were so prized that the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away. The Dowager Empress Cixi even developed a program dedicated to breeding Shih Tzus.

The first Shih Tzus were imported into Europe in the 1920s and 1930s, with Lady Brownrigg bringing two Shih Tzus to England in 1928. These dogs were initially classified as "Apsos" by the Kennel Club.

The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were categorized as Shih Tzus after a congregation of these dogs from China at Crufts in 1933.

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Here are some key dates in the Shih Tzu's history:

The breed spread throughout Europe and was brought to the United States after World War II, when returning members of the U.S. military brought back dogs from Europe and Asia in the mid-1950s.

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

These 14 dogs, seven males and seven females, were the foundation for every Shih Tzu alive today.

The name Shih Tzu originates from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this breed was bred to resemble the lion in traditional oriental art. This is reflected in the various Chinese names for the breed, including "Shi Zi" and "Xi Shi quǎn", both of which mean "lion".

The name Shih Tzu is the Wade-Giles romanization of the Mandarin Chinese word for "lion", which is "shīzi". This name has been used to refer to the breed since its development in ancient China.

The breed is also sometimes called the "Tibetan Lion Dog", but whether it should be referred to as "Tibetan" or "Chinese" is a matter of debate among dog historians.

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Shih Tzus are a small breed of dog, typically weighing between 9 and 16 pounds.

Their compact body is well-suited for apartment living, but they still require regular exercise to stay healthy.

Their short, fine coats come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and gray, often with markings in other colors.

Their large, round eyes are dark in color and are one of their most distinctive features.

Shih Tzu are known as "chrysanthemum-faced dogs" because the hair on their faces grows in every direction. Owners who keep their Shih Tzu clipped short know all too well that not much time goes by before their hair grows up from their snout and in front of their eyes. This unique characteristic can be quite challenging for owners to manage.

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The Shih Tzu's coat is truly one of a kind. Comprised of two distinct layers, it requires some trial and error to perfect a grooming routine.

The Shih Tzu comes in many colors, and it's not uncommon for their coat to change when they're around 10 to 12 months old. This can be a fun and exciting time for owners, as they get to see their dog's coat mature and develop its unique characteristics.

The Royal Kennel Club recognizes many different colors within the breed, including black & white, brindle, and solid gold. These colors are the standard for the breed and can be found in many Shih Tzus.

Some additional colors that are recognized as existing within the breed, but not part of the standard, include blue, cream, and lilac. These colors are still beautiful and unique, but may not be eligible for certain competitions or registries.

Here are some of the recognized colors within the breed, as listed by the Royal Kennel Club:

These colors are just a few examples of the many beautiful shades that can be found within the Shih Tzu breed.

Shih Tzus are generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10-18 years. They can be prone to certain medical conditions, but overall they live a long life.

Their floppy ears can lead to ear infections if not properly cleaned and maintained. This is a common issue for Shih Tzus, especially if their ears are not regularly plucked and cleaned.

Regular grooming is crucial for Shih Tzus, as their long coat can become tangled and matted if not brushed and bathed regularly. In fact, their coat is often shaved short into a "puppy cut" to avoid continuous grooming.

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The Shih Tzu's flat face can lead to breathing difficulties. This is due to the brachycephalic syndrome, a condition that affects dogs with short noses.

Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome often have small nostrils, which can make breathing even harder. This is because the nostrils are close together, causing difficulties with breathing through the nose.

A long, soft palate is another characteristic of brachycephalic syndrome. This can cause the airway to narrow, making breathing even more difficult.

The trachea, or windpipe, can also be affected, leading to a collapsing trachea. This can cause trouble breathing, especially during exercise or in hot weather.

If your Shih Tzu has severe brachycephalic syndrome, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to help correct some of these issues. This can be done when your Shih Tzu is still a puppy, before breathing difficulties become a major problem.

Here are some common symptoms of brachycephalic syndrome in Shih Tzus:

Shih Tzus are a relatively healthy breed, with an average lifespan of 10-18 years. However, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Ear infections are a common problem for Shih Tzus, particularly if their ears are not regularly cleaned. This can lead to red, painful, and/or itchy ears.

Ear infections are often caused by a combination of factors, including hair growth in the ear canals and moisture buildup. Routine cleaning with a vet-approved ear cleaner can help reduce the chances of ear infections.

Shih Tzus are also prone to eye problems, including glaucoma, chronic dry eye, and cataracts. These conditions can be quite painful and may cause signs such as red eyes, bulging eyes, eye discharge, rubbing the eyes, cloudy eyes, squinting, and blindness.

Eye irritation can be caused by hair growing around the eyes, which can rub against the eyes and cause inflammation. Keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed or pulled up with a hair tie can help prevent this.

Shih Tzus are also prone to tear staining, which can be caused by excessive tear production or blocked tear ducts. Keeping the area around the eyes clean and dry can help prevent staining.

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

It's essential to keep your Shih Tzu's ears, eyes, and teeth clean and healthy to prevent these issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help identify any potential problems early on.

Caring for your Shih Tzu's coat requires regular grooming.

To prevent matting and tangling, brush your Shih Tzu at least a few times each week, but preferably daily.

Their coat grows continuously and needs to be trimmed and brushed regularly, making it a good idea to visit professional groomers periodically.

Shih Tzus don't shed much, but they do require extra grooming time due to their long, dense outer coat and soft, woolly undercoat.

A weekly grooming routine should include brushing and bathing, with professional grooming appointments every few weeks if you choose to keep their coat longer.

Here are some key grooming tasks to include in your Shih Tzu's care routine:

Regular grooming will help prevent health issues such as ear infections, which are common in Shih Tzus due to their long coat and hair in their ears.

Shih Tzus are social butterflies and need regular interaction with their human family. They thrive on attention and playtime, so be prepared to spend quality time with your furry friend.

Shih Tzus are generally happy and sociable dogs, but they can develop anxiety if not socialized at a young age. This can lead to bad behaviors like excessive barking or digging.

To keep your Shih Tzu happy and healthy, provide regular exercise, such as a 30-minute walk and at-home playtime. They love to please their pet parents and are quick to learn new tricks.

Shih Tzus have a beautiful, long coat that requires regular grooming. They don't shed much, but their coat grows continuously and needs to be trimmed and brushed regularly. A weekly brushing and bathing routine can help prevent matting and skin irritation.

Here's a quick rundown of Shih Tzu grooming needs:

Shih Tzus are prone to ear infections due to hair growing inside their ear canals. Regular cleaning with a vet-approved ear cleaner can help reduce the risk of infections.

Regular dental care is also essential for Shih Tzus, as they can be prone to overcrowding and gum disease. Brush their teeth regularly to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Shih Tzus are a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to exercise, but they do need regular attention and playtime to stay happy and healthy. With regular grooming, exercise, and attention, your Shih Tzu will be a beloved member of your family for years to come.

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

To maintain a healthy weight, Shih Tzus need attention to their portion sizes, and their food should be tailored to their age, lifestyle, and activity level. This means sticking to the guidelines provided by their food manufacturer and adjusting as needed.

Feeding Shih Tzus a combination of dry kibble and moist food can provide variety and help keep them healthy. Dry kibble is also beneficial for reducing the risk of periodontal disease.

To calculate the right amount of food for your Shih Tzu, consult with your veterinarian. They can help determine the daily calories your pet should eat to avoid weight gain.

Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right food for your Shih Tzu:

Shih Tzus can be fussy eaters, so it's a good idea to mix things up with a combination of dry kibble and moist food. Your veterinarian may also recommend supplements, such as omega fatty acids, to support their heart, brain, skin, and joint health.