23,761 Meals Donated

4,188 Blankets Donated

10,153 Toys Donated

13,088 Rescue Miles Donated

$2,358 Funded For D.V. Survivors

$7,059 Funded For Service Dogs

Search
Close this search box.

Shih Tzu: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

Share this:

The affectionate and charming Shih Tzu is an ancient dog breed from Tibet, which is popular today primarily as a companion dog. Here in the profile, you’ll learn everything about the history, temperament, and care of these Tibetan dogs.

History of the Shih Tzu

The history of the Shih Tzu dates back to the 7th century. Originally from the monasteries of Tibet, it later became popular in China. According to legend, Buddha owned a dog that could transform into a lion. For this reason, the monks bred small dogs that were meant to resemble lions and called them “Shih Tzu,” which means Lion Dog. Additionally, due to their keen hearing, they were also suitable as watchdogs for the temples.

During the 17th century, these dogs made their way into the Chinese empire. The Shih Tzu was highly esteemed by Chinese emperors and was often a gift from Tibetan monks to the Chinese court, where they evolved into palace dogs. With the communist takeover in the 20th century, enthusiasm for the elegant dogs came to an abrupt end. Thus, breeding in China came to a definitive end.

The Shih Tzu only arrived in Europe in the 1930s and became popular in the United States in the 1960s. Fortunately, European and American breeders took over the breeding. In 1934, the dogs were recognized as a distinct breed and are now classified in the FCI Group 9: Companion and Toy Dogs, Section 5: Tibetan breeds. The Chinese also use the term Lion Dog for the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso.

GROUP: Hybrid

HEIGHT: Varies, but usually 8 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder

WEIGHT: Varies, but usually 7 to 20 pounds

COAT: May be straight, wavy or curly

COAT COLOR: Variable, but may be black, white, brown, red, silver, gold, blue or apricot, with or without white markings or dark-colored patches

LIFE SPAN: 10 to 17 years

TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, friendly

HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes

ORIGIN: United States

Temperament and Character

The Shih Tzu exhibits a lively and alert temperament. It is not only smart and outgoing but also very people-oriented. You will quickly notice how much it loves to be the center of attention. Its proud and sometimes even a bit arrogant demeanor is hard to miss. But don’t be fooled, because deep down, it is a true cuddly dog. It charmingly demands its cuddles and will become everyone’s favorite in no time.

Its intelligence and ability to learn are particularly impressive. You will be amazed at how quickly it learns new tricks. But beware, sometimes it also shows its little stubbornness. But that only makes it even more endearing.

Shih Tzus especially love children. They enjoy playing with them and show their patient side. They also get along well with other animals. Their agreeable nature makes them the ideal family dog. Despite their small size, they are brave and vigilant. They take good care of their home and alert you if something is amiss. However, they don’t bark excessively, only when necessary.

Whether you live in an apartment or a house with a garden, the Shih Tzu feels comfortable anywhere. It is also suitable for seniors, as it is not too demanding. But families will also have a lot of joy with it.

Affection LevelHigh
FriendlinessHigh
Kid-FriendlyMedium
Pet-FriendlyMedium
Exercise NeedsMedium
PlayfulnessHigh
Energy LevelMedium
TrainabilityMedium
IntelligenceHigh
Tendency to BarkHigh
Amount of SheddingLow

Appearance of the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a charming and elegant dog breed. You’ll notice they have a sturdy posture, ranging in size from 20 to 28 cm and weighing between 4 and 7 kg. Their compact size makes them perfect companions, whether in small apartments or large houses.

At first glance, their impressive coat immediately stands out. They have a long, double coat that is very soft and luxurious. Their coat can come in 14 different colors, including black, black and white, gray and white, and red and white. It’s the type of fur that invites stroking but also requires regular grooming to stay beautiful and healthy.

The distinctive coat structure of the Shih Tzu resembles a little lion, especially when their fur grows around their face, forming a “mane.” Their round head, short muzzle, and large, dark eyes give them a friendly and inviting face that many people love.

