The Lion Dog: Shih tzu

The breed Shih Tzu, known as the "Lion Dog," has a rich history. These adorable, but solid fellows were bred in Tibet and further served a purpose after being created in China, where the emperor's families enjoyed the dogs being housed as they lived their luxurious lives within palace walls.

Now, the Shih Tzu steals the hearts of dog lovers around the world with its wonderful personality, distinctive looks, spunk, and loyalty.

This all-in-one guide will examine all things Shih Tzu - everything from a history of the Shih Tzu dog breed to Shih Tzu care, including Shih Tzu temperament, Shih Tzu lifespan, and any other tidbits of information.

A Peek into History: The Royal Background of the Shih Tzu

The story of the Shih Tzu started centuries ago in the Himalayas of Tibet. Small dogs were revered as sacred and lived in monasteries, which monks also inhabited. Based on evidence, Shih Tzus were bred from two dogs - the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese - to create a small dog with a special look and sweet disposition.

In the 17th century, the Shih Tzu was gifted to the Chinese emperors, which was where it thrived – in the imperial palaces. The breeders of China produced refinement when raising Shih Tzus, making the unique chrysanthemum face, hair that grows straight up from the nose in a floral fashion, and achieving a majestic double coat.

Throughout the first decade of the 1900s, when the Chinese Empire was disintegrating, the breed shrank to a small population; however, a small group of committed Chinese and Western supporters of the breed saved the Shih Tzu breed from probable extinction.

However, at last, it was introduced in Europe, and later in the United States, the breed joined the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1969.

What are the Physical Attributes of the Shih Tzu Dog breed?

The Shih Tzu dog breed possesses a significant physical feature. A Shih Tzu is a small, cute dog weighing about 916 lb, with an average shoulder height of 811 inches.

The ears are also drooping and extremely hairy, and merge into the ruff of hair at the neck, and the tail is another point of difference, which is up over the back, and frequently heavily feathered too.

Temperament: The Heart of a Companion

While the Shih Tzu is small, it certainly compensates for that with its ranking of charm characteristics. In general, Shih Tzus are loving, charming, and playful.

They love to be with people and will generally try to recreate that environment when events in their lives change. Shih Tzus are innately playful and happy, always wanting to be a part of your fun, as it is just their vibe. This can be a pretty funny quality, and frankly, entertaining.

Even though the Shih Tzu has energy and a happy-go-lucky personality, it is not necessarily a high-maintenance or hyper dog. In fact, a Shih Tzu could be comfortable off-leash, sharing a walk or a little play, as happy as can be, and more than happy to curl up and take a power nap on the couch.

A Shih Tzu is probably capable of fitting into just about any living environment, as being a toy breed, they can fit in just about anywhere, even an apartment.

For more inspiration, check out our guide to the cutest dog breeds that redefine adorable.

Training and Socialization: Developing a Well-Balanced Family Shih Tzu

It is crucial that your Shih Tzu puppy has some social interactions in order to develop into a happy and well-adjusted adult Shih Tzu.

You want your puppy to see and experience everything it can during its puppy phase of life so that you have a happy and calm adult.

Shih Tzus can be enjoyable to train, but you will want to stay calm and patient when training the puppy. Shih Tzus are smart dogs, but they can be slightly temperamental too.

Make the training brief (less than two hours) fun and active, as well as using treats and/or verbal words of praise as rewards. To further entertain the training process, you can use devices such as the WOpet Guardian Dog Treat Camera to reward your dog even when you are not at home.

Grooming: Managing the Royal Coat

The beautiful coat of a Shih Tzu may need some time and care. In a perfect world, you would groom your Shih Tzu daily to prevent mats and tangles, which can become quite uncomfortable and lead to skin problems.

Many owners clip their Shih Tzu to a puppy cut (short hairstyle) so they do not have to groom so often; other owners prefer to maintain longer coats.

Bathe your dog every 2-4 weeks. Be sure to shampoo and condition your Shih Tzu by using a good non-human shampoo and conditioner. You will want to clean around their eyes in order to try to minimize their tear stains. Regular nail clipping, cleaning their ears, and tooth care are also significant.

You can shop for grooming supplies and other pet accessories from WOpet.

Health of a Shih Tzu

With proper care and a good diet, a Shih Tzu usually enjoys a life expectancy of up to 16 years!

As with any breed, and due to their breed and genetic dispositions, Shih Tzus tend to be prone to specific health issues. Some common health issue traits associated with Shih Tzus include:

● Brachycephalic syndrome - Some of these skull forms commonly found in brachycephalic breeds may lead to issues with breathing, especially during strenuous exercise and extreme heat.

● Eye problems. Multiple eye disorders are genetically present in the Shih Tzu: cataracts, dry eye, progressive retinal atrophy, etc. Your veterinarian is usually able to diagnose some of these disorders even with a basic exam.

● Dental issues. Dental problems can also affect small-breed dogs. To aid in forming less plaque and safeguard your animal against gingivitis, clean your pet with a brush every day and ensure your veterinarian has them professionally cleaned on a regular schedule.

● Patellar luxation is when the kneecap may become dislocated at times.

● Another condition that can possibly exist but is not common in small-breed dogs is Hip Dysplasia.

Keeping your pup hydrated can help overall health, so consider using the Basin Pet Water Fountain W600 Pro for fresh, filtered water all day long.

Exercise - The Perfect Companion for Any Lifestyle

While friendly, Shih Tzus do not require much exercise. A brief walk each day and then holding the rest of their activities inside is sufficient to keep them happy and healthy. They are not a dog for serious exercise or long, slow runs, given their shortened noses and flat faces.

They make great pets for an apartment or for families that have to live in a smaller house. They are happy as indoor dogs as long as they are given attention and mentally engaged with toys and play.

Diet and Nutrition: Fueling Your Little Lion

A quality diet is essential for any animal's health and energy. You should choose dog food that is made for small breeds since it will usually be sized properly. The quantity of food your Shih Tzu requires depends on their age, activity level, and metabolism.

You can risk overfeeding your Shih Tzu since they can gain weight, which can lead to other severe health conditions. Healthy treats can be used, but in moderation. An automatic timed feeder can help you manage portion sizes and feeding schedules with ease.

Finding Your Shih Tzu: Breeders and Rescues

If you are interested in adding a Shih Tzu to your family, you have plenty of options.

● Established Breeders: Choose a breeder who is transparent about their health testing, allows you to see their breeding establishment, and is open to all questions you may wish to ask. A good breeder will also know the Shih Tzu cost; Shih Tzus can definitely vary in price when a dog has a good pedigree, location, and/or a good reputation.

● Rescue organizations: There are numerous rescues that focus on one of the Shih Tzu variations, and they care about finding homes for the dogs. Adopting a dog from rescue is an excellent benefit because it gives the dog a second chance at life, and additionally, you will also have the history of the dog and its temperament.

Shih tzu dog prices can be anywhere from $800-3,000+ from a reputable breeder; the cost being dependent on the pedigree, where you buy it, and reputation.  

Conclusion

The Shih Tzu has an exciting history, and with its dynamic personality and a few extra pounds, the Shih Tzu continues to be one of the most popular small breeds in the world! It's a friendly dog that adapts to any situation and has average exercise needs. If you're seeking a friendly dog, this breed is an excellent choice for many people and families.

With its characteristic, smiley Shih Tzu size and playful Shih Tzu behavior, this Lion Dog truly is quality for many years of friendship, laughter, and dedication for you and your family.

If you are looking for a small, beautiful, and still relatively unique dog with historical significance, the Shih Tzu may be your best choice for your next family member. You can learn more about different breeds through our website, Wopet.