Shih Tzu Breed Characteristics
Height
23 to 27 cm at the shoulder
Weight
4 to 7 kg (9 to 16 pounds)
Life Expectancy
10 to 18 years
Coat Colours
Red, white, black, liver, brindle, brown, blue, silver, gold
Shih Tzu
Sweet, sociable and playful
About the Shih Tzu
One of the most beloved dogs in the world, Shih Tzus are loved for their good-natured demeanour and personality. Many Shih Tzus cause a little mischief of their own and have an independent streak, but more often than not, get out of it due to their immense charm and puppy dog eyes.
Shih Tzus, which means ‘little lion,’ are easygoing and friendly dogs. Shih Tzus are devoted to their family and love the adoration of adults and children alike. If you know how to cater to their modest needs, then living with a Shih Tzu will be a simple affair.
With a little bit of play and basic training, most Shih Tzus will be more than happy to spend their time either lounging at home or embarking upon epic adventures with you!
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Shih Tzu, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
Rated 5 out of 5
Friendly with Kids
Rated 4 out of 5
Friendly with Dogs
Rated 4 out of 5
Ease of Grooming
Rated 2 out of 5
Exercise Needs
Rated 2 out of 5
Prey Drive
Rated 4 out of 5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
Rated 2 out of 5
Good for Novice Owners
Rated 5 out of 5
Apartment Living
Rated 5 out of 5
Shih Tzu Breed History
Shih Tzus trace their roots to the mountains of Tibet where nobles gifted these dogs to Chinese royalty. They were even used as bed warmers for the emperors! If you had one of these dogs outside of royalty, you could be executed. Eventually, these dogs were crossbred with Pekingese and other dogs to result in the modern Shih Tzu we know today.
At one point, Shih Tzus nearly vanished with only 14 Shih Tzus remaining in the world. However, these 14 dogs led to a rebuild of the breed, and all Shih Tzus can trace their lineage back to these 14 dogs.
Today, this breed is still highly sought after as a pet companion. With its gentle personality and happy-go-lucky energy, this dog continues to bring joy to the lives of dog lovers worldwide.
Caring For a Shih Tzu
- Temperament: Shih Tzus have an affectionate and gentle behaviour, and are friendly toward strangers and other animals. Some may have an independent or stubborn streak, which is often due to a lack of socialisation and training.
- Grooming: Shih Tzus have a beautifully luxurious double coat that will require frequent brushing and regular grooming to maintain.
- Exercise: Shih Tzus need minimal exercise, and as a brachycephalic breed, they should avoid excessive activity in hot weather. Two 10 to 15-minute walks daily will suffice.
- Nutrition: Adult Shih Tzus consume around 1 to 1¼ cups of dry dog food each day. Shih Tzu puppies will require about a quarter to half a cup of dry dog food, divided into three or four meals.
- Training: Training becomes easy once you discover what motivates your Shih Tzu. They are intelligent and quickly grasp commands when rewarded properly.
How to Choose a Responsible Shih Tzu Breeder
Due to the popularity of the Shih Tzu, it is essential to find a responsible breeder. This can be done by researching breeders on pet marketplaces or breeding organisations and asking them about their breeding programs and any potential genetic issues.
Furthermore, you should also see the premises and the living conditions of the animals being used to breed the Shih Tzus, as this will influence the growth and development of your new puppy.
Looking for a Shih Tzu stud? Find one here: https://responsiblepetbreeders.com.au/shih-tzu-stud/
Shih Tzu FAQ
Can Shih Tzus be left alone throughout the day?
No. They are meant to be companion animals and can become sad and lonely if their owners or family members aren’t around for long periods. They may have an independent streak, but at heart all they really want is to be with their humans.
Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic?
Yes, for most people. When a dog is hypoallergenic, it simply means that they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. The Shih Tzu still sheds, but their double coat traps most of the shed hair and dander. However, people may still be allergic to the little dander and drool that Shih Tzus produce.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Shih Tzu
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
