Are you a new fur parent looking for facts about Shih Tzus? Then you are in the right place!
In this post, we will talk about what to know about Shih Tzus, their types, and most frequently asked questions.
What to Know About Shih Tzus
Who would have guessed such a sweet puppy would have a scary name? In Chinese, Shih Tzu means “Lion Dog,” which comes from a Buddhist legend that Siddhartha traveled with a small dog that could transform into a lion.
Shih Tzus are friendly, joyful, outgoing home dogs who like following their owners from room to room. Since ancient times, they’ve been making themselves at home on people’s laps from all walks of life, including rulers!
They are a popular breed, especially those seeking pets with good looks. Apart from their cuteness, pet parents have started taking Shih Tzus out of their laps and into dog sports. They are trained for obedience, rally, and agility competitions.
If you want to learn more about this cute breed companion, continue reading as we will share more about them!
Basic Facts about Shih Tzus
Coat
The Shih Tzu coat is dense, long, and flowing. Shih Tzus are known for their stunning hair, which is two layers thick.
The topcoat is fine and silky and can grow quite long, while the undercoat is soft and fluffy.
Many people wonder if Shih Tzus shed because of all that hair. Shih Tzus are claimed to shed less than other breeds and only when cleaned or brushed.
The only time this lack of shedding occurs is when Shih Tzu puppies change coats. This occurs about the time they turn one and begin to shed excessively.
If this happens to your Shih Tzu, you’ll need to give time at least once a day to give him a good brushing, but don’t worry! This stage is pretty brief, and you should be out of hair problems in three weeks.
This breed has a long and silky coat, and it is preferable to have a skilled groomer. When your Shih Tzu’s coat is prone to tangling or if you don’t want to exert the effort that a ring-ready coat requires, this is the right choice for you.
Remember that not all Shih Tzus coats are alike. Some Shih Tzu coats are thicker, while others are softer, and many Shih Tzu coats change between the ages of ten and twelve months. Finding the best grooming system for your dog’s specific coat may take some trial and error.
Mats can form, so keeping on top of it will help you avoid hassles in the future.
Color
Shih Tzu puppies can be born with a single color, a two-color combination, or a three-color combination of hair.
Some popular single-colored colors include black, white, red, silver, gold, and brindle.
A double-colored Shih Tzu has two primary colors, one of which is white. The white coat is often paired with a black coat. But, any of the colors mentioned above, including brindle, will be mixed in.
Three-color combinations are rare and taken for granted, as the third color is often pale and faded. Gold is always included as one of the mixture’s colors, but black and gold are also common.
Height
The standard height of a Shih Tzu is eight to eleven inches (20.3–27.9 cm). The height is measured from the floor to the withers, the top of the shoulder blades.
You might wonder why many owners are concerned about their dog’s size when a Shih Tzu is still a puppy. It’s worth noting that rapid growth spurts and stalls mark the first year.
Expected growth is rarely linear.
For example, nothing may appear to be the case at four months, but a Shih Tzu may gain a bit in month five to make up for the stall.
This breed reaches full adult size between 9 and 12, though a few will continue to fill up until they are 15 months old.
Weight
The standard weight of a Shih Tzu is 9–16 pounds (4.08–7.26 kg).
Some Shih Tzu will be smaller than the average. This might be due to a breeder purposely breeding smaller dogs, or it can be due to simple genetics, where a puppy will be on the smaller end of the scale.
It’s usually nothing to worry about if a Shih Tzu is 1 to 2 pounds less than predicted (7 or 8 pounds as an adult).
There may be concerns if a Shih Tzu is smaller than their expected weight. These are frequently dogs that have been bred down far too little.
Hypoglycemia will become a problem for you.
There have also been instances where a breed’s size has been exceeded. Every Shih Tzu can’t stay under 16 pounds without gaining weight.
There could be two explanations for this: the dog’s physical frame and bone structure may be larger than expected.
Second, the dog may be overweight. As a result, their genuine size should not be larger than normal. However, measures can be taken to help your dog achieve a healthy weight.
If you have any concerns about whether your Shih Tzu is excessively large due to excess weight, consult your veterinarian.
Adaptability
Shih Tzus make excellent pets because of their adaptability. They can adapt to whatever changes a family experiences over time, from new babies to new pets.
They are eager to please and love, and they will not be intimidated by unfamiliar conditions.
Health and Grooming Needs
Shih Tzus are a low-shedding breed. Its luxurious coat does not come off easily. Their coats should be brushed daily with a high-quality dog brush that can remove tangles.
Brush their top knot as well as their mustache regularly. Bathe your Shih Tzu once a month to keep the coat clean and lustrous.
There are many Shih Tzu-friendly options if you’d prefer a different, low-maintenance hairstyle.
