Show Shih Tzu Dog Breed: Full Guide and Care Instructions

The Shih Tzu is a beloved show dog breed known for its outgoing and affectionate nature. They originated in Tibet and were later bred as palace dogs in China.

Their long, flowing coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. A daily brushing is a must to keep their fur looking its best.

In terms of size, Shih Tzus typically weigh between 9-16 pounds and stand about 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder. Their compact size makes them a great choice for apartment living.

To keep your Shih Tzu happy and healthy, regular exercise is a must. A short walk or playtime each day is sufficient, but they do need some physical activity to stay happy and content.

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Shih Tzus are small dogs that are sturdy and love to play, despite their compact size.

Their gentle and affectionate temperament makes them a beloved family pet and ideal companion for individuals of all ages.

They thrive in apartments or spacious homes alike, as long as they receive ample love and attention from their human companions.

Shih Tzus are not the best choice for those who go out to work or are out of the house for extended periods, as they can suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

They require exercise and mental stimulation to stay well-adjusted and well-behaved, but they don't need long walks.

The Shih Tzu's coat colors are quite varied, with many different combinations to choose from. The most recognized colors by The Royal Kennel Club include black & white, brindle, and solid gold.

You'll also find Shih Tzus with brindle & white, gold & white, and grey & white coats. And then there are the solid colors, like solid black and liver.

Some Shih Tzus have distinctive markings, such as a gold with black mask or a liver & white coat. But did you know that blue, cream, and lilac are also recognized colors within the breed, even if they're not part of the standard?

Here are all the recognized colors by The Royal Kennel Club:

The Shih Tzu is a beloved breed, but did you know that there's a difference between the Shih Tzu recognized by the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club in the UK?

The main difference lies in the physical characteristics of the breed. In the US, the AKC Shih-Tzu has a specific standard for its front and hind legs. They should be straight and not too short or too long.

The AKC Shih-Tzu has a distinctive head shape, which is big and round, set high on the neck. The face should be looking forward or up, giving the breed a friendly and outgoing expression.

The neck and body of the AKC Shih-Tzu should not be exaggerated, as this can detract from the breed's overall balance and proportion.

Here are some key characteristics of the AKC Shih-Tzu:

To keep your show Shih Tzu looking its best, daily brushing is essential, especially of the top knot and beard hair.

Daily brushing helps prevent matting and tangling, which can be painful for your dog. Regular bathing is also necessary to keep the coat clean.

If you prefer to keep your Shih Tzu's coat shorter, regular professional grooming is the way to go. Introducing your puppy to positive grooming and handling from an early age makes the process much easier for everyone.

Shih Tzus are small breeds that don't require a lot of physical exercise to stay in shape. They do best with short daily walks and some playtime with their human family or other dogs in the home.

A short walk around the block or to a local dog park is perfect for Shih Tzus, as they only have small legs and will struggle to keep up with a brisk pace.

You should limit your walks to about 45 minutes a day to avoid causing injury or pain for your little companion. Much longer than this and your Shih Tzu might get exhausted.

Shih Tzus can get the "puppy zoomies" every once in a while, which is completely normal and pretty funny.

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Grooming is a crucial part of owning a Shih Tzu. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting and tangling of the coat.

Daily brushing is essential, especially of the top knot and beard hair. This will help keep the coat clean and prevent dirt from building up.

A pin comb, pin brush, or slicker brush is ideal for grooming a Shih Tzu. These types of brushes will make the process easier and less painful for your dog.

It's best to keep the coat short to simplify maintenance. Regular professional grooming can help achieve this.

Trim your Shih Tzu's nails when they start clicking on wooden floors. Be careful not to cut too far up the nail, as this can cause bleeding.

Brush your pup's teeth at least three times a week to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

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When feeding your Shih Tzu, choose a food that's formulated for small breeds, as it contains the right protein and vitamins for their needs.

You'll want to feed them around 1 cup of dry food per day, depending on their age, activity level, and any health conditions they may have.

Not all foods are created equal, so be sure to select one that's designed for small breeds and has smaller kibble pieces that are easy for them to eat.

Treats can add up quickly, so be sure to measure and weigh them carefully to avoid overfeeding your pup.

Shih Tzus are generally a robust and long-lived breed, but they can be prone to certain health concerns. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian are crucial to catch and manage ocular issues like corneal ulcers, progressive retinal atrophy, and dry eye syndrome.

