The shih tzu is a perennially democratic dog strain , especially for those seeking a darling with good looks . Their tenacious , beautiful coats and adorable boldness grow heads everywhere they go , and shih tzus delectation in the attention . But they are n’t just easy on the eye ; these pups will tug at your heartstrings , too . Shih tzus are very loyal and serve up out lots of tenderness for their owners . They have literally hone the role of lap detent for more than a thousand class .
Their name , sound out " sheed - menagerie " or " sheet - su , " translates to " lilliputian lion"—a nod to their ancient Chinese heritage , but a misnomer for the easy pooch — and they also have a whole innkeeper of other nicknames : " under - the - board weenie , " " Fu dog , " " stupor dog , " " arm dog , " " Tibetan poodle dog , " and the " chrysanthemum - faced dog " thanks to their unequalled facial pelt , which has the appearance of flower petals .
A shih tzu is happy and playful but will demand quite a routine of your attention — and ensure you provide it . " They can be mellifluous and tolerant or yappy and spicy , " says Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Pam Nichols . " They are in general glad and are way better behaved when they are well socialized . " Their well-disposed position and regal look , coupled with their adaptability to even the smallest living spaces , make them a very popular associate .
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Appearance
The shih tzu is a sturdytoy strain , weighing anywhere between 9–16 lbf. . They are well know for their long , slick , luxurious bivalent coating , which can be base in 14 different colour — including black , sinister and blanched , gray and white , and red and snowy — and three different markings . Most shih tzus also have a little clean spot on their foreheads , call the " Star of Buddha , " which is highly prized .
Shih tzus do have unequaled smiles , thanks to their undershot pungency . A shih tzu ’s downcast jaw isjustwider than the upper jaw , so its upper teeth bite inside the lower tooth when its mouth is closed . And the hair on their faces rise in every guidance , including up from their snout , andmust be groomed oftenso it does n’t hang in front of their eyes .
Because of their regal heritage — Chinese royal line kept these dogs as fellow traveler — a shih tzu sway itself with large pridefulness . Some say they are even a snatch arrogant in their pace : Head hold high and dock curved over the back .
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Temperament
The elbow room to a shih tzu ’s heart is lavish attending . And they are never happier than when perched on your circle . spawn as a friendly comrade — no hunting , herding , or guarding inherent aptitude exist — shih tzus simply want to be near their owner . And while they may initiallybark at new human being , shih tzus make quick acquaintance with everyone they meet . Between their gorgeous appearing and their look - at - me - and - lovemaking - me behaviour , they control attending everywhere they go . It ’s no wonder so many citizenry are drawn to their companionable personality .
Living Needs
Shih tzus are have it off andcharming with all family members . They are especiallyaffectionate and gentle with childrenif trained properly . As with any breed , make trusted to socialize your shih tzu and ensure the small fry in your household jazz how to handle these small pupsso they have a well-chosen human relationship . Kids need to take care not to acquit her around or stab her large eyes .
Shih tzuscoexist peacefully with catsand other frump . And because they were bred to spend the day within the rampart of a palace , shih tzus areideal for apartment dwellersor other homes without a lot of outside space . As long as they can be near their owner , shih tzus are happy anywhere .
give their unstinted coat and the monotone shape of their face , shih tzus are susceptible to warmth accident , so check that you have a place for them to cool down off when temperature rise . They ’re well-chosen to savor in the child’s play of a fan and definitely appreciate air conditioning . Shih tzus coat also keep them from being unspoilt swimmer , so do n’t expect them to jump out into the piddle to chill down .
One frustrating queerness to keep an eye on is the shih tzu ’s leaning toeat their own ( or other animals ' ) BM . Do n’t let it become a habit . Watch your puppy closely while on walks or at the dog park , and scavenge up her poop decently away .
Because they adore their ownerssomuch , shih tzus love to be bear around . But secure you hold them firmly — they tend to be front - intemperate — and do n’t get them jump . They tend to assay to leap out off furniture as well , which can lead to injuries , including concussions .
Care
Beauty is demanding , and it ’s definitely true when it comes to keep your shih tzu ’s coat looking its best . To preclude tangles , bathe your pup weeklyandbrush ( and comb ) her hair day by day . take off when she ’s a puppy — so she gets used togrooming — learn your shih tzu to lie on her side while you sweep her hair in sections . Opt for a wire copse with elastic pins so you could sweep all the mode to her peel . Shih tzu puppy have fluffy fur , but at about a twelvemonth honest-to-god , their coating will become sleek . Some owners choose to have a groomer give their shih tzu a shorter haircut to lessen the amount of time spent on primping . Thankfully , they are down desquamation .
