Shih Tzu
Thank you for using our site to find Shih Tzu information. Feel free to add any information about Shih Tzus we may have missed. If you have any Shih Tzu questions please feel free to ask them below. Most Shih Tzu owners are often very insightful and offer great advice. Please don't hesitate to upload a picture of your Shih Tzu or write a review. We appreciate all additions to the site and we know our users value them as well. If you need help training your Shih Tzu check out some dog training reviews. |  |
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.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 pounds4-16 pounds
4-8 pounds is considered Imperial size
9-16 pounds, No Imperial Size, No Teacup size is accepted in this breed.
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.Poor bred shih tzu's wheeze and snore, this is common during teething, but the pup should outgrow it. It is good to look at a pups nostrils and make sure they are nice and round and open and not pinched, this is what causes the wheezing, snoring and respiratory problems. Also, a properly breed shih tzu has a short "cobby" body, not a long body. I have owned this breed for over 20 yrs and have never had a weight problem. Most shih tzu carry a marker for kidney disease, however, that doesn't mean they will have any probelms and they need 2 genetic markers.
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.
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.
Dog Training!If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site. |
Find your new Shih Tzu
Puppies For Sale
|
Rejon's Shih Tzu's has AKC Shih Tzu Champion Grandsired Puppies Available. They are raised in home w/ lots of love and...
Find a Breeder
|
As the only Preferred Breeder with an Excellent Rating from CKC and the only Master Breeder with the East Coast Quality...
Rescue a Dog
|
i have a few 2-6 year old shih tzu for adoption
Ask a QuestionShih Tzu Q&A
View more Shih Tzu Questions and Answers
Upload a PhotoShih Tzu Photos
View more Shih Tzu Photos
Write a ReviewShih Tzu Reviews
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 <3 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: