Shih Tzu

If you are looking for a cheerful and confident dog, you need a Shih Tzu. Although naturally proud, it loves to play and perform entertaining tricks. It is affectionate and gentle. Some dogs may have some stubborn streak, but usually this dog loves to snuggle and be cuddled.

When a Shih Tzu is properly trained to socialize as a puppy, it can have a friendly, stable, and happy disposition. It is also considered as a peaceful dog. It loves attention and affection. If you are looking for a pet that needs devotion, Shih Tzu is the right one for you!

This dog is good for the elderly, because it is witty and is very responsive. Most people who are not as mobile during their younger days choose a Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu can live with an experience or inexperienced masters, and thrives to be the best family pet ever. It is a loving companion and it became famous for many years. Shih Tzu is known to top the charts of AKC as one of the well loved and choice breed as family dogs.

Shih Tzu loves to be with children, but it prefers older and gentle ones, as it doesn’t want to be maltreated harshly and wouldn’t want to be joining boisterous activities. It prefers to be with a family with older children.

Shih Tzu are quite good in dealing with strangers and some household animals, however it can be problematic for a Shi Tzu in a new surrounding, especially when it is trained to be comfortable in a new place. It can be haughty and stubborn. Shih Tzu is one of the most loved household pet because it entertains, it is faithful, peaceful, gentle, and lovable. Most families opt to buy a Shih Tzu.

This breed needs exercise, but it is not as high impact as the other breeds. It just needs a place which is safe and secure and can run and play. This dog loves to snuggle and spend some happy nights with its family, and looks forward to being pampered. Shih Tzu is considered as an effective, protective watch dog, because of its bark which can raise an alarm to its family.

This breed is known to be pretty, small, and elegant dog, but it is healthy and robust built. It wears its coat flowing and elegant, and has undercoat dense to the touch. This breed has wallowing and inviting eyes, carrying a sweet expression. Its coat can have lots of colors. Shi Tzu can grow at the maximum of eight (8) to eleven (11), and can weigh nine (9) to a maximum of sixteen (16) pounds.

Sprucing Up A Shi Tzu

When it comes to grooming, this breed is high maintenance dog. As the coat is combed and brushed at least thrice a week and at the maximum of four. Every once a month or at the maximum of two, it needs coat clipping and trimming. The hair which protects the bottom must be cleaned and trimmed; otherwise, it will be a source of infectious diseases. Its ears have to be dried clean to avoid the onset of bacteria. Shi Tzu is a low shedder, and can be owned by persons with allergies. It’s good to check the eyes if it has injury and infection, to avoid serious problems later on.

Health, Lifespan And Lineage

The lifespan of a Shih Tzu is from ten (10) to fourteen (14) years. This breed has health issues typical to its breed. It has eye problems, allergies, thyroid problems, kidney problems, anemia, luxating patella, vWd, and anemia. In humid and hot conditions, it can get a heatstroke. Shih Tzu’s parents usually carry CERF and OFA certificates for authentication. It’s good to check if the kidneys are working just fine.

Tibet is th hometown of a Shih Tzu. It’s the favorite pet of the royals and the wealthy. It is among the pets of the imperial families. 1930’s was the year it sets foot in England, and after the Second World War, it was sent to the United States of America. It was known at the AKC by 1969.

Quick Facts

Alias:	Chrysanthemum Dog	Size:	Small
Training:	Low	Grooming:	Medium/High
Shedding:	Low	Exercise:	Occasional walk
Energy:	Medium	Protection:	High, watchdog barking