Shih Tzus must be kept on the lookout for overheating due to their double coats. They should also be evaluated for ocular irritation, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation, all caused by poorly closed eyelids.
Trainability
Beware! Shih Tzus always get what they want! Many new owners will find themselves providing too many treats and allowing their Shih Tzu to get away with things they shouldn’t do because of their enhanced sense of charm.
Because they’re people-pleasers who want to make you happy, you’ll need to be both gentle and persistent. Puppy training sessions are essential for teaching puppies how to interact with other dogs and understand basic commands.
Physical Needs
Shih Tzus only need small physical activities.
These dogs can handle long walks of up to 30 or 40 minutes, but anything longer is not recommended. The Shih Tzu is not a breed that enjoys participating in sports.
You should take your Shih Tzu for a walk at least twice a day. Each walk should be approximately a half-mile long.
It is important to take your puppy for a third walk. Before you start your walk, teach your dog to go to the toilet.
History
Shih Tzus are purebred dogs that are thought to have originated around 2,000 years ago in Tibet. This makes them one of the world’s oldest breeds.
Tibetan lamas developed the Shih Tzu, which looks like a miniature lion and is often connected with Buddhism, from a Pekinese and a Lhasa Apso. The name derives from the word “small lion.”
These small balls of fur are far safer than a real lion!
The lamas gave these “small lions” to Chinese royalty, who let them sleep at the foot of their beds to keep their feet warm. Who are we to blame? So cozy and squishy!
Shih Tzus were also known as “chrysanthemum dogs” by the royals because the hair on their faces resembled the petals of this particular flower.
After Chinese imperial rule ended, people tried to forget about the old days, which the dogs came to represent, and the Shih Tzu almost vanished as a breed. Fortunately, several foreigners were given Shih Tzus, and 14 of them made it out alive.
Today, all Shih Tzus can trace their ancestry back to these seven men and seven females who reestablished the breed.
Size
Shih Tzu’s standard size is 8-11 inches tall and weighs 9-16 pounds.
Personality
Every dog breed serves a certain purpose. The Shih Tzu’s original purpose was to be a companion, and that’s exactly what they want to be.
They only want to be with you. As a result, do not expect them to hunt, guard, or retrieve anything—it isn’t their style.
Their dominant quality is affection, and your lap is their preferred destination. They are at their happiest when they’re with their families, giving and receiving attention.
Shih Tzu is not a complete couch potato. They are alert and lively, and guests may be greeted with a bark. They will become friends with your visitors the moment they step through the door.
Care
A shih tzu is not that difficult to pet. They’re an adaptable breed that can live in a compact city apartment and a large suburban or country property. They will be happy as long as you are with them.
Although they like some outside play, they are housedog and should not be kenneled outside.
The Shih Tzu is perfectly happy with daily short walks. They’re not very active dogs; they’d rather sit in your lap, walk around the home, play with their toys, or go to the door to greet visitors than do anything else.
Shih Tzus are also sensitive to heat. On hot days, they should stay indoors in an air-conditioned room or one with fans to avoid heat exhaustion.
Keep a watch on your puppy because they enjoy playing and jumping. It is not uncommon for a Shih Tzu to jump from a bed or a chair without hesitation.
While these heights may not appear excessive to you, they can be dangerous. This breed is front-heavy and tends to crash forward, resulting in injuries or even a concussion.
When holding your Shih Tzu, be careful. Keep a tight grip on them, and don’t allow them to jump out on your arms or off the furniture.
Shih Tzus needs early socialization and training despite their natural obedience and friendliness. If they aren’t properly socialized as puppies, they can grow fearful, just like any other dog.
Early socialization guarantees that your Shih Tzu puppy develops into a well-balanced adult dog.
Shih Tzus can be tough to housebreak. The most important thing is to keep your puppy from having accidents inside.
You don’t want them to get into the littering on the carpet. Some Shih Tzu owners teach their dogs to use a doggie litter box so that they don’t have to walk them in the rain or rush home to take them out.
A Shih Tzu puppy should be supervised inside the house for at least four to eight weeks after they have not been eliminated indoors.
Crate training is helpful for housetraining and provides a relaxing environment for your dog. When you board your Shih Tzu or travel, a crate comes in handy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about Shih Tzu?
They are affectionate and friendly, making them the best family dog. They can get along with all individuals and other pets.
Is Shih Tzu easy to take care of?
Shih Tzu is an intelligent breed that is not difficult to care for. Like other dogs, they can also have some health problems, so it is important to check them regularly.
Is Shih Tzus easy to train?
Shih Tzus are very trainable and like learning new tasks. But it is important to start training your dog once he is just a puppy.
Are Shih Tzu high maintenance?
This dog breed is naturally adorable, so they do not need much grooming to maintain their appearance. But, you must brush their hair regularly.
They do not also need expensive food as long as it is nutritious and will not affect their health.
