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Shih Tzu: Dog Breed Information

The Shih Tzu is a small and very beautiful indoor dog with shiny fur and expressive eyes. Shih Tzu is often called princesses, chrysanthemum dogs, and even lion dogs. Shih Tzu owes this definition to both their neat appearance and strong character. Fluffy, cheerful Shih Tzu are also famous for their beneficial effects on human health and are considered a reliable cure for bad mood and stress.

Appearance

The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular miniature dog breeds in the world. The height of the Shih Tzu at the withers does not exceed 27 cm, and the maximum possible weight is 8 kg. The Shih Tzu has a stocky build, strong bones, an elongated rectangular body, a straight back, short, muscular, strong limbs, round legs. The head is rather wide, rounded, with a sharp transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The muzzle is short, only up to 2.5 cm in length, straight, wide. The breed is characterized by a thick mustache and beard. The eyes are large, round, and match the color of the coat. The ears are pendant, large and long, covered with long hair, mixing with a thick mane. The tail is set high and carried over the back. The hair on the tail is effectively fanned out.

The Shih Tzu coat is long, dense, and straight, the undercoat is dense. Slight waviness is allowed. Color can be any. The white diverging strands on the muzzle and tip of the tail are highly prized. Among Shih Tzu lovers, they are known by the beautiful name “chrysanthemum petals”.

Character

Shih Tzu is simply created in order to always be in the center of events. These are ideal dogs that adore company and need increased attention from the owner. Alone, the empathetic and sociable Shih Tzu are very bored, so if you are rarely at home, it is better to opt for a different breed.

The Shih Tzu is a compact and very fragile dog, however, she seems to be unaware of it. Fluffy little dogs with bows on their heads have the courage and an independent disposition.

Smart and inquisitive, Shih Tzu lends themselves well to education, but all work with them must necessarily be gentle and friendly. Any rudeness on the part of the owner will negatively affect the trust of the pet and its character in general.

The friendly Shih Tzu tend to get along well with other pets and love children. According to many, small, empathetic dogs are the most effective remedy for stress and bad mood. It is no exaggeration to say that Shih Tzu has been made happy by millions of people around the world.

Health

The Shih Tzu have good health and strong immunity, they do not have serious breed diseases. However, due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics, Shih Tzu has a tendency to problems with the eyes, ears, teeth, and spine.

The average life span of a Shih Tzu is 12-14 years.

Care

The breed was bred specifically for keeping in apartment conditions. Small dogs can even be trained to use the litter box. Nevertheless, daily, albeit not very long, walks are essential for Shih Tzu to be healthy.

Indoor dogs are neat and clean by nature. They are relatively easy and pleasant to look after. Care for the long hair of the dog requires more reverent attention: it is recommended to comb it every day. It is better to secure the hair strands on the forehead with a special hair clip so that they do not interfere with vision and do not cause tearing of the eyes. It is advisable to wash Shih Tzu no more than once a month and strictly using a special shampoo and conditioner.

The future owner of Shih Tzu should take into account that this pet does not tolerate heat well.

History

The ancestors of the most popular miniature dog may have been the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso. In the 17th century, small lion dogs were donated by the Dalai Lama to the ruler of the Manchu dynasty. Of course, such an unusual dog could not help but become a real decoration of the imperial court. Since then, Shih Tzu has gained immense popularity – first among the aristocracy, and then the rest of the population. In 1923, the first breed lovers club was founded in Beijing, and just 7 years later the first Shih Tzu was brought to England. The FCI recognized the Shih Tzu in 1954.

China and Tibet are considered to be the birthplace of a spectacular room breed. However, little beauties are popular far beyond these countries.

Alice White

Written by Alice White

Alice White, a devoted pet lover and writer, has turned her boundless affection for animals into a fulfilling career. Originally dreaming of wildlife, her limited scientific background led her to specialize in animal literature. Now she happily spends her days researching and writing about various creatures, living her dream.

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