Shih Tzu
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General Description
(Chrysanthemum Dog, Chinese Lion Dog) The Shih Tzu is a sturdy toy dog with a compact, solid build. These dogs have a distinctive, arrogant carriage that is befitting of their noble Chinese heritage. The length between the withers and the tail root is slightly longer than the height at the withers. This breed is always solid, compact, and substantial, with good weight carriage and proportions. They have an overall look of balance, and none of their bodily features are over-exaggerated. Their neck blends gracefully into their shoulders, and it is of adequate length to permit a naturally high head carriage. The breed’s topline is level and the chest is broad and deep. They have well-sprung ribs and the depth of their ribcage extends to the point just below their elbows. Tails of this breed are high-set, heavily plumed, and carried in a curve well over the dog’s back. Their properly angulated shoulders are well laid-back and fit smoothly into the dog’s body. They have muscular, well-boned, straight limbs that are set well-apart and under the chest. Their elbows are set close to their body, and their hocks are well let down and perpendicular. Feet of this breed are firm, thickly padded, and point straight ahead. The round head of the Shih Tzu is broad, wide between the eyes, and in tune with the size of the rest of the dog’s body. Their skull is domed and their stop is pronounced. The muzzle is square-shaped, short, and unwrinkled, with good cushioning. The breed’s nostrils are broad and open, and their jaw is wide and undershot. The Shih Tzu has a luxurious, long, dense double coat that is straight or slightly waved and flowing. The hair on the top of the dog’s head is usually tied up. Any coat color is acceptable.There coat is sliky smooth and may feel like you're touching a feather.
Character
Because the Shih Tzu is solely bred to serve as a companion and house pet, it is especially important for their temperament to be cheerful, affectionate, outgoing, and trusting towards everyone. They are spunky and full of spirit, and they possess good character. They are naturally very dignified, and they sometimes have a tendency to appear arrogant. They are gentle and kind, and they get along well with polite, careful children. This breed likes to bark outside, but they are usually quiet in the house. If surprised, teased, or pestered, they may have a tendency to snap. The Shih Tzu needs a great deal of interaction with people.
Size
11 inches
Weight
9 – 16 pounds
General Health
The Shih Tzu has a propensity to wheeze and snore. Some lines of this breed are susceptible to ear, eyes, and respiratory problems. Because of their long back and short legs, spinal disc disease is also a concern. Teeth of this breed require regular veterinary attention. The Shih Tzu gains weight easily. They typically live for 15 or more years.A poorly bred Shih Tzu may wheeze and snore. This type of breathing is also common in puppies when they are teething. Most puppies out grow it. When selecting a puppy, it is advised to look at a puppies nostrils and make sure they are round and open. Pinched nostrils cause wheezing, snoring and respiratory problems. A properly breed Shih Tzu will have a short, cobby body that is not long. Most Shih Tzus carry a marker for kidney disease, however, that doesn't mean they will have any problems. Breeds with at least 2 genetic markers are more prone for this disorder.
History
Recent research and DNA analysis confirms that the Shih Tzu is one of the oldest dog breeds. It originated in China, probably as the result of crossings between the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. The breed was a favorite of the Imperial Chinese court, and for many years the Chinese refused to trade or sell these dogs with the Western World. It wasn’t until 1930 that the Shih Tzu was imported to England. The breed was officially recognized in Britain in 1946. The United States recognized the breed in 1969. The Shih Tzu is very popular as a companion and show dog.The Shih-Tzu comes from China and is the mix of the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso.They are known as the “Holy Dog “.Shih Tzu were occasionally given to distinguished visitors as a token of goodwill and good luck. It came into France and England in the 1950s.They found their way into the US in 1938. They are known as the most high-classed breed. And are also known as the most ancient breed.
Maintenance
The Shih Tzu should be groomed on a daily basis with a bristle brush. Many of these dogs have a topknot that is tied with a bow. Eyes and ears of this breed should be kept clean. They shed little to no hair, and they are a good choice of pet for allergy sufferers.
