The Shih Tzu is a long-coated, sturdy little dog that comes in a variety of colours. They move in almost an arrogant manner, with their tails carried over their backs. But despite this seemingly smug appearance, they are actually quite the charmers and if there’s anything they absolutely adore, it’s attention.
Lovable, intelligent, and loyal, the Shih Tzu would make a perfect companion for anyone wanting an affectionate but not overly clingy furry friend.
The Shih Tzu breed is classed as brachycephalic problems associated with the condition include;
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: a condition in brachycephalic breeds (those with a short nose and squashed face) where breathing is obstructed and can lead to reduced ability to exercise, or even severe respiratory distress.
- Skin inflammation/infection: brachycephalic breeds have a short nose and a normal amount of facial tissue. This means there is often excess skin around their face which leads to skin folds. The skin inside these folds can become sore and infections are prone to develop.
- Eye ulcers: ulcers are painful erosions on the surface of the eye. They are more common in brachycephalic breeds due to their conformation, as their eyes tend to be more bulbous.
The breed can also suffer from:
- Patellar luxation
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) which is a painful condition where the tear gland stops working properly.
- Cataracts¹ which is a condition where the lens in the eye becomes cloudy and this can result in blindness.
- Rostral bite problems which can lead to teeth overcrowding and dental problems.
- Renal dysplasia² which is where the kidney does not develop properly and so cannot function normally.
- Intervertebral disc disease³ a condition where there us abnormality in the discs which act to cushion the bones in the spine.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.
¹S. A. Park et al, 'Clinical manifestations of cataracts in small breed dogs', 2009, Veterinary Ophthalmology N. G. Papaioannou, 'Histopathological and immunohistochemical features of vitreoretinopathy in Shih Tzu dogs', 2013, Journal of Comparative Pathology
²K. B.Brum et al, 'Renal dysplasia in a Boxer dog: case report', 2008, Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia
³B. A. Brisson, 'Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs', 2010, Veterinary clinics: small animal practice
The Shih Tzu colours are as varied as they can get, with some dogs sporting colour mixes that include black, white, grey, and even gold.
Known for their luxuriously silky double coats, they give the impression of being part of royalty and sometimes, they even act like it too. The downside of looking royal, however, is that it’s not effortless, so the Shih Tzu grooming process will require some time and effort.
The Shih Tzu is an affectionate, playful and intelligent dog. As a breed they can be independent and wary of strangers. They enjoy learning and like to please, but while intelligent, they can sometimes give the impression that they think training is simply beneath them. With patience and consistency, they will enjoy learning and can become surprisingly obedient.
| Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 2/5 |
| Easy to train: | 3/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 3/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
| Energy level: | 2/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 2/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
The Shih Tzu dog breed we know and love today is itself an ancient crossbreed, having been created within the walls of the Forbidden City in the 17th century, from crossing the Lhasa Apso from the monasteries of Tibet with an early form of the Pekingese.
The resulting dogs, called Lhasa Lion Dogs, remained hidden away from the eyes of the West until the 20th century when the Peking Kennel Club was formed and the Lhasa Lion Dogs were shown for the first time alongside the Lhasa Apso.
It wasn’t until the 1930s that these dogs found their way to England, and once again, they were shown alongside the Lhasa Apso, but it was clear they were quite different, and so the types that had the rounder skull and short muzzle became known as the Shih Tzu and a breed in their own right.
A great dog for the first-time owner, as long as you can keep up with the grooming and be home most of the time – like all the companion breeds, they’re not built to cope alone. Capable of a high level of training if you’ll put in the work, they are portable, economical and fun and can get on with everyone.
Shih Tzus are perfectly content with short walks and would prefer three 20-minute strolls to an hour-long hike. With their short nose and flattened face, they should never be exercised on hot days and great care should be taken not to put them in situations where they could overheat.
They also enjoy exercise at home, so games and interaction with their owner is important.
This is a small dog who can live in a flat or a smaller property, as long as they have access to the outdoors for toileting and walks. They do however enjoy having their own garden.
Another thing to consider when having a Shih Tzu as a pet is that given their double coats, they are prone to heat strokes, so having air conditioning or frequently airing out the home would help them cool off much easier during summer months.
Small dogs like the Shih Tzu dog breed have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. Proper nutrition along with care can contribute to a Shih Tzu lifespan reaching 16 years.
The coat of the Shih Tzu is long, soft and dense, with a good amount of undercoat, and requires a lot of daily grooming to keep it looking in top condition. Also, the Shih Tzu grooming process requires frequent bathing, sometimes as much as once a week and they must be dried completely.
As the hair grows upwards from the bridge of the nose, it is often tied up in a topknot, on top of the head. Their faces may need to be washed daily, as food and other particles can get stuck on the hair. If the coat becomes too much, it can be kept short, a groomer or the breeder is probably the best person to advise on how this is carried out.
Despite their tendency to try and convince their owners that training is very definitely beneath them, they can be clever dogs who will enjoy learning tricks and games — and should be trained to walk on a harness and lead as well as come back when called.
While they look like butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths, they can be surprisingly game when out and have been known to enjoy chasing squirrels or even the neighbour’s cat!
They need early socialisation so as to gain confidence with people and other dogs.
The Shih Tzu tends to be a one-person dog, but will get on with everyone in the family. They like their peace and quiet however, and so are better in quieter families with older sensible children.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
Despite originating in China in the 17th century (or perhaps even earlier) the Shih Tzu dog breed was hidden from the West, and was largely unknown until the 20th century.
They’re also known as “chrysanthemum-faced dogs” because of the way the hair on their face grows in every direction.
What are the pros and cons of a Shih Tzu?
Depending on the individual pet’s personality, the pros and cons of a Shih Tzu can vary. They can be quite stubborn and mischievous but at the same time they can be less temperamental than other breeds and they don’t require a lot of daily activity.
Is a Shih Tzu a good house dog?
Shih Tzu make great house dogs as they are friendly, affectionate, and loyal. They also love to follow their owners from room to room.
Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?
Shih Tzus are prone to barking a lot, especially if they hear noises or see strangers passing by them.
Are Shih Tzus easy to train?
Shih Tzus are very easy to train as they’re highly intelligent but remember to use positive reinforcement and rewards.
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