Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu breeders can be found on our Network

Alternative Name

Lion Dog, Chrysanthemum Dog

Basic Info

These beautiful dogs are sturdy, lively, alert toy dogs. They have long flowing double coats. They have a variety of coat colors including black, white, gray, tan, and gold spotted to a mix of several-colored fur. Their fur can be styled in a short,
Shih Tzu's at play, find more videos like this on PUREBRED NETWORK

summertime cut or a well-groomed long fur like that used for conformation shows. This breed's fur grows continuously. This breed is not known for shedding. It is one of several breeds suggested as a hypoallergenic pet. The AKC breed standard calls for the dog to have a short snout, large eyes, a slight underbite, and a tail that waves above its torso. The ideal height at withers is 9 to 10 1/2 inches. The dog should stand no less than 8 inches nor more than 11 inches tall. The dog should never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty. The weight of mature dogs should be between 9 to 16 pounds. Regardless of size or gender, they should always be solid, compact and carries good weight and substance.

Health

This breed is easy to care for, but the area around the eyes should be cleaned gently each day. Most enjoy exercising outdoors and, when exercised regularly, have plenty of stamina. Most enjoy a long walk, although they are also quite happy to run around the house. A dog whose coat is allowed to grow out needs daily brushing to avoid tangles; a short haircut avoids this extra level of care. However, these dogs do not tolerate cold temperatures well, so longer hair during the colder seasons is more appropriate. They are considered to be brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs. As such, they are very sensitive to high temperatures. This is why airlines that ship dogs will not accept them for shipment when temperatures at any point on the planned itinerary exceeds 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24°C).

Behavior

James E. Mumford described the breed in an American Shih Tzu magazine, giving a picture of the versatile character of the breed: "Nobody knows how the Ancient Eunuchs managed to mix together…And now here comes the recipe: A dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces of domestic cat, one part court jester, a dash of ballerina, a pinch of old man (Chinese), a bit of beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one part baby seal, a dash of teddy bear and the rest dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin." This dog is usually calm and gentle. They can, however, be playful and feisty at times. The breed typically makes a good children's pet. They are actually a bit light-headed at times and do not take severe punishment well. Of course, as with every animal, there are exceptions; you can find the occasional "guard dog" or "Lazy Lucy" in a litter.

Origin

Tibet

History

The Shih Tzu was bred to sit around the palace of the Emperor of China and bark when people or animals approached. It is believed that this ornamental breed was created by breeding the Bei-jing gou (Pekingese) with a Tibetan dog breed, the Lhasa Apso. Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog.