Show Me a Shih Tzu: Everything You Need to Know About This Popular Breed

The Shih Tzu is a beloved breed that has captured the hearts of many dog owners. They originated in Tibet as sacred animals and were later bred in China as companions for royalty.

Their small size, typically weighing between 9-16 pounds, makes them a perfect fit for city living. With a lifespan of 10-16 years, Shih Tzus can thrive in a variety of living situations.

Shih Tzus are known for their long, flowing coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and gray.

The Shih Tzu breed has a rich and fascinating history that spans over 1,000 years. They originated in Tibetan monasteries and were often given to Chinese royalty as gifts.

These dogs were highly valued and lived in the royal court, where they were kept hidden from the public eye. They were considered "warmers" for their humans, often kept in sleeves or placed on the feet of their royal companions to help generate heat.

The breed's ancestry goes back even further, with records showing that short, square dogs existed in China as early as 1000 B.C. These dogs were likely the ancestors of the Shih Tzu.

The Shih Tzu was held in high regard due to its association with Buddha, who was said to have ridden down to earth on the back of a lion. This led to the breed being cherished by many Chinese dynasties.

The Shih Tzu breed is truly a ancient one, with a history that spans over 1,000 years. Documentation of the breed goes back at least 1,000 years, with records showing that short, square dogs existed in China as early as 1000 B.C.

These early dogs were likely the ancestors of the Shih Tzu, and were described as being short and stout. They were probably quite adorable and affectionate, as they were kept as companions by the Chinese royalty.

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The Shih Tzu breed has a rich history of being given as gifts to royalty, with a pair being gifted to Empress Tzu Hsi by the Dalai Lama in the late 1800s. This marked the beginning of a strict breeding program to create the "Imperial Dog".

It's fascinating to think about how these dogs were cherished by the royal court, and were even kept hidden from the public eye. They were considered "warmers" for their humans, often kept in sleeves or placed on the feet to generate heat.

The Shih Tzu's history is also marked by a period of almost extinction, after Empress Tzu Hsi's death and the discontinuation of the breeding program. However, a pair of Shih Tzus eventually found their way to England in 1930, and the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1940.

Shih Tzus are indeed referred to as "royal lap dogs" due to their noble origins and love for being pampered.

Their compact size belies a spirited personality and playful nature, making them a beloved family pet.

They're known for their adaptability and ease in various living environments, thriving in apartments or spacious homes alike.

Shih Tzus are also called "chrysanthemum-faced dogs" because the hair on their faces grows in every direction.

Their gentle and affectionate temperament makes them an ideal companion for individuals of all ages, requiring ample love and attention from their devoted human companions.

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

These 14 dogs, seven males and seven females, are the ancestors of every Shih Tzu alive today.

Their survival and breeding efforts helped rebuild the breed.

Every Shih Tzu's lineage can be traced back to these 14 crucial dogs.

The Shih Tzu's physical characteristics are quite distinctive. They have a sturdy little body, with a small snout and large dark brown eyes.

Their head shape is often described as an "owl head" or "lion head", which is a unique feature of the breed. Their mouth is said to resemble a "frog mouth", and their lips are likened to "earthworm lips".

A Shih Tzu's coat is their most notable feature, requiring daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. The ideal weight for a Shih Tzu is between 4.0 to 7.5kg (9 to 17 lbs).

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy little dog with a small snout and normally has large dark brown eyes. Their head shape is often described as an "owl head" or "lion head", which is a unique feature of the breed.

A Shih Tzu should stand no more than 26.7 cm (10 1/2") at the withers, which is relatively small compared to other breeds. Their ideal weight is between 4.0 to 7.5kg (9 to 17 lbs).

Their floppy ears are covered with long hair, and their heavily hair-covered tail is carried curled over the back. This is a distinctive feature of the Shih Tzu breed.

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The Shih Tzu has a soft and long double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They need to be brushed at least every 2 or 3 days to keep their coat looking its best.

The coat may be of any color, but white and with blazes of grey are frequently seen in the breed.

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The Shih Tzu coat is a beautiful and unique feature of this breed. It's comprised of two distinct layers, which can make grooming a bit tricky.

One thing to keep in mind is that not all coats are the same, so it may take some trial and error to perfect a grooming routine.

The Shih Tzu comes in a wide range of colors, including black & white, brindle, and gold & white. These colors are recognized by The Royal Kennel Club.

Some of the most common colors you'll see in a Shih Tzu include solid black, solid gold, and liver. These colors are all part of the standard breed colors.

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Here are the recognized colors by The Royal Kennel Club:

It's worth noting that some colors, like blue, cream, and lilac, are recognized as existing within the breed but are not part of the standard.

Shih Tzus are known for being alert dogs, trained to let larger guard dogs know someone is approaching by barking. However, they found their niche as the perfect lap dog for Chinese royalty, and they love being companions.

Shih Tzus are smart and athletic, despite their small size, and they love to learn new things. However, it can take them some time to truly understand what's being asked of them.

Bred to be companions, Shih Tzus are affectionate, playful, and extroverted, although they can be a little stubborn at times. They relish human company and are happiest when they're at your feet or side.

This breed tends to be wary of strangers and prefer getting to know people on their own terms, meaning they need lots of socialization as puppies. They usually comfortable with other dogs and pets, as long as introductions are careful.

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Shih Tzus don't tolerate rough play and can be quick to make their feelings known, especially with small children. They need owners who can be home most of the time to keep them happy and engaged.

Here are some key temperament traits to keep in mind:

Shih Tzus love to learn and training is a great way for the two of you to bond. However, they can be strong-willed, so it's best to start training from 8 weeks old. They may be small, but Shih Tzu puppies can be hyper, so a combination of short walks and games will help expel excess energy and avoid unwanted behaviors.

Proper socialization will help to avoid any possessiveness the breed is known for. Shih Tzus can be prone to separation anxiety, so they should only be left alone for short periods of time.

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