The Shih Tzu Male Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Shih Tzu males are known for their affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners. They thrive on human interaction and can become anxious if left alone for extended periods.

On average, a Shih Tzu male weighs between 9 and 16 pounds, making them a relatively small breed. Their compact size requires regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

Shih Tzu males have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. They are generally low shedders, but their coat does require regular brushing to prevent tangles.

Shih Tzu males are generally quiet dogs, but they do have a tendency to bark at strangers and other animals. Early socialization can help minimize this behavior.

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The Shih Tzu breed has an incredible history that spans over 1,000 years, with roots dating back to 1000 B.C. in China.

These ancient dogs were originally short, square, and "under the table" in size, likely the ancestors of the modern Shih Tzu.

The breed's ancestry is closely tied to Tibet, where they were bred as luxury lapdogs and given as gifts to Chinese royalty during the Ming dynasty.

Shih Tzus were a favorite among Chinese emperors, and their popularity continued for hundreds of years, earning them the nickname "little lion dog" in Mandarin.

The breed was almost brought to extinction during the Chinese Communist Revolution, but thanks to a small group of survivors, the Shih Tzu was able to be reestablished.

Today, every Shih Tzu alive is descended from just 14 dogs that were saved and used to rebuild the breed.

These 14 dogs were the foundation of the modern Shih Tzu, and their legacy lives on in every dog that carries the breed's name.

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Shih Tzu males are small in stature, standing at nine to ten and a half inches tall and weighing nine to 16 pounds.

Their facial hair fans out like petals in every direction, including in front of their eyes, giving them a unique and endearing appearance. Their innocent round eyes have an open, trusting gaze.

Their ears are covered with thick hair and flop downward. Their flat, black nose has wide nostrils. They have a luxurious double coat that's usually straight but can be curly and silky to the touch.

The Shih Tzu's appearance is truly one-of-a-kind. Their faces are often compared to chrysanthemum flowers, with their facial hair growing in every direction.

Their ears are a notable feature, flopping downward and covered with thick hair. Their large, round black eyes have an open, trusting gaze that's hard to resist.

The Shih Tzu's nose is flat and black, with wide nostrils. Their luxurious double coat is often straight, but can be curly and silky to the touch.

Shih Tzus come in a variety of color combinations, with markings on their heads and backs. They may have a white marking on their head, affectionately referred to as the Star of Buddha.

Their tail is set high on their back and curls toward the front.

When considering the physical characteristics of a Shih Tzu, size is a key factor to consider.

Males and females alike stand at nine to ten and a half inches tall.

Their weight can range from nine to 16 pounds, making them a compact and portable companion.

The Shih Tzu male is a loving companion who thrives on attention and affection. They're happiest when they're with their family, giving and receiving attention.

Their dominant characteristic is affection, and your lap is their favorite destination. They're not a total couch potato, though - they're alert and lively and may bark at newcomers to their home.

Shih Tzus make excellent watchdogs due to their ability to assess situations quickly and alert you to potential visitors. They're always on the lookout for someone approaching your home, and they'll let you know they're coming.

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The Lao personality type is known for being calm and gentle, often described as a "peaceful" individual. They tend to avoid conflict and are not naturally competitive.

Lao individuals are generally easy-going and adaptable, able to roll with the punches and adjust to changing circumstances. They have a strong sense of responsibility and are often reliable and dependable.

In social situations, Lao people tend to be reserved and may take time to open up to others. However, once they feel comfortable, they can be warm and friendly.

Lao individuals often prioritize harmony and balance in their relationships, valuing cooperation and mutual support. They can be very loyal and committed to their loved ones.

In times of stress or crisis, Lao people may become withdrawn or isolated, needing time and space to recharge.

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The Shih Tzu is a breed that thrives on attention, and they're happiest when they're with their family, giving and receiving attention.

Their affectionate nature makes them a great companion, always seeking to be close to their loved ones. They're not a high-maintenance breed, but they do require regular interaction to stay happy and healthy.

Shih Tzus are naturally alert and lively, and they may bark at newcomers to their home, but they'll quickly make friends with your guests once they're inside.

Their ability to assess situations quickly makes them excellent watchdogs, always on the lookout for potential threats and alerting their owners to any unusual activity.

Despite their small size, Shih Tzus are big on personality and can be quite stubborn at times, requiring extra patience when training.

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Shih Tzu males are adaptable dogs who can thrive in small city apartments or large suburban homes, as long as they're with their owners.

They're not extremely active, so short walks each day are sufficient. They're content to sit in your lap, wander around the house, or play with their toys.

