Shih Tzu
The shih tzu is a small sturdy dog with a big heart that is an excellent choice for families with
children or for the elderly. The Shih Tzu, whose name means "lion" in Chinese, is an ancient breed
and a popular family pet. Recognized as part of the toy group by the AKC in 1969, the Shih Tzu has
consistently ranked near the top 10 most popular breeds for the past decade. In recent years, the
breed has become enormously popular in the United States as a sturdy, lively, alert Toy dog that is
a happy companion.
Shih Tzu History
Based on their presence in various Chinese paintings and tapestries, it is thought that the shih tzu
has been in existence since 624 AD. Despite many theories about the origin of the breed, it is not
disputed that the shih tzu was part of the ancient Chinese court. The dogs were bred and selected
with great care to be palace dogs. From this foundation, along with the help of Russian refugee
Madame de Breuil, the dogs of today were developed. In the 1930s the interest in the breed had
spread to England. During World War II, U.S. Military personnel stationed in England fell in love
with the breed. When returning home, the shih tzu accompanied them, thus introducing the breed to
the United States.
Size
Standing only 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing 9 to 16 pounds, the shih tzu is a small but
tough little dog.
Shih Tzu Personality
Shih Tzu have the appearance of being proud and arrogant but are actually gentle with a very loving,
loyal, and playful nature. Bred to be a pet and nothing else, most have very distinct personalities
which can easily be seen in their large dark expressive eyes. Despite their small size they are
incredibly sturdy dogs, they are the least delicate of the toy breeds, this combined with their loyal
& gentle nature make the Shih Tzu an excellent children's companion. Their gentle nature also makes
them a great choice of companion for the elderly. The shih tzu is a friendly dog that adapts to any
family situation but is definitely an indoor dog which also makes them great for any living situation.
Whether they live in an apartment without an outside yard, a country residence with an outside yard
or travel constantly with their owners in an RV, the Shih Tzu will remain a happy pet. Although many
Shih Tzu are happy to sleep the day away in bed or on a sofa, most enjoy having a purpose in their
day. They are high energy but not high strung dogs that do not need long daily walks but do like to
play often with family members. They like to play with people and other pets and are usually quite
good with children. The Shih Tzu makes a perfect, loving, family companion.
Grooming
The fur of the Shih Tzu is much like human hair and sheds very little, however, to maintain their
fur when kept long it needs groomed 3-4 times weekly. For those who enjoy the breed but don't
enjoy the grooming, there are a variety of cute clips that make the coat much more manageable.
With a "teddy bear" clip, for example, the dog need only be combed about once a week. Most owners
of pet Shih tzu prefer this clip.
Training
As with any breed, basic obedience is recommended to help develop a content and pleasant member
of the family. The shih tzu is not typically trained for specific jobs and does best as just a loving
pet.
Life Span
The life span of the shih tzu is 14 to 16 years.
The shih tzu is a small sturdy dog with a big heart that is an excellent choice for families with
children or for the elderly. The Shih Tzu, whose name means "lion" in Chinese, is an ancient breed
and a popular family pet. Recognized as part of the toy group by the AKC in 1969, the Shih Tzu has
consistently ranked near the top 10 most popular breeds for the past decade. In recent years, the
breed has become enormously popular in the United States as a sturdy, lively, alert Toy dog that is
a happy companion.
Shih Tzu History
Based on their presence in various Chinese paintings and tapestries, it is thought that the shih tzu
has been in existence since 624 AD. Despite many theories about the origin of the breed, it is not
disputed that the shih tzu was part of the ancient Chinese court. The dogs were bred and selected
with great care to be palace dogs. From this foundation, along with the help of Russian refugee
Madame de Breuil, the dogs of today were developed. In the 1930s the interest in the breed had
spread to England. During World War II, U.S. Military personnel stationed in England fell in love
with the breed. When returning home, the shih tzu accompanied them, thus introducing the breed to
the United States.
Size
Standing only 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing 9 to 16 pounds, the shih tzu is a small but
tough little dog.
Shih Tzu Personality
Shih Tzu have the appearance of being proud and arrogant but are actually gentle with a very loving,
loyal, and playful nature. Bred to be a pet and nothing else, most have very distinct personalities
which can easily be seen in their large dark expressive eyes. Despite their small size they are
incredibly sturdy dogs, they are the least delicate of the toy breeds, this combined with their loyal
& gentle nature make the Shih Tzu an excellent children's companion. Their gentle nature also makes
them a great choice of companion for the elderly. The shih tzu is a friendly dog that adapts to any
family situation but is definitely an indoor dog which also makes them great for any living situation.
Whether they live in an apartment without an outside yard, a country residence with an outside yard
or travel constantly with their owners in an RV, the Shih Tzu will remain a happy pet. Although many
Shih Tzu are happy to sleep the day away in bed or on a sofa, most enjoy having a purpose in their
day. They are high energy but not high strung dogs that do not need long daily walks but do like to
play often with family members. They like to play with people and other pets and are usually quite
good with children. The Shih Tzu makes a perfect, loving, family companion.
Grooming
The fur of the Shih Tzu is much like human hair and sheds very little, however, to maintain their
fur when kept long it needs groomed 3-4 times weekly. For those who enjoy the breed but don't
enjoy the grooming, there are a variety of cute clips that make the coat much more manageable.
With a "teddy bear" clip, for example, the dog need only be combed about once a week. Most owners
of pet Shih tzu prefer this clip.
Training
As with any breed, basic obedience is recommended to help develop a content and pleasant member
of the family. The shih tzu is not typically trained for specific jobs and does best as just a loving
pet.
Life Span
The life span of the shih tzu is 14 to 16 years.
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