Dogs Like Shih Tzu: A Comprehensive Guide to Ownership

Owning a Shih Tzu can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to understand their unique characteristics and needs.

Shih Tzus are a small breed of dog, weighing between 9 and 16 pounds, and standing about 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder.

They have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Dogs like Shih Tzus are truly unique creatures. They have a rich history, and their physical characteristics are unlike those of most other breeds.

The name "Shih Tzu" literally translates to "lion dog" in Chinese, which is a fitting moniker considering their majestic appearance.

Their hair is more similar to human hair than fur, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. I've seen owners spend hours brushing their Shih Tzus' coats to keep them looking their best.

Shih Tzus are also known as "Chrysanthemum-faced Dogs" due to the distinctive fur growth on their muzzle, which resembles the flower.

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A key characteristic of Shih Tzus is their brachycephalic face, which can make breathing more difficult for them, especially in hot or humid weather.

Here are some key stats about the average Shih Tzu:

These adorable dogs are also surprisingly resilient, with a history that includes almost going extinct in the early 1900s.

The Shih Tzu breed has a rich and fascinating history that spans over 2000 years. They originated in Tibetan monasteries and were often given to Chinese royalty as gifts.

These dogs were highly prized by many Chinese dynasties and lived in the royal court, where they were kept hidden from the public eye. They were considered "warmers" for their humans, often kept in sleeves or placed on the feet of their royal human companions to help generate heat.

The breed was almost lost after the death of Empress Tzu Hsi, but a pair of Shih Tzus eventually found their way to England in 1930, where they helped establish the breed in Europe.

The Shih Tzu's name has a fascinating origin. The breed's name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because it was bred to resemble the lion in traditional oriental art.

In Chinese, the breed is known by several names, including the Wade-Giles romanization of the Mandarin Chinese word for "lion", which is Shih Tzu. This name is a direct reference to the breed's physical appearance.

In contemporary Mandarin, the Shih Tzu is generally known as the "Xi Shi dog", named after the ancient Chinese woman regarded as one of the most beautiful women of China.

Intriguing read: Shih Tzu Lion Dog

The Shih Tzu breed has a rich and fascinating history that spans over 2000 years. They originated in Tibetan monasteries and were often given as gifts to Chinese royalty.

These dogs were highly prized by Chinese royalty, who kept them hidden from the public eye and valued them as companions and "warmers" to generate heat. They were often kept in sleeves or placed on the feet of their royal human companions.

The breed's popularity soared during the Ming Dynasty, when Chinese royals refused to sell, trade, or give them away. The Dowager Empress Cixi even developed a breeding program dedicated to creating her ideal "Imperial Dog."

In the late 1800s, Empress Tzu Hsi was gifted a breeding pair of Shih Tzus by the Dalai Lama, which led to a strict breeding program to create her ideal Imperial Dog. After her death, the breeding program was discontinued, and the breed almost went extinct.

A pair of Shih Tzus eventually found their way to England in 1930, and the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1940. The Shih Tzu Club of England was founded in 1934, and the breed was categorized as a separate breed from the Lhasa Apso.

The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935, and the dogs were classified again as Shih Tzus after being recognized as distinctly different breeds at Crufts in 1933. The breed spread throughout Europe and was brought to the United States after World War II.

Training and socialization are crucial for Shih Tzus, and starting early is key. Proper proactive exposure to new sights, sounds, people, dogs, and other animals as a young puppy is essential for their socialization.

Shih Tzus are known for being outgoing and social, but they can have a stubborn streak, so it's best to start training from 8 weeks old. They love to learn and training is a great way for the two of you to bond.

To keep training sessions engaging, keep them short – around five to ten minutes – to stop your pup getting bored. They may be small, but Shih Tzu puppies can be hyper, so a combination of short walks and games will help expel excess energy and avoid unwanted behaviors.

Shih Tzus love treats, but there's one thing they love more – their humans! Proper socialization will help to avoid any possessiveness the breed is known for.

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Here are some tips for training and socialization:

Remember, Shih Tzus can be prone to separation anxiety, so should only be left alone for short periods of time.

Shih Tzus are smart and love to learn, but they can be strong-willed, so it's best to start training from 8 weeks old. This will help you bond with your pup and prevent unwanted behaviors from developing.

Training sessions should be short, around five to ten minutes, to keep your pup engaged and prevent boredom. You can start with simple commands and gradually increase the difficulty level as they grow.

Shih Tzus love treats, but they love their humans even more. Proper socialization is crucial to avoid possessiveness and other unwanted behaviors.

Here's a rough guide to training your Shih Tzu:

Hide and seek is a great game to play with your Shih Tzu, as finding you is the reward. A 'lucky dip' is another entertaining activity you can try, where you hide your pup's toys at the bottom of a large box filled with mundane items.

Shih Tzus are known for being outgoing and social. They thrive on interaction and require proper socialization from an early age.