Shih Tzu males are sensitive to heat, so it's essential to keep them indoors in an air-conditioned room or one with fans on hot days to prevent heat exhaustion.

Be very careful when carrying your Shih Tzu, as they can jump from heights and crash forward, causing injury or even a concussion to the head.

Shih Tzu males need early socialization and training to become well-rounded dogs, just like any other breed.

They can be difficult to housebreak, so it's crucial to avoid giving them opportunities to have accidents inside and to supervise them closely until they're fully trained.

A crate is helpful for housetraining and provides a quiet place for your Shih Tzu to relax.

Regular grooming is essential for Shih Tzu males, with daily brushing and combing necessary to prevent tangles, and frequent bathing, ideally once a week.

Their nails should be trimmed monthly, and their ears should be checked weekly for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection.

Shih Tzu males are prone to dental problems, so regular tooth brushing with a soft toothbrush and doggy toothpaste is crucial to keep their gums and teeth healthy.

To keep their coat looking its best, bathe your Shih Tzu every three weeks, and brush their teeth at home, starting with once or twice a week and working up to daily brushing.

Trim their nails every three weeks, as overly long nails can affect their gait, bleed when they break off, or cause pain by piercing the soft pads of their paws.

Shih Tzu males have a lot of hair growing in their ear canals, which can lead to infections and parasites, so trim that excess hair and check their ears weekly for redness, swelling, and debris.

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Shih Tzu males are known for their long lifespan, typically living between 10 to 18 years. Regular check-ups with your vet are crucial to ensure your furry friend stays healthy.

Shih Tzus are prone to liver shunts, specifically a condition called portosystemic shunt (PSS), which can cause seizures or stunted growth. Your vet can test your pup's blood and conduct an ultrasound liver scan to detect this issue.

A balanced diet is essential to prevent excessive weight gain, which is common in Shih Tzus due to their low energy levels. Limiting treats and monitoring meal portions with your vet can help maintain a healthy weight.

Shih Tzus are also susceptible to bone and joint problems, including patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Patellar luxation can be treated with joint supplements and pain medication, while hip dysplasia may require surgery.

Eye problems like dry eye, glaucoma, and cataracts can affect Shih Tzus, and early detection is crucial to prevent blindness. Your vet can diagnose these conditions and recommend treatment.

To keep your Shih Tzu male healthy, make sure to provide regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and plenty of fresh water.

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Training with your Shih Tzu requires a gentle and firm approach, using only rewards and positive reinforcement methods to overcome their stubborn streak. They're naturally attention-hungry, so lavish praise and treats to encourage good behavior.

Consistency is key, so practice commands like sit, stay, and come regularly throughout their life. Crating your puppy for short periods when you're not around to supervise them can also help with housetraining.

Puppy training and socialization classes are highly recommended, especially since Shih Tzus can make a mad dash across the street if they see another dog. Keep your pup on a leash when outdoors to keep them safe.

For exercise, take your Shih Tzu out for two to three 20-minute walks a day to keep their bodies fit and minds entertained. Avoid the hottest times of day and bring water and a vessel for them to drink from.

Dressing them up in a fleece or jacket in the wintertime can help keep them comfortable, and limit their exposure to cold to no longer than 15 minutes.

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Training is a crucial part of owning a Shih Tzu. They're notorious attention-hungry dogs, so be prepared to lavish praise and rewards.

To get your Shih Tzu to do what you want, you'll need to use a blend of consistency, gentleness, and firmness. Raising your voice can actually backfire and cause your pet to misbehave even more.

Keep practicing commands like sit, stay, and come throughout your Shih Tzu's life. Positive reinforcement methods are key, as this breed is prone to anxiety.

Housetraining can be challenging due to their small bladders, so take your Shih Tzu out every few hours or immediately after having an accident. Crating your puppy for short periods can also help.

Puppy training and socialization classes are highly recommended, especially for Shih Tzus. The earlier you start, the better.

Exercise is crucial for Shih Tzus, but they're not built for long hikes or extreme weather conditions. They need daily walks to stay healthy and entertained.

Two to three 20-minute walks a day should do the trick, but watch out for signs of exhaustion like heavy panting or lying down on the ground.

Avoid taking them out during the hottest times of the day, and bring water and a vessel for them to drink from.

In the winter, dress them up in a fleece or jacket, and limit their exposure to the cold to 15 minutes.

Mixing up their daily routes will keep them engaged, and bringing their favorite rubber ball will encourage them to chase and play.

Giving your Shih Tzu plenty of indoor and outdoor playtime will keep their minds stimulated and prevent boredom, which can lead to behavioral problems like chewing or excessive barking.

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