Shih Tzu Chinese Royalty: History, Care, and More

The Shih Tzu breed has a rich history that dates back to ancient China, where they were highly prized as companions for royalty.

These small dogs were bred to be gentle and affectionate, with a friendly temperament that made them perfect for palace life.

The Shih Tzu's long, flowing coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, which can be a challenge for some owners.

Despite the extra effort, many Shih Tzu owners swear by the breed's low-shedding qualities, which make them a great choice for people with allergies.

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The Shih Tzu breed has a rich history that dates back to the 15th Century in Tibet. They were later gifted to Chinese emperors, who bred them with other dogs like Pekingese and Pugs.

These dogs were highly valued by the Chinese royal family throughout the Ming Dynasty, and were even kept alongside trained hunting lions under the decree of the Mongolian Emperor Kublai. It's fascinating to think about these tiny dogs being used to calm fierce lions!

The Shih Tzu breed continued to be relatively unknown in the West until the early 20th century, but they gained popularity in Europe and North America in the 1930s. It wasn't until 1969 that the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed.

Shih Tzus have a long history of being cherished by Chinese royalty, and it's no surprise that they're considered one of the most elegant and graceful dog breeds. Their association with Chinese royalty is a testament to their regal nature.

In the 14th century, Shih Tzus made their way into Chinese royalty, and they remained popular among the nobility for hundreds of years. They were even given the name "Shih Tzu Kou", which means "little lion dog" in Mandarin.

Shih Tzus have a remarkable history, and it's a testament to the breed's enduring popularity that they've been able to thrive despite being almost brought to extinction during the Chinese Communist Revolution.

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Shih Tzus are toy-sized dogs, with an average weight of nine to 16 pounds and a height of eight to 11 inches.

Their regal gait is a defining characteristic, marked by an eye-catching, curled-up tail and luxurious hair.

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

This condition creates their round head, prominent eyes, short muzzles, and noticeable underbite.

Their coats can grow to glamorously long lengths and come in a plethora of colors, with white, black, brown, blue, liver, and gold being the most common.

Shih Tzus have a unique facial feature - a wider lower jaw that gives them a big smile and a wider lower jaw.

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Shih Tzus are notoriously friendly and affectionate, thriving in a loving environment and being extremely loyal to those who show them care and attention.

They're natural people-pleasers, so they'll follow you from room to room and love being sat on your lap or receiving lots of fuss and cuddles.

Shih Tzus are generally very sociable pups, getting along well with other pets within the home, but they do need proper socialization and introduction to achieve a harmonious household.

As they were originally bred as companion dogs, they can tend to be more comfortable around pets of a similar or smaller stature, due to their small size making them feel potentially more vulnerable around larger or more assertive pets.

However, with early socialization and training, they can learn to coexist harmoniously with other pets, even those with high energy levels.

Shih Tzus can also demonstrate a prey drive, so if you have pets like rodents or birds, you'll need to consider this and provide constant supervision if they share the same space.

Despite their small size, Shih Tzus have a vivacious spirit and a zest for life that's utterly contagious, making them a joy to be around.

They're not big on chewing due to their short muzzles, but many enjoy digging and some might be prone to nuisance barking.

Shih Tzus are excellent family pets, getting along famously with children and other animals, and they thrive on human companionship, loving being the center of attention.

Shih Tzus are known for their luscious and often quite long fur coats, which if not properly maintained can lead to matting and unpleasant tangles.

Daily brushing is a must to prevent mats and tangles, and bathing them once a week - more often if needed - will help keep their coat clean and prevent a build-up of dirt or bacteria.

Regularly cleaning your Shih Tzu's eyes and ears can help avoid common issues like tear staining, fur discoloration, and ear infections.

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Shih Tzus have a beautiful, yet high-maintenance coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. They need to be brushed daily to comb out any knots.

Their long fur coats can lead to skin irritation, so it's essential to keep an eye on this during daily grooming to catch any issues quickly. Regular bathing is also crucial to prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria.

Shih Tzus have a lot of facial hair, which means eye and ear irritation are common issues. Regularly cleaning their eyes and ears, and keeping their fur trimmed to a manageable level, will help avoid these problems.

Weekly baths are necessary, but make sure to comb out any tangles before bathing and blow-dry the coat afterward to keep your pet from getting chilled. Regular nail trimming and daily tooth brushing are also essential for their overall health.

Tear staining and fur discoloration can occur around the eyes, and ear infections can be quite prominent. Regular cleaning and grooming will help prevent these issues.

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Shih Tzus only need up to one cup of dry dog food a day, divided into two or three meals. This is because they're not high-energy dogs and can easily gain weight if overfed.

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

Be sure to limit the number of treats you offer to prevent weight gain, as Shih Tzus are prone to it.

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

Quality nutrition will also help optimize muscle and joint health, as well as their overall wellbeing.

Shih Tzu dogs have higher heat sensitivity than other breeds, so they might be more thirsty than usual.

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Shih Tzus are generally a healthy breed, but like any other breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Their undershot jaw can lead to oral health problems, such as misaligned or missing teeth.

Their prominent eyes make them more susceptible to vision problems, including cataracts, retinal detachment, corneal dryness, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Some other health issues Shih Tzus may experience include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, ear infections, umbilical hernia, and portosystemic liver shunt.

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Shih Tzus are known to live a long and healthy life, with an average lifespan of 14 years. Their longevity is likely due to their small size, which is a common trait among long-lived breeds.