Proper proactive exposure to new sights, sounds, people, dogs, and other animals as a young puppy is essential for their socialization. This sets the foundation for their behavior and helps them become confident in new situations.

Shih Tzus can enjoy the companionship of other animals in the home, as long as they have been properly socialized since puppyhood and introduced. This means introducing them to new pets gradually and under controlled circumstances.

They’re known for doing well with children, due not only to their sweet nature but also their sturdiness. Young children and dogs should always be supervised, and it’s helpful for a dog to have their own “safe space” where they can go when they need some quiet time.

Shih Tzus don't require a high level of physical exercise to stay in shape, a short daily walk and playtime with their family is enough. They can get the "puppy zoomies" every once in a while, which is completely normal.

Heavy exercise or exercise in warmer temperatures should be avoided to prevent health issues, especially heatstroke symptoms like heavy panting, drooling, and a bright red tongue or gums.

Daily training for obedience and tricks is a great way to provide mental enrichment and keep their brain sharp.

Shih Tzus don't need a lot of exercise to stay in shape, a short daily walk and some playtime with their family is enough. They're a small breed, after all!

Heavy exercise or exercise in warmer temperatures should be avoided, as it can lead to health issues. This is especially important for flat-faced breeds like the Shih Tzu.

You might catch them getting the "puppy zoomies" every now and then, which is completely normal and actually kind of adorable. It's just a burst of energy, and they'll calm down soon enough.

They should always be monitored for heatstroke symptoms, which include heavy panting, drooling, a bright red tongue or gums, a rapid pulse, and wide, panicked eyes.

Shih Tzus need lots of mental enrichment to keep their minds engaged and prevent unwanted puppy behaviors. This is especially true for their physical exercise needs, which are minimal.

Daily training for obedience and tricks is a great way to provide enrichment and keep their brain sharp.

Getting started in dog sports can be an exciting and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. Intro to Dog Sports is a great place to begin, where you'll learn the basics and get a feel for what's involved.

Canine Partners is a fantastic resource for mixed-breed dog owners, offering a welcoming community and opportunities to enroll your dog in various activities. This is a great way to socialize your dog and provide mental stimulation.

Titles and Abbreviations can be confusing, but they're essential to understanding the dog sports world. Familiarize yourself with common titles and abbreviations to navigate events and competitions with ease.

If you're still unsure which sport to choose, take a look at Which Sport Should You Do With Your Dog?. This section helps you determine the best activity for your dog's age, breed, and energy level.

To get started with dog training, check out Get Started in Dog Training. This section provides valuable tips and advice to help you and your dog succeed in dog sports.

Virtual Dog Sports & Events are also a great option, especially if you're new to dog sports or have mobility issues. This way, you can still participate and have fun with your dog from the comfort of your own home.

Shih Tzus are social dogs that thrive on interaction with their human family members. They love being close to their people and enjoy activities that bring them together.

Rally Obedience is a great way to bond with your Shih Tzu, as it requires quick thinking and teamwork. It's a fun and engaging activity that challenges both you and your dog.

Trick Training is another excellent way to keep your Shih Tzu's mind active and engaged. With its short attention span, your Shih Tzu will love learning new tricks and commands.

Conformation is a great way to showcase your Shih Tzu's unique features and characteristics. It's a fun and rewarding activity that celebrates the breed's beauty and charm.

Canine Freestyle is a fun and creative activity that allows you to bond with your Shih Tzu through dance and movement. It's a great way to challenge your dog and have fun together.

Here are some ideal activities for Shih Tzus:

Shih Tzus are generally a robust and long-lived breed, but they can be prone to certain health concerns.

One notable issue is brachycephalic syndrome, a condition common in flat-faced breeds, which can lead to breathing difficulties due to their shortened airways.

Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian are crucial to catch and manage eye issues early, as Shih Tzus are prone to a range of ocular problems.

Their prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal ulcers, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).

Dental problems are another concern for the breed, as their small mouths can put them at higher risk of tooth overcrowding and be challenging to clean.

Regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, can help prevent issues like dental decay and gum disease.

Shih Tzus are also prone to skin allergies, which can cause itching, redness, and hair loss.

Maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular, low-impact exercise can help reduce the risk of orthopedic problems like hip dysplasia and luxating patella.

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Genetic screening of breeding stock can also help minimize the inheritance of predisposing factors for these conditions.

Shih Tzus can become overweight if overfed and/or under-exercised, which can exacerbate other health issues.

Eye issues are common in Shih Tzus, and even more so once they are older, with most veterinarians recommending eye drops to assist with any eye irritations.

Excessive tear production can cause tear stains around the eyes, and a study from Japan found that Shih Tzus make up 16% of all glaucoma cases while only making up 8.2% of the total population used in the study.

Ear infections are another common issue for Shih Tzus, as they have a long coat and hair grows in their ears, making it essential to pluck and clean their ears often.

Take a look at this: Shih Tzu Ears