Their small mouths can also lead to dental problems, such as tooth overcrowding and gum disease, which can be prevented with regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings.

Shih Tzus can be susceptible to skin allergies, which can cause itching, redness, and hair loss. Identifying and avoiding potential allergens can help manage these issues.

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Brachycephaly is a real concern for Shih Tzus, causing breathing difficulties due to their shortened airways. This can lead to snoring, wheezing, or even severe respiratory distress, particularly in hot or humid weather.

The short nose of the Shih Tzu is the main culprit behind brachycephaly. It causes stenotic nares, where the nostrils are close together, making it hard to breathe through the nose.

Exercise can be a struggle for dogs suffering from brachycephaly, as they tire easily due to the increased respiratory effort. This can lead to a reduced quality of life.

Heat stroke is also a risk for Shih Tzus with brachycephaly, as they can't effectively cool themselves down. This is especially concerning in hot or humid weather.

Regular veterinary checkups can help catch brachycephaly-related issues early on. This is crucial for managing the condition and preventing more severe problems from arising.

Shih Tzus are prone to brachycephalic syndrome, a condition that can cause breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather.

This is because their shortened airways can lead to snoring, wheezing, or even severe respiratory distress.

Their prominent eyes are also susceptible to ocular issues, including corneal ulcers, progressive retinal atrophy, and dry eye syndrome.

Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian are crucial to catch and manage these conditions early.

Shih Tzus are also prone to dental problems, such as tooth overcrowding and gum disease, due to their small mouths.

Regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, can help prevent these issues.

Skin allergies are another common concern, causing itching, redness, and hair loss.

Identifying and avoiding potential allergens can help manage these issues, along with veterinary treatment.

Shih Tzus are also predisposed to orthopedic problems like hip dysplasia and luxating patella.

Maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular exercise can help reduce the risk of these conditions.

Overweight Shih Tzus can exacerbate other health issues, so a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential.

Ear infections are a common issue in Shih Tzus, often caused by their long coat and ear hair.

Regular ear cleaning and plucking can help prevent these infections.

Eye issues, such as cataracts and excessive tear production, are common in Shih Tzus.

These conditions can be treated with medication and surgery, but regular eye exams are crucial for early detection.

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Training a show Shih Tzu requires patience and consistency, as they can be slow to obey at times.

Shih Tzus are smart and athletic, but they can be stubborn, so it's essential to use positive reinforcement training methods.

Daily training sessions for obedience and tricks are a great way to provide mental enrichment and keep their brain sharp.

They love to learn new things, but it may take them some time to truly "get it", so be prepared to repeat commands and exercises multiple times.

Shih Tzus are natural performers, so they'll thrive in a show ring environment where they can strut their stuff and receive attention.

To succeed in the show ring, Shih Tzus need to be well-socialized and confident in new environments, which starts with proper exposure to new sights, sounds, and people from an early age.

With consistent training and socialization, a show Shih Tzu can become a well-behaved and charming companion that will delight judges and spectators alike.

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The Shih Tzu comes in a variety of colors, including white, black and white, and brown and white, all of which are accepted by Kennel Club standards.

To be a successful show Shih Tzu owner, you'll need to commit to regular coat maintenance, which can be a significant time investment. Their long and silky coat is one of the breed's most distinctive features, but it requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

If you're new to the world of show dogs, you may want to consider consulting with a professional groomer to learn the best techniques for caring for your Shih Tzu's coat.

If you're planning to get a Shih-Tzu, it's essential to understand the breed standards set by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The AKC Shih-Tzu has a distinctive appearance, with straight front legs and muscular hindquarters.

Their head is a big, round feature that's set high on the face, with a forward or upward gaze.

The neck and body should be in proportion, without exaggeration.

The eyes are large and face forward, adding to the breed's endearing expression.

The shoulders of the American type of Shih-Tzu are frontal, a characteristic that's worth noting if you're looking for a specific type of Shih-Tzu.

Shih Tzus are generally friendly with other animals, but it's essential to ensure a smooth introduction to avoid any conflicts.

Their small size makes them a great fit for homes with cats, but it's still crucial to supervise interactions and ensure both pets are comfortable with each other.

Shih Tzus have a long and silky coat that requires regular maintenance, and it's a good idea to get help from a professional groomer if you're not experienced in grooming.

