The shih tzu is one of the most sociable and playful companion dogs. That added to its beautiful coat and sweet appearance explain why it is one of the currently preferred breeds. These types of dogs are very affectionate and intelligent and need constant attention from their owners, so they are not recommended to live outside the house or to be left alone for a long time.
Origin of the shih tzu
The history of the shih tzu shares many things with the history of the Pekingese dog. Like this other dog, the Shih Tzu originates from Buddhist monasteries, where it was considered a sacred dog. Although many people write it as shitzu, was an exclusive dog of the Chinese nobility, where it was also held as a sacred dogand was given royal care.
When the first Shih Tzu arrived in England in the 1930s, they were confused with the Lhasa Apso. So much so, that at that time both dogs were considered as a single breed. However, in the same decade it was decided to separate both races as we know them today.
Today, the shih tzu is a much appreciated dog both for companionship and for show. His magnificent coat and small stature have made him a star on dog show rings, while his sweet disposition has made him one of the most popular pets of our day.
Characteristics of the shih tzu
According to the International Cinological Federation (FCI) standard for the breed, the Shih Tzu has the following characteristics that we are going to comment on. Pay attention to them, as they will help you how to know if a shih tzu is pure or not.
- The height of the shih tzu dog does not exceed 26.7 centimeters: whether it is a male or a female.
- The ideal weight for shih tzu dogs is between 4.5 and 7.3 kilograms.
- The shih tzu is a small dog and with a body that is longer than it is tall: The entire body is densely covered with fur, the back is straight, and the chest is broad and deep.
- The Shih Tzu breed has a broad, rounded head: it is covered with shaggy hair that falls into the eyes and forms a beard and whiskers on the snout. The stop is well defined and the nose is black in most dogs, but can be liver-colored or blotchy. The muzzle is short, square and wide. The eyes, with an affectionate expression and well separated from each other, are large, round and dark.
- The shih tzu dog's tail is set high : it is also completely covered with dense fur in the form of feathers. The shih tzu happily carries her on his back.
- The shih tzu has curious characteristics, such as the nose hair growing upwards: in this way the face is shaped like a chrysanthemum.
- Shih tzu dogs have large, hanging ears: this part of the body is covered with very dense fur.
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The hair is one of the most noticeable features of this breed: it is long, very dense and has a good undercoat. It is not curly and is usually straight, although a slight wave is allowed. According to the breed standard published by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the shih tzu is one of those dog breeds that can have a coat of any color
How to tell if a shih tzu is purebred is made easier by following this complete feature guide. Even so, from our site we want to highlight that the fact that a dog is a purebred or not does not change the value and importance that we must give it. A dog is an animal that is in our care, so we are responsible for having a life as he althy and pleasant as possible.
Shih Tzu Character
Shih tzu dogs are very intelligent, sociable and cheerful They love being with people, they are playful and active when kept fit. Shih Tzus are easier to socialize than other dog breeds, as these furry little guys are usually very friendly and outgoing by nature. When they have received proper socialization, they tend to get along with people, dogs and other animals. It should be noted that it is important to carry out the socialization of dogs at an early age to achieve that friendly adult character.
This is one of those dog breeds that are great for singles, couples and families with children of different ages. They usually get along very well with children as long as they know how to respect the dog and do not mistreat it. Shih tzu, or shitzu, dogs make excellent companion animals for novice handlers However, they are not good pets for families and individuals who spend most of the day away from home, unless they can take their dogs to work.
These two articles on How to properly socialize a dog? and Dog socialization can help you understand more about the complexity and importance of a newly arrived dog, whether it is an adult or a puppy, correctly socializing both with other animals and with people.
Shih tzu care
The shih tzu dog's hair tends to tangle easily and it is necessary to brush and comb it daily. Although it does not require a dog groomer, many keepers of these dogs prefer to keep their hair shorter to facilitate their care.
Shih tzu dogs require good doses of physical exercise, but due to their small size they can exercise indoors. Still, it's important to give them at least one daily walk and playtime to exercise and socialize. These dogs tend to put on weight easily, so it's good to give them enough exercise to keep them fit. Of course, you have to take into account its size and you should not abuse the exercise. They should also not be forced to exercise in hot, humid climates, as their short snout makes it difficult for them to breathe in such environments.
The Company needs of the Shih Tzu breed are very high. These dogs are not suitable for living in a garden or on a patio. On the contrary, they need to spend most of their time with others and must live indoors with the rest of the family. They adapt very well to life in crowded cities and to living in small apartments.
Shih Tzu Education
When it comes to dog training, Shih Tzus are a joy to their trainers. These dogs learn easily and quickly, so it is easy to teach them many things. However, that is true only when Positivetraining is done, as Shih Tzus do not respond well to traditional training based on dominance. Keep in mind that these dogs are easily distracted, so it is best to train them in short but fun sessions.
In general, Shih Tzus show no major behavior problems when they have been properly socialized and given enough exercise and companionship. However, when left alone for long periods of time or not given enough exercise, the Shih Tzu can become a destructive, barking dog. They can even develop separation anxiety quite easily if they are alone for too long each day.
Shih Tzu He alth
Due to the size of their eyes, which are always bulging, we should pay more attention to them than to other areas of the body. This is a breed of dog that is prone to ear and eye infections, so regular veterinary check-ups are worth doing. Even so, this breed does not have alarming incidences of dog diseases, but it is prone to some others such as:
- Hip dysplasia.
- Cortical hypoplasia of the kidney.
- Entropion.
- Trichiasis.
- External otitis.
- Progressive retinal atrophy.
- Inguinal hernias.
Where to adopt a shih tzu?
Adopting a dog is not an easy task and to start the process we must be very clear that we want a new member of the family. As we have mentioned many times on our site, a dog is not a toy, but an animal to which we must provide the maximum care and affection possible. To be able to adopt a shih tzu we specifically recommend go to a shelter, kennel or dog association and find out what dogs there may be with similar characteristics to the shih tzu.
