Judy Taylor
His name only has a visual meaning: “Little Lion” or “Lion Dog” is behind the Chinese name Shi Tzu. And indeed, he looks a bit like the king of the jungle with his long mane with a lot of imagination. That’s it! Not least because of its size, the little Shi Tzu is of course neither dangerous nor scary. Rather, the Shi Tzu is characterized above all by its bond with people and especially it’s family.
Interesting Facts about the Shih Tzu
He is playful, trusting, gentle and friendly, but also needs a lot of love and attention. For this reason, the Shih Tzu should not be left alone at home, whether in the apartment or in the garden with its own kennel. He is very affectionate and usually gets along well with everyone. Because he is also very open to strangers, he is not necessarily suitable as a guard dog, even if his barking can be very loud at first.
This small dog breed is predestined for families with children. The Shi Tzu is very considerate towards both small and large children and loves to romp around with them. You have to make sure that the delicately built, small four-legged friend is not injured in the heat of the moment. Also or precisely because this dog breed is so well suited for families with children, you should exercise particular caution. Because of their small size, the Shih Tzu is relatively prone to injury, especially when children try to pick up the dog and then drop it, for example. Unfortunately, the dog’s eyes can also be injured quickly due to the exposed position.
It doesn’t take much imagination because he is easy to keep busy and likes to play with toys that are offered to him. Because Shi Tzu is very outgoing with everyone, he gets along well with other breeds of dogs and pets. However, one should not neglect him and certainly not give the feeling that one of the other pets is preferred. Such a dog tends quickly to jealousy, which can sometimes be expressed in growls or sadness.
Shih Tzus are very adaptable. They, therefore, feel comfortable both in apartments and in houses with a garden. It is only important that the living rooms are well tempered and not too narrow and that mistress or master is near. However, you should avoid spending long periods outdoors, especially overnight or in the cold. With a few short walks a day, the Shih Tzu is perfectly content.
For ambitious dog training attempts, the Shih Tzu is not necessarily the best breed. He is considered a bit stubborn and often just too playful to take the training seriously. It is also a bit more difficult to housetrain than other dog breeds. Early training and consistent toilet training are essential here.
Breed Characteristics
The Shih Tzu has a gorgeous coat that is colored either black, gray, or white, and sometimes touches red or gold in most breeds. Unless trimmed, its fur will grow to a considerable length, hanging down on either side like a silk curtain. The hair on the head must be kept out of the face with a clip. He is an agreeable pet that sheds very little hair. The Shih Tzu is about 25 to 27 cm tall and usually weighs between 4.5 to 7.5 kg.
Personality and Behavior: Shih Tzu
The Shi Tzu was bred from the start to be a companion and companion dog, and his character is presented as such. Of course, each animal has its own personality, but most possess the characteristics of the breed. Therefore, when you get such a dog from a breeder, you can be sure that you will get a loving and affectionate companion.
The Shi Tzu cares about his owner or his family above everything else. He wants to be there all the time and prefers to follow his owner everywhere. When he feels he isn’t getting enough attention, his gentleness turns to jealousy. The little Tibetan then either becomes very sad, which manifests itself in the fact that he withdraws and no longer makes a sound. However, the opposite can also be the case: the Shi Tzu growls. If he thinks he is the center of attention, he is the dearest and most affectionate dog, as is his nature.
Because the Shi Tzu is a companion dog through and through, don’t expect them to excel in other areas. He is neither a guard dog nor a hunting dog and shows no ambitions in either direction. He’s also not exactly keen on learning as much as possible. In most cases, he is just too stubborn for that. He is also not the right partner for long walks. While they also need their daily exercise, the Shi Tzu is more of an indoor dog, as they cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold. After a short walk, he is happy to be cuddling at home again or lying on the sofa.
Grooming Tips: Shih Tzu
His coat only needs regular brushing and trimming every few months. The coat should be brushed for 10 to 15 minutes a day to remove or prevent knots.
