Shih Tzu Pekingese: A Complete Overview of Health, Temperament, and More

The Shih Tzu Pekingese is a unique and adorable breed that can make a wonderful companion for the right owner. They are known for their outgoing and affectionate personalities, often forming strong bonds with their family members.

One of the most distinctive features of the Shih Tzu Pekingese is their long, flowing coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This breed is not suitable for owners who are not willing or able to commit to regular grooming sessions.

In terms of size, the Shih Tzu Pekingese is a relatively small breed, weighing between 9-16 pounds and standing between 8-11 inches tall. Their compact size makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers or those with limited space.

With proper care and attention, the Shih Tzu Pekingese can live a long and healthy life, with an average lifespan of 10-16 years.

Additional reading: Pekingese and Shih Tzu Mix Puppies

Eye Care is a crucial aspect of Shih Tzu Pekingese health, and it's essential to be aware of some common issues that can affect their eyes.

Some Shih Tzu Pekingese dogs may experience eye problems that cause tear stains, but these can be treated if the underlying condition is addressed.

If your dog's tear stains are due to shallow eye sockets, there's no way to stop the eye discharge, but you can minimize skin irritation and coat discoloration.

Eliminating the source of eye irritation is key, so keeping the hair near your dog's eyes trimmed very short can help.

The Shinese temperament is a unique blend of loyalty and protectiveness. They feel very protective of their human family and will act as their guard dog.

They become subdued when strangers are around, and if they're wary about anyone or anything, they have no problem letting you know. This can be a great asset as a watchdog, but it's essential to socialize them early to prevent excessive barking.

Shinese dogs are active, loyal, and excitable, but with a mature demeanor. They love to play, go for rides, or follow you around the house.

Separation anxiety is a real issue with this breed, so someone should be home most of the day. They can get upset if they're left alone too often, which is a crucial consideration for potential owners.

Despite their fear of being alone, Shinese dogs are quite the independent little pooch. They can be a bit stubborn, but most notably, they are loving, fun, and obedient dogs.

Their intelligence is undeniable, and with the right training and motivation, they can learn basic commands. Shinese dogs thrive on attention and interaction, making them an excellent choice for families or individuals who can provide the necessary care and attention.

The Pekingese breed has a long and storied history, originating in ancient China over 2,000 years ago.

They were highly valued as palace companions and were often given as gifts to royalty. Their flat face and short snout make them prone to breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather.

Pekingese are known for their distinctive "lion-like" appearance, with a long, flowing coat and a flat face. They typically weigh between 7-14 pounds and stand between 6-9 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their independent nature can make them challenging to train, but with patience and consistency, they can learn to obey basic commands.

The Shih Tzu and Pekingese breeds have some distinct physical traits that set them apart. The Shih Tzu has a consistent body shape and a deep, broad chest, while the Pekingese is small and stocky with a unique pear-shaped body.

Their sizes also differ significantly, with the Pekingese reaching heights of 15 to 23 centimeters and weighing between 5 to 6 kg, whereas the Shih Tzu can grow up to 20 to 28 centimeters tall and weigh between 4 and 7 kg.

One notable difference between the two breeds is their coats, with the Pekingese having a double-layered coat that sheds heavily and the Shih Tzu having a longer, silkier coat that sheds very little.

Some potential health issues to be aware of in both breeds include eye conditions, otitis externa, and skin rashes or allergies.

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The physical traits of dogs can be quite fascinating. Both Shih Tzu and Pekingese breeds have unique characteristics that set them apart.

Shih Tzus have a consistent body shape and a deep, broad chest. Their fore and hind legs are straight and balanced.

Pekingese dogs, on the other hand, are small and stocky with a pear-shaped body. They are heavier in the front than in the back.

Pekingese reach heights of 15 to 23 centimeters and weigh between 5 to 6 kg. In contrast, Shih Tzus are 20 to 28 centimeters tall and weigh between 4 and 7 kg.

The coats of these breeds are also quite different. Pekingese have a double-layered coat that's long, thick, and smooth, with fluffier hair around the neck and shoulders.

Shih Tzus have an outer coat that's longer, silkier, smoother, denser, and more voluminous.

Health and Conditions can be a major concern for dog owners. Purebred canines are more prone to health issues due to inbreeding.

Additional reading: Shih Tzu Health

Some common health issues that can affect your pup include eye conditions, otitis externa, KCS, urolithiasis, hydrocephalus, mitral valve disease, cleft lip or palate, skin rashes or allergies, and weight gain.

Entropion, skin fold dermatitis, brachycephalic syndrome, exposure keratopathy syndrome, patellar luxation, and intervertebral disc disease are also potential health concerns.

If your dog's tear stains are caused by eye irritation, trimming the hair near their eyes short and treating any underlying infections or glaucoma can help.

If your dog is experiencing eye problems that cause tear stains, there are surgical options available for certain eyelid or eyelash problems that can restore normal tear drainage.

To keep your Shih Tzu or Pekingese looking their best, grooming is a must. Their long and thick fur requires regular tidying to prevent matting and tangling.

Both breeds are prone to being overweight, so it's essential to monitor their diet closely. A balanced diet is crucial, and overfeeding should be avoided at all costs.

Regular exercise is also vital, but it's essential to keep it in check. Pekingese, in particular, can be at risk of heatstroke due to their thick coat, so exercise sessions should be limited to 30 minutes or less, with plenty of water breaks.

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The grooming routine for these breeds is a bit more involved than your average dog. They have long and thick fur that will need to be kept tidy regularly.

Shih Tzu owners know that their dogs' coats are longer, silkier, smoother, denser, and more voluminous than those of Pekingese dogs. Regular grooming sessions are a must to prevent matting and tangling.

Pekingese dogs, on the other hand, have a double-layered coat that is long, thick, and smooth, with fluffier, coarser hair around the neck and shoulders. This unique coat requires regular brushing to prevent shedding.

Shih Tzu owners are lucky as they shed very little hair on a daily basis. In contrast, Pekingese owners report heavy shedding, which can be a challenge to manage.

To keep their coats looking their best, owners of both breeds should brush their dogs regularly. A show cut is also a popular style for Shih Tzu owners who want to showcase their dog's luxurious fur.

For another approach, see: Shih Tzu No Fur

Both Pekingese and Shih Tzus are prone to being overweight, so it's essential to avoid overfeeding them at all costs.

Regular exercise is crucial for both breeds, and they require outdoor walks, which should be a daily routine for both dogs. Pekingese need mental activity from their human family in addition to their daily walks.

Pekingese are at risk of heatstroke due to their thick coat and short snouts, which can make breathing difficult. Always give them plenty of water and monitor their breathing during exercise.

Shih Tzus easily become overheated due to their luxurious double coat, so it's essential to provide them with enough water to drink and allow them to rest in the shade.

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