The Shih Tzu is a beloved breed known for its small size and friendly demeanor. They typically weigh between 9-16 pounds.
Their compact body is one of their most distinctive features, with a height range of 8-11 inches. This makes them a great companion for city dwellers or those with limited space.
Shih Tzus are outgoing and affectionate dogs that thrive on human interaction. They require regular socialization to become confident and calm in new situations.
Their short, fine coats come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and gray. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting and tangling.
Características de la Raza
The Shih Tzu is a small breed, typically not exceeding 26-27 cm in height and weighing between 4.5 and 7.3 kg.
Their head is relatively small compared to their body, with a short snout and large, dark eyes.
Their ears are quite large and hang down, covered in fur that blends with the fur on their neck.
Their fur is a double coat, soft and thick, and requires regular grooming.
The Shih Tzu's tail is also heavily coated and curls up over their back.
One distinctive feature of the Shih Tzu is their "arrogant" gait.
Their bite is prognathic, meaning their lower jaw protrudes beyond their upper jaw.
The Shih Tzu's lifespan is relatively long, typically living between 14 and 15 years.
Here are some key physical characteristics of the Shih Tzu:
- Height: 26-27 cm
- Weight: 4.5-7.3 kg
- Head size: relatively small compared to body
- Snout length: short
- Eyes: large, dark
- Fur: double coat, soft and thick
- Tail: heavily coated, curls up over back
- Lifespan: 14-15 years
Origen y Etimología
The shih tzu's origins are quite fascinating. The breed is said to have originated in Tibet, where it lived with monks in temples and was occasionally gifted to Chinese emperors.
Its name, shih tzu, literally translates to "lion dog" in Chinese, as it was bred to resemble the lion, a symbol of royalty and power in Chinese art and culture.
Interestingly, the shih tzu's name is also associated with Xi Shi, one of the most beautiful women in ancient Chinese history, and it was also known as the "Chrysanthemum Dog" in England during the 1930s.
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Origen De La Raza De Perro
The Shih Tzu breed has an interesting origin story. According to legend, it originated in Tibet, where it lived with monks in temples.
It's said to have been occasionally gifted to Chinese emperors. This is where the breed's journey began.
The Shih Tzu was crossed with the local Pequinés breed in China, resulting in the breed we know today. This cross was a game-changer.
The Shih Tzu first appeared in Britain in 1912, but it wouldn't be recognized as a pure breed until 1949. That's a long time to wait for recognition!
A decade later, the breed was also recognized in the United States.
Worth a look: Shih Tzu Breed Information
Etimología
The name "shih tzu" comes from the Chinese word for "son of the lion" because this breed was bred to resemble the lion, as seen in traditional Chinese art. This name is a direct translation of the Chinese characters 獅子, which mean "lion".
The breed has also been known as the "Xi Shi" dog, named after Xi Shi, one of the most beautiful women in ancient China. This name is a nod to the breed's regal and elegant appearance.
In England, the shih tzu was dubbed the "Chrysanthemum dog" in the 1930s, likely due to its delicate and flower-like features.
Cuidados y Comportamiento
The Shih Tzu is a social butterfly, getting along great with people and other animals if socialized properly. They thrive on attention and affection, and they're naturally attached to their families.
This breed is delicate due to its small size, so it's essential to supervise interactions between children and the dog to ensure respectful and gentle play.
To socialize with other dogs and pets, introduce them gradually and in a controlled environment, allowing the Shih Tzu to build trust and confidence at its own pace.
Cuidados para el Perro
The Shih Tzu is a small dog that needs regular grooming to prevent matting of its long, dense fur. It's essential to brush its coat daily to keep it looking its best.
This breed is known for being intelligent and affectionate, but it can also be quite stubborn and independent. That's why early obedience training is crucial to avoid any behavioral issues.
Shih Tzus thrive in indoor environments and love to receive attention and pampering. They're perfect companions for families with children and other pets, especially cats, as they get along well with them.
To keep your Shih Tzu happy and healthy, make sure to provide it with plenty of love, care, and exercise.
Sociabilidad con Personas y Animales
The Shih Tzu is a social butterfly - or should I say, social dog! They get along great with people of all ages, from adults to kids, and even other pets.
They thrive on attention and affection, so make sure to give them plenty of love and attention. This breed is known to form strong bonds with their families.
When interacting with kids, it's essential to supervise playtime to ensure the Shih Tzu is treated gently and with respect, as they can be delicate due to their small size.
Socializing with other dogs and pets requires a gentle approach. Introduce them gradually, allowing the Shih Tzu to build trust and confidence at its own pace.
Be cautious when introducing them to larger dogs or pets, as they can be sensitive to rough handling or loud noises.
Consejos Para Una Vida Saludable
The Shih Tzu is a small dog, weighing no more than 7.5 Kg, with a dense, soft, and long coat. They are originally from Tibet and were considered a "sacred" breed in China.
To keep your Shih Tzu happy and healthy, it's essential to provide them with regular grooming, as they have a thick coat that requires regular maintenance. They love to be pampered and receive attention.
Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs that learn quickly, but they can be stubborn at times, so early obedience training is crucial. They need dedication and consistency to avoid developing bad habits.
Shih Tzus are perfect for living in apartments or small spaces, as they don't require a lot of exercise. They love to cuddle and receive attention from their owners.
If you're planning to bring a Shih Tzu into your home, it's great to know that they get along well with children and other pets, including cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cómo saber si es Shih Tzu puro?
Un cachorro de Shih Tzu puro tiene una estatura pequeña, pelo largo y liso, y colores predominantes como blanco, marrón y negro. Revisa sus características físicas para determinar su pureza
¿Qué tipo de Shih Tzu hay?
El Shih Tzu existe en varios colores, incluyendo amarillo, negro, blanco, negro y blanco, y multicolores
¿Cómo es el crecimiento de un Shih Tzu?
Un Shih Tzu madura rápidamente, alcanzando su tamaño completo a los 10 meses. Su crecimiento es característico de las razas miniatura, con un cuerpo robusto y una cabeza redonda
¿Cuándo dejan de crecer los Shih Tzu?
Los Shih Tzu alcanzan su tamaño adulto a los diez meses de edad. Después de esto, su crecimiento se detiene.
Sources
- Shih Tzu, consejos de esta raza de perro pequeña (purina.es)
- Cuántos cachorros puede tener un shih tzu - 5 pasos (mundodeportivo.com)
- Todo sobre la raza de perro shih tzu - Aon España (aon.es)
- «Shih Tzu - Historia y Leyendas | HealthGuidance.org» (healthguidance.org)
- «Leyendas del Shih Tzu» (nationalpurebreddogday.com)
- el original (ukcdogs.com)
- el original (mascotia.com)
- uk/shih-tzu/breed-history «Historia de la cría - Shih Tzu Club UK» (theshihtzuclub.co)
- Shih Tzu (wikimedia.org)
- Comprar Shih Tzu cachorro en criador (consulta precio) (nuestrospeludos.com)
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