Ideal Environment
The Shih Tzu is well-suited to life in a small household or apartment. They are a comparatively active breed indoors, and they are content to live without a yard. They are sensitive to hot weather.
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Shih Tzu a great little dog
I have had many dogs most that have had something about them that drove me nuts, But my little 10 week old pup does no wrong in my eyes! She can get away with it all. I love love,love this dog. Best breed I have ever had.Very loving and smart even at a young age.
Pros: Great Great Dog
Cons: NONE
I love My Pepper.
My Shih Tzu lived 13 years, I had him basically my whole, life growing up. He was so Sweet.
Pros: Friendly, Loving, People Person, Greets you at the Door, Watch Dog (Barking when someone is at door.), Beautiful Coat, Cuddle Dog, Family Dog, Good with Kids, Good with other Dogs, Playful, Energetic, People (Person) dog, everything else.
Cons: Have to cut hair in hot climates(unless you keep them inside), High Matinence Hair, Must get themused to getting their hair done at a young age.
jasper a.k.a "wyatt's shadow"
jasper is a black with white goatee shih tzu - lapso aso cross. looks 100% shih tzu. we named him jasper after the jasper park bear mascot to remember our trip out west.he is our second dog,he is a great playmate for our standard poodle wyatt. he is only 6 months old,still in the puppy stage.but looks like he will turn out to be a good dog. i was surprised to find that a smaller dog is actually more work than larger dog.....so don't let size fool you.
Pros: hypoallergenic,cute,lovable,playful,
Cons: house training issues,likes to chew,grooming costs.
I Love My ShihTzu
Tuck is about 2yrs old and is one of the sweetest dogs i have ever met. He loves to cuddle and has to be around people! he is a little ocd about his toys and playing fetch. overall he is very sweet and i couldn't ask for a better dog!:)
Pros: He is very clean and never sheds.He also loves to cuddle!
Cons:
Shih Tzu's Rock
My Shih Tzu Gizzmo is so sweet I love him so much. He loves to have his belly rubbed and travels in the car with us. As long as he is with us he is happy. Gizzmo is always wanting to play with his toys. Gizzmo loves to bark and bark. He is sweet though and that his way of telling us that someone is at the door. SHIH TZU'S ROCK
Pros: Does not shed, very sweet, loving, playful
Cons: Barks A LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Perfect Girls!
I have three of these lovely animals. They are mixed with long haired rat terrier. Even though they are not pure bred they are beautiful. They are sweet, very smart, and very loyal. My girls have lots of energy and love to give. They all have the same parents and I love them so much I can't help but get one out of every litter.
Pros:
Cons: My ONLY con is that they are very rambunctious sometimes.
MY FAVORITE FAVORITE DOG
They are affectionate, adorable and smart. I wish I could afford 10 of them. They like to play with us but they also keep themselves entertained. The secret is to have more than one! Heavy maintenance on the hair. I like it long so spend lots of time brushing. Summer is "puppy cut" time because of the heat. They can't tolerate heat/humidity so we keep them inside when it's hot.
Pros: Sweet. Small enough but not too small. Lots of kisses.
Cons: Lots of hair maintenance. Lots of ear cleaning.
Shih Tzu, water baby
I have had many dogs, (pound puppy), over the years. This year I got a little white shih tzu, since I didn't know much about the breed I got a book about them, after reading the book and talking to friends that have shih tzu, this breed does not like water. Well some one forgot to tell my baby dog. We have an above ground pool, she is always the first one in the water, she now cries to get in the tub, she want to play in the water all the time, she is so cute, we love her, (she makes everyone love her:).
Pros: Very Loving, very smart
Cons:
Shih Tzu
Although cute and fluffy, these pets need a lot of grooming and proper care. Caring for your Shit Tzu will make you and you dog pleased.
Pros: Adorable, cute and fluffy
Cons: Need a lot of grooming, have ear infections if don't have hair taken out of the ears, have to have their eyes clensed well
Shih Tzu
I have had my Shih Tzu for 6 years now and she me wrapped around her little paw. I keep her long coated, wash her once a week, and have no problems with keeping her looking great. She gets so excited when we come back from being gone for a short while ---like its been forever to her. She rushes to us if we sneeze and acts so concerned--too cute. She does so many things that make us totally love her.