Their coat can be cut down to make maintenance easier, but it means sacrificing that beautiful, luscious coat.

A gradual introduction to new pets in the home is vital to prevent any territorial behavior.

Shih Tzus have a unique appearance that's hard to ignore. Their name, "shih-tzu kou", or "lion dog", is fitting given their majestic look.

Their hair is more similar to a human's than fur found in most canine breeds. This makes their grooming needs a bit more complex, as their coat requires regular attention to stay healthy and beautiful.

One of the most distinctive features of the Shih Tzu is their muzzle, which is brachycephalic, meaning it's shortened or "flat-faced." This can sometimes lead to breathing difficulties, so it's essential to keep an eye on their health.

Shih Tzus are a relatively small breed, with modern dogs typically weighing between 9 and 16 pounds. They're also known for their long lifespan, living between 10 and 16 years on average.

Here's a quick rundown of their typical weight range:

Despite being a popular pet, Shih Tzus aren't considered a hypoallergenic breed. This means they may not be the best choice for people with severe allergies.

The name Shih Tzu comes from the Chinese language word for "lion", which is a nod to the breed's origins as a dog bred to resemble the majestic animal. In traditional Chinese, the breed is simply called "獅子" or "lion".

The name Shih Tzu is actually the Wade-Giles romanization of the Mandarin Chinese word for "lion", which is "shīzi". This is a fascinating example of how language and culture can shape our understanding of the world.

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In contemporary Mandarin, the Shih Tzu is often referred to as the "Xi Shi dog", named after one of the most beautiful women of ancient China. This highlights the breed's rich cultural heritage and the importance of understanding its origins.

The name Shih Tzu has also been nicknamed the "chrysanthemum dog" in England, likely due to the breed's distinctive facial hair, which resembles the delicate flower. This is just one example of how language and culture can influence the way we perceive and describe different breeds.

Here's a breakdown of the different transcriptions of the Mandarin Chinese word for "lion":

The Shih Tzu's name is a testament to the breed's rich cultural heritage and the importance of understanding its origins.

Shih Tzus are truly unique dogs, and here are 10 facts that prove it.

The name "Shih Tzu" comes from the Chinese phrase "shih-tzu kou" or "lion dog", which is fitting given their majestic appearance.

Their hair is surprisingly similar to human hair, and if left to grow, it becomes incredibly luxurious – but also requires a lot of maintenance!

Their flat face is a result of being brachycephalic, which means their muzzle is shortened.

Shih Tzus have a special nickname, "Chrysanthemum-faced Dogs", due to the way their fur grows straight out from their muzzle, resembling a flower.

Despite their small size, Shih Tzus are quite sturdy dogs and love to play.

This breed is known for its adaptability and can thrive in both apartments and spacious homes, as long as they receive plenty of love and attention.

Shih Tzus share more DNA with wolves than most other breeds, which might surprise you given their fluffy appearance.

In fact, they share more wolf DNA than any breed except for the Nordic spitz group, which includes Huskies, Samoyeds, and Malamutes.

Shih Tzus almost went extinct in the early 1900s, but thanks to a group of 13 Shih Tzus and 1 Pekingese, they were saved and are now thriving.

On average, Shih Tzus live between 10 and 16 years and weigh between 9 and 16 pounds.

Contrary to popular belief, Shih Tzus are not considered a hypoallergenic breed, so if you have allergies, this might not be the best choice for you.

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The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest dog breeds, with records of dogs similar to them existing in China around 1,000 B.C.

They were bred as companion dogs, never meant to be working dogs, and were only meant to keep their handler or owner company.

The Shih Tzu's history is unclear, but it's believed they originated in either China or Tibet, with documents showing the breed existing in Tibet 1,000 years ago.

These ancient dogs demand attention from their owner and can struggle with separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Their companion dog nature is still evident in the modern Shih Tzu, making them a great fit for families who want a loyal and affectionate pet.

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The Shih Tzu breed has a fascinating history, and one of its most remarkable stories is how it nearly became extinct. This happened during the Communist Revolution in China.

The breed was closely associated with wealth, and as a result, it fell out of favor. The Shih Tzu was no longer seen as a desirable companion.

Fortunately, a small group of Shih Tzus survived this period, and they are the ancestors of every Shih Tzu alive today. These 14 dogs, seven males and seven females, are the foundation of the modern breed.

Their survival was a testament to the dedication of the breeders who worked to preserve the breed.