Hernails should also be trimmedmonthly and you ’ll require tocheck her earsfor dirt , inflammation , odor , or the occasional hair that grow inside the pinna channel — this will need to be plucked .
You ’ll also pass time cleaning up your shih tzu ’s face . Much like a mussy tot , their faces get dirty when they eat and their oculus tear up often . They can also be prone to tear stains , where the pilus around their eyes turn a rusty chromaticity . Keep them clean by pass over their face with quick water and a soft textile . Another way of life to keep their eyes from being irritated is to pull the pilus on top of their headspring into a top naut mi . Shih tzus apprise the look .
Because your shih tzu was cover as a home fellow traveler — and they have short niggling leg — they only expect minimal utilisation . They are happy with a scant daily walk or some consecrated indoor playtime . You ’ll find them swan the house , bet with miniature , and certainly racing to greet anyone at the door .
While it ’s beguiling to tote your puppy with you all the prison term , it will impact your shih tzu ’s behavior . " Because of their small size , they tend to get carried around and not be train as much so it ’s voiceless to know whether they are very acquiescent . " Nichols says . She and other expert recommendcrate training , which can be especially helpful when you travel with your shih tzu . recollect to be ordered and patient , anduse positive reinforcement when trainingany dog .
They can bedifficult to housebreak — it may take up to 50 repetitions to get the soft on workaday just right on — and will likely need to be manage indoors for some fourth dimension . Do n’t allow the little smoothie have her way , butdoshower her with positive feedback for a less frustrating experience .
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Health
These pup are generally salubrious , but as with any breed , there are some distinctive health conditions you should be aware of . Shih tzus do sometimes deal with ear infections , coxa dysplasia , patellar luxation(a slipped kneecap),umbilical hernias , and aportosystemic liver shunt(a congenital abnormality in which blood vessels allow blood to bypass the liver ) . But do n’t worry : All of these issues are treatable .
A shih tzu may not lose her baby tooth before her permanent dentition do in , which may ask a stumble to the vet for extraction . Because the stock has an undershot jaw , they can also have missing or misaligned tooth . With a shih tzu puppy , you may deal with a portion of snuffles , snigger , and loud snoring as she teethes . As she gets old , she may sustain from reverse sneezing — a wheezing strait made when she ’s overly excited , quaff her intellectual nourishment too quickly , or hasencountered an allergen .
Her outstanding center can also give her trouble , includingcataracts , progressive retinal atrophy , retinal separation , and corneal dispassion . center can also become wake from overweening air vulnerability due to improperly closing eyelids . get through out to your vet the right way away if you observe any issues with your shih tzu ’s eye .
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History
Digging into the history of the shih tzu is like taking a mini deterrent example in east Asian history . harmonise to theShih Tzu Club , this stock dates back at least 1,000 twelvemonth , with track record of " under the table " hot dog appearing in China all the way of life back to 8000 B.C.It ’s believed they were to begin with bred in Tibet — some say by Tibetan monks — and the bantam dogs were sent to the Taiwanese emperors as gifts . It ’s believed the Chinese then bred them withPekingeseandpugsorLhasa apsosto make the shih tzu we know today .
Other legends bristle when it comes to shih tzus ' royal heritage . It ’s reported that in the 13th C , Marco Polo discover that Mongolian Emperor Kublai Khan kept small " lion " dogs , believed to be shih tzus , with trained hunting social lion to keep them unagitated . ( It ’s deserving observe that Pekingese is also call off " lion frump " in Chinese . ) There are records of the Chinese royal family preserve shih tzu - like weenie during the Ming Dynasty ( 1368–1644 ) as well .
In 1861 , the shih tzu gained even more condition thanks to Empress Dowager Cixi of China . She had a true love life for animals and spent much time breed them . During her sovereignty , it ’s said she was gift , by the Dalai Lama , a pair of dramatic shih tzus who lived in their own castle and were trained to sit up and wave when the Empress arrived . When Empress Cixi died in 1908 , shih tzu fostering came closely to a halt , almost causing extinction .
Shih tzus were long hide out behind palace walls and only really introduced beyond Asia — first in England and Ireland — in the recent 1920s and former 1930s . The breed made its direction to the U.S. two decades later and was recognized by the AKC in 1969 .
Fun Facts
Legend of Buddha and the Shih Tzu . Shih Tzu Fanciers of Southern California .
Breed History . Shih Tzu Club .
