Shih Tzu Dogs
One Of The More Popular Small Breeds Of Dogs!
Shih Tzu dogs, a much favored breed in ancient times is still treasured among those dogs affectionately referred to as
"lap" dogs.
Shih Tzus are thought to have originated in Tibet and China where many were bred in monasteries. Breed lines involved in its development
are believed to include the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese, though some think it to be a dwarf Tibetian
Terrier. This little dog wasn't bred for any particular purpose other than to be enjoyed as a companion to the wealthy
classes.
Pretty dogs, like many toy dog breeds, are often assumed to be frail especially if they are are also small in size. But, in fact
these particular small dogs are surprisingly much sturdier than they look!
One stand-out feature of this breed's appearance is its abundant and flowing coat that it carries with an aristocratic air -
perhaps a trait carried over from its days as a highly valued and favored pet of the Chinese court!
Appearance:
Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 9-16 lbs.
Colors are many and varied, including Silver, apricot-fawn or
black, but its white blazed tail is very desirable.
Coat and Care:
Shih Tzu dogs have a coat that is luxurious, long and dense plus a considerable
undercoat. The Shih Tzu coat does require extensive grooming to maintain his signature good looks and to avoid
mats, painful tangles and
hot spots. Shedding is about average for this breed.
Some owners who are not planning to show their dogs in competition and who also wish to reduce the time needed for grooming,
may opt for shorter haircuts for the Shih Tzu.
Personality and Traits:
Shih Tzu dogs do enjoy the creature comforts, are very
friendly and assertive dogs, but can at times be a bit aloof. Overall though, they are resilient, fun,
playful and have the look of very much the spoiled lap dogs.
The breed is affectionate and thrives on lots of
people contact. Can be a little more difficult to train - likes to be in charge and has an independent streak, so training should
begin early to establish your alpha status. Plus, it is important to be consistent in your methods.
As a watchdog, this breed has a good reputation for alerting you to unusual activity, or approaching
visitors - similar to other small breeds of dogs. But they are generally not nuisance barkers.
Activity Level:
Although they do like being in your lap, they also enjoy getting out for a daily walk. A short one is
usually sufficient. Likes to play outside and does not need a lot of additional exercise.
Space Needs:
The beauty of the Shih Tzu dog breed is that it is adaptable to any environment, not requiring a
lot of space, but a yard is always a welcome addition for play time, training sessions and potty breaks. They are not very active
in the home, except for following you around and checking out the arrival of visitors.
Children:
A fun family pet. They
can be a little wary of small children and do better if you can get a puppy and raise them
together. Or, if the children in the family are older and have shown that they are gentle and considerate in their approach to pets.
The best policy, no matter what breed of dog you have, is to favor caution and always have
adult supervision when kids are interacting with pets.
Elderly:
Shih Tzu dogs are ideal companions for the elderly or more sedentary family. They are happy little dogs and enjoy
a lot of attention. Exercise requirements are modest, but for the sake of mental and physical stimulation, they do need to get out.
What Other Owners Say About Shih Tzus
Other visitors have shared information about their treasured Shih Tzu dogs. You can read their stories here:
Please add your own story if you have one of these popular small dogs.
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