Pros: Fun loving, playful, loves her walks, LOVING!!!!
Cons: None at all!
My Birthday Baby!!
This is my first puppy..his name is Gizmo..he only 18 weeks and I looovvveee him soooo much,I like him fluffy and trimed up..I'm having a lilttle trouble traing him but I'm learning him...when he run's in circles it's time to poop!!!
Pros: Cuddly,sweet,adorable,quick on their toe's!!
Cons: Thaey can never be still!!!!
My Zoe Girl!!
I saw Zoe and I fell in love and had to have her!! She is black and white and so playful. She just loves to go for car rides!! We are having some training issues, but overall I adore her!!! She is only 13 weeks and cute as a button!!!
Pros: Sweet and adorable, does not shed, and is very playful.
Cons: Training issues, and chews alot.
My King Fuji
My baby is 12 weeks. I got him at 9. He is absolutely the sweetest creature God created. I love him so much. He is spoiled. I took him to work and literally every, single person fell in love with him. I love coming home and he's there to greet me. He's also my alarm clock. I think it's the cutest thing.
Pros: Lovable, listens (knows his name already), very playful
Cons: Pottytraining, barks, and chews on everything
I LOVE MY DOG!!!
My dog absolutely radiates love and positive energy. I have always been a cat person and getting Maddy changed everything...She is so in tune to my moods she is always there when I need her. She is so very loyal and such a good girl I have read on many websites on how hard they are to train but I can count on one hand how many times she has actually gone on the floor in the house. She doesn't bark...She is just the best companion a person could ask for I will have more of this breed in the future...I can only hope to find another dog as wonderful as the one I currently have she is just wonderful!
Pros: Most loyal, Sweet, Very attentive, Loves everyone...Loves puppies and other dogs...Loves my cats
Cons: Lots of grooming..No other issues
Reggie
We love our Shih Tzu, Reggie. So does our yellow lab. I pretty much love everythiing about him. Cute, cuddly, likes to play but also knows when its time to settle down. Love, love, love this dog. Would get another one for sure.
Pros: Excellent companions, very lovable.
Cons:
ABSOLUTELY LOVABLE PET
Maddy is so wonderful it makes you have the urge to just collect one of each color!!!! Would definitely recommend to anyone. She is just too sweet!
Pros: TOO CUTE!!!! Lots of company, very trusting. Great pet to have if you want no shedding.
Cons: NONE for me
Love my Boys!
I have 3 black/white, purebred boys who are 7, 5, 3. They are excellent "watchdogs", and love being loved! so, they may be a bit spoiled, oh well, they deserve it. Off to the groomer every 6 weeks for a nice shower and shave - they need pampering too! They curl up around me at night and keep me safe. Took me a long time to welcome a dog, and I was so happy with the first one, I got 2 more!
Pros: very dedicated and loyal to you, loveable, low maintenance, no barking in the house (unless doorbell rings), no shedding, smart
Cons: None that I've had to deal with. They don't chew or pee or anything bad!!
Shih Tzu
I love my Shih Tzu Coco. He is a very special puppy in my family's life. He is very good with my grandkids. Loves everyone. He gets along with our lab puppy Clyde and has no problem with being in control. I love him so much and he is my best friend!!
Pros: Very affectionate, great with kids, good with other dogs, very friendly, doesn't shed, rarely barks, loves to cuddle.
Cons: High maintenance pet grooming, goes potty in the house sometimes..not a lot. Runs when he gets outside and I have to chase him.
Zoe and Suki
My two little angels are six years old. Gorgeous little girls. I bought Zoe after losing my partner and I was so impressed with her I bought Suki six months later. Zoe is a tuxedo (black and white) Suki is a gorgeous tri colour. Zoe is also an alpha female and is very protective. Nobody would sneak into my house without her raising the alarm.
Pros: Lovable, Cuddly. Very loyal and good watch dog.
Cons: Have a mind of their own at times.