Shih Tzu

Dog Breed Group: Companion Dogs
Recommended for: Families
Maintenance Level: Medium-High
Life Span: 10-16 years
Height: 20.3-27.9 cm
Weight: 4-7.5 kg
Temperament: Intelligent
Hypoallergenic: No
Colors: Black, Brown, Gold, Grey and Mixture

Adaptability

Friendliness

General Health

Trainability

Exercise Needs

Shih Tzu Breed Overview

The Shih Tzu is widely recognized toy breed of Chinese origin that is related to a group of canine. They are affectionate, playful and loyal, and popular for owners that live in smaller apartments and elderly people.

Shih Tzu is translated as Lion Dog, and it is one of the oldest breeds of dogs. According to many DNA analysis, they have a relationship with wolfs. They are sturdy built and have a sleek coat, large eyes and distinctive under bite, which is their trademark.

You have to maintain their coat because it grows really fast, and it could go to the ground. You can easily groom it in a home with scissors. They come in various colours such as:

Black
Gold
White
Brown
Grey

Shih Tzu can reach 28 cm and weigh up to 7.5 kg.
Their lifespan can go up to approximately 16 years.

Suitability for Children – High
Tendency to Bark – Low
Energy – Low
Suitability as a Guard Dog – Low
Grooming Requirements – Every Day
Trimming Required – Frequent
Amount of hair shed – Moderate
Food Cost – $5 to $10
Average Monthly Pet insurance Premium – $58

Origin of Shih Tzu

They appeared in China, where they are called Lion Dogs and believed that their breed was made in order to resemble lions that were important for Chinese culture.

There are different discussions how they were breed. It is believed that Shih Tzu is a combination for Pekingese and Lhasa Apso.

Shih Tzu Temperament

They are courageous and lively dogs that are considered as alert, intelligent and full of energy. Shih Tzu is also very friendly, affectionate and perfect companions.They need some level of human contact in order to make them happy, they get along with other dogs but you still have to socialize them from the young age.
You have to create a dominative atmosphere in your household because Shih Tzu tends to break the circle of pact leadership.They can develop aggressive tendencies, so you have to train them with discipline. If you don’t maintain them, they could easily start growling, yapping and bite without any reason.

Common Shih Tzu Conditions and Diseases

Hypothyroidism – This is one of the most common conditions for all breeds, but specifically for Shih Tzus. You have to watch for symptoms such as dry skin, weight gain, ear infection and hair loss. Get Shi Tzu insurance with us, and you will be able to protect him from any harmful condition that could occur.

Interesting Facts

Shih Tzu is one of the oldest dogs that were known in the ancient world.
They have a close match of DNA with wolves.

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