On average, most Shih Tzus will live into their early teens. They're considered senior dogs at around 9 to 10 years old, which is relatively young compared to other breeds.

Small-sized breeds like Shih Tzus tend to live longer than larger dogs. This is a general trend in the canine world, and Shih Tzus are lucky to be part of this group.

The oldest Shih Tzu on record was named Smokey, and lived an astonishing 23 years.

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As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzus are prone to oral health problems due to their undershot jaw, which can lead to misaligned or missing teeth.

Their prominent eyes also make them more susceptible to eye issues, including cataracts, retinal detachment, corneal dryness, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Hip dysplasia is another condition that can affect Shih Tzus, causing arthritis and mobility problems.

Patellar luxation is a common issue in Shih Tzus, where the kneecap slips out of place.

Ear infections are also a frequent problem in Shih Tzus, often caused by excess wax or moisture in the ears.

Umbilical hernia is a congenital condition that can occur in Shih Tzus, caused by an incomplete closure of the umbilical ring.

Portosystemic liver shunt is a rare condition that can affect Shih Tzus, where an abnormal vessel allows blood from the intestine to bypass the liver.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Shih Tzus:

Training and socialization are crucial for Shih Tzus, as they're natural-born people pleasers who thrive on positive reinforcement.

They're intelligent and respond well to praise and rewards, but can be independent and stubborn at times, requiring patience, consistency, and repetition.

Start training early, and begin socialization when they're a puppy to establish a solid foundation for obedience and behavior.

Shih Tzus have a short attention span, so keep training sessions short and sweet, around 10-15 minutes long, to keep them engaged and motivated.

Clear commands and consistent hand signals or verbal cues are essential, as they can take a little longer to grasp and understand commands.

Regularly trimming their nails and brushing their teeth will help prevent discomfort and maintain their overall health.

Consistency and patience are key when training a Shih Tzu, and housebreaking can be a challenge, so indoor supervision and crate training can be helpful.

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Owning a Shih Tzu requires a long-term commitment, as they can live up to 16 years or even longer. This means you'll need to be prepared to care for your Shih Tzu for a significant amount of time.

Shih Tzus have a high-maintenance coat that needs daily brushing and regular grooming sessions every 4 to 6 weeks. They also require extra training to become accustomed to being left alone, as some can be clingy and develop separation anxiety.

If you have young children, it's essential to consider whether they'll be gentle with your Shih Tzu, as these dogs can be fragile and may not appreciate rough play. However, Shih Tzus are generally great with older children and families with school-aged kids.

Here's a rundown of the potential health issues that can affect Shih Tzus:

Overall, with the right care and attention, Shih Tzus can make wonderful companions for the right owner.

If you live in a small apartment, a Shih Tzu could be your perfect little companion. They don't need intense exercise, making them a great choice for less active individuals.

Shih Tzus love to shower you with attention and receive it in return. They're affectionate pups that thrive on interaction.

Being a toy breed, Shih Tzus aren't cut out for hunting or guarding duties. They're generally friendly toward strangers.

Shih Tzus are a fantastic match for families with school-aged children. They love to play and enjoy the company of kids.

If you have very young kids, you might want to reconsider owning a Shih Tzu. They may not appreciate rough or overly boisterous play from little ones.

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Before bringing a Shih Tzu home, do your research on their health and temperament. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you're getting a puppy that's the right fit for your family.

Visiting a puppy in person is the best way to gauge their health and personality. You'll get to see their state with your own eyes and determine if you have a bond with them.

Reputable breeders and rescue organizations can provide valuable information and resources to help you find a healthy Shih Tzu. Check out organizations like the American Shih Tzu Club and Shih Tzu Rescue for breeder referrals and rescue opportunities.

If you're interested in dog breeds similar to Shih Tzus, consider checking out the Maltese, Lhasa Apso, Bolognese, and Silky Terrier. There are also many popular Shih Tzu mixed breeds, such as:

Taking your new pet to the vet as soon as possible is crucial for spotting any issues and setting up a preventive pet care regimen and nutrition plan.

Owning a Shih Tzu can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider their needs before bringing one home. They can live up to 16 years or more, so you're making a long-term commitment.

Their coats require daily brushing and regular trips to the groomer, every 4 to 6 weeks, for a haircut. This is a significant time commitment, so it's crucial to factor this into your schedule.

Some Shih Tzus can be clingy and develop separation anxiety, which may require extra training to help them become comfortable with being left alone. If you have a busy lifestyle, this might not be the best breed for you.

As toy breeds, Shih Tzus can be fragile, so they do best in homes with older children or gentle dogs. If you have rambunctious kids or pets, you may want to reconsider.

Shih Tzus are prone to certain health conditions, which can be costly to treat. It's essential to factor in the potential veterinary expenses when deciding to bring a Shih Tzu into your family.

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Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and energetic nature, preferring snuggles to arduous outdoor adventures. They're a great breed for families with children, as long as they're properly trained and socialized.

These dogs require extra grooming and a little more patience with training, but their affection and loving nature make it all worthwhile. They'll thrive in a loving home where they receive attention and affection.

Shih Tzus are a relatively healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health conditions like hip dysplasia, as well as eye, ear, and respiratory problems. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, be sure to discuss your concerns with your vet.

Here are some key characteristics of the Shih Tzu breed:

Originally bred as alert dogs, Shih Tzus may have a tendency to bark or yap when meeting new people or when startled by certain sights or sounds. However, with proper training in a loving home, this shouldn't be much of an issue.

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