Shih Tzu
Source: Freepik

Puppy Training

These independent and intelligent dogs are considered quite stubborn during training. It requires a lot of patience and positive reinforcement to convince the dog to obey a command. With their charming nature, the little rascal occasionally tries to persuade their owner to follow their own will. However, don’t be confused by this and continue resolutely. Consistent training with many repetitions is the key to success. But it works best when you make the dog feel like it was their idea to follow the command.

Activities with the Shih Tzu:

The Shih Tzu is an adaptable dog that will be happy even in a small apartment. Especially when the weather isn’t favorable, they prefer to stay indoors and cuddle and play. Of course, they still need daily walks to be sufficiently exercised. You can also engage in small training sessions or games like hide and seek to keep your Shih Tzu’s mind and body active. It’s also a good idea to take your Shih Tzu to dog parks to promote socialization.

Training with the Shih Tzu:

Shih Tzus are known for their independent nature. Early socialization and positive reinforcement of good behavior are key to successful training. Stay consistent with commands and reward your dog for good behavior. If you encounter behavioral problems like barking or chewing, redirect your dog’s energy into positive activities.

Source: Freepik

Health and Genetic Diseases

Shih Tzus are susceptible to certain health problems and genetic diseases. Common conditions include hip dysplasia, respiratory issues due to their short muzzle, and eye problems such as cataracts. Regular veterinary check-ups help to detect and treat these problems early.

Shih Tzu Care

Due to their long fur, caring for Shih Tzus can be quite labor-intensive. Shih Tzu care requires patience and time. You should brush your Shih Tzu’s fur daily to prevent matting and tangling. The eyes and ears also require regular cleaning to prevent infections. When bathing, use a mild shampoo that won’t irritate the skin.

Their fur can grow so long that it drags on the ground if not regularly trimmed. If you want to keep a dog with long hair, you have some work cut out for you. The hair around the head must not fall into the eyes, as it can cause inflammation and difficulty seeing. Additionally, regular brushing and combing are necessary to prevent matting. After every walk, you should remove dirt and pests from the long fur. A somewhat easier option is a fashionable short haircut, which you can either do yourself or have done by a professional groomer.

How Should a Shih Tzu Be Fed?

You should ensure that your Shih Tzu receives a balanced diet. A combination of high-quality dry and wet food provides the necessary energy and nutrients. Make sure the food contains proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It’s advisable to choose food specifically designed for small breeds, as it provides the right nutrient balance and kibble size.

Shih Tzus can be allergic to certain foods. If you notice that your dog has itchy skin or digestive problems after eating, it could be a food allergy. In such cases, it’s good to consult a veterinarian.

Does the Shih Tzu Suit Me?

Before bringing a Shih Tzu puppy into your family, make sure the dog suits you. After all, the dog will be a part of your life for 12 to 16 years and would preferably want to be with you always and everywhere. A vacation without the dog is unthinkable with the Tibetan fluffball. With good preparation, the lovable dog is also a good choice for beginners. If you’ve decided on the breed, find a reputable breeder.

It’s best to choose one who is a member of the American Shih Tzu Club and has a lot of experience in breeding. For a purebred and healthy puppy, you should budget between $800 and $1000. There are also often loving Shih Tzus in need of a new home in animal shelters.

Source: Freepik

Interesting and Notable Facts

In the Chinese Empire, the Shih Tzu was a popular palace dog. Cixi, the wife of the Chinese emperor, even enacted a law stating that anyone who mistreated a palace dog should be executed. According to tradition, the later empress had her own palace for the dogs, where they were trained to sit and wave their paws when the empress visited them.

Even the current Dalai Lama, like many of his predecessors, owns a representative of the breed. Outside of Asia, these dogs have become popular companions, with personalities like Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Gates also acquiring Tibetan dogs.

Do you have a Shih Tzu or are you considering getting one? Tell me in the comments what you think makes them so special!

Share this:

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *