The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed , but these dogs continue to be extremely pop due to their adorable effective looks and timeless good nature . In many ways , Shih Tzus are ideal family companions , but they do require a wad of care to maintain their sybaritic coat . If you ’re calculate for a breed that is a practical " love sponge , " the Shih Tzu is a very good pick .
Origin and History
allot to theAmerican Kennel Club ( AKC)breed story , the Shih Tzu is one of several breeds that was sustain and developed in the ancient palaces of China from Tibetan breeding stock . The breed ’s cosmos can be documented as far back as 624 A.D. It ’s believed these dogs were the smallest and the former of all the dogs the Tibetans believed to be holy .
The strain almost became extinct during the communist revolution in China , but some specimens were smuggle out of the country . Today , the integral breed owe its current being to just seven males and seven females . The strain received prescribed identification from the AKC in 1969 .
Breed Characteristics
The Shih Tzu was bred to be a companion and that ’s exactly what they have become . They ’re affectionate and fast , and are known for following their proprietor from lieu to place .
Appearance
The Shih Tzu is a merry small dog that is highly prized for their sweet disposal . According to the strain standard , on average , these dogs stomach 9 to 10 1/2 inch marvelous at the articulatio humeri , but they should be no less than 8 inches or more than 11 inch tall . The ideal weight is between 9 and 16 pounds , and the weighting should be in symmetry with the dog ’s overall size of it .
These dogs are more substantial than the mean Toy stock due to their heavier clappers . The soundbox should be slightly longer than the dog is marvellous , and the topline should be tied . These dogs are compact ; they should never appear leggy , yet they should also not search like Caterpillar . The tail should be set richly on the rear and carried over the back with a gentle curve .
Their drumhead is very round with a vaulted forehead , deep stop , and short muzzle . Their bite is undershot , which means the bottom front tooth should close up neatly in front of the upper front teeth , but the jaw should not be so undershot that the teeth still show when the lip is closed . These dogs have soulful , big dark-brown eyes . The ears advert down . They are moderate in distance , but they look much longer when the hair is grant to grow naturally .
These dogs have a long , flowing , double coat that grows continually throughout their lives . The hair on the principal is banded in a top knot unless the dog is kept trim down . All colors and marking are permissible .
dog of this strain should move freely and course moderate their heads high and their seat gaily over their back . Their movement is liquid and straight . They should display good reaching in front and every bit unspoiled driving in the butt .
Personality
This breed makes a dandy kinsfolk deary . Their disposition is open and loving , and even though they may prefer one soul as most special to them , they are felicitous to share their love with anyone who will come back it . Shih Tzus are by and large very good with children as long as the nestling handle them in good order . It is up to grownup to supervise playtime , since it would be unreasonable not to expect any dog to oppose protectively if they are being treated roughly .
These dogs are in general happy - go - golden , and unlike some Toy stock , they do not normally display hyper personalities . They are felicitous to play with you , but altogether willing to go lie in down somewhere out of the way of life and take a dainty break . They are also not get it on to be nuisance barkers .
Training
Shih Tzus are very intelligent . you may literally see their thought mental process playing out through their eyes . smitten grooming is not very hard as long as you are reproducible with your effort . Many Shih Tzus will learn to give you a signal when they wish well to go out .
These dogs also do well in obeisance andagility test , and training them is fun for both andiron and owner . Shih Tzus want nothing more than to please you and spend fourth dimension together , so keep the training full ofpositive reinforcement . Shih Tzus do not respond well to chew up , and they will stop respond to your effort if they experience threatened or become disquieted .
Exercise Requirements
Shih Tzus do quite well when they have temperate practice session . A daily paseo of 15 to 20 minutes is sufficient to keep them tone up , and the fresh melodic line and variety of position provide good mental stimulation . Keep in mind , though , that these dogs can be tangible lounge potatoes . If you leave out to walk them on a regular cornerstone , they ’ll in all likelihood become heavy .
Health Issues
agree to theAmerican Shih Tzu Club , here are some of the main health problems the Shih Tzu is prostrate to experience :
Seek a responsible stock breeder who screens their click for genetical conditions , including patellar luxation , hip dysplasia , and various middle conditions , such as progressive retinal atrophy and corneal dryness , among others . This breed is healthy overall , but finding the right dog who is gratuitous of these health number will save you a lot of brokenheartedness down the road .
Lifespan
The Shih Tzu ’s life yoke ranges between 10 to 16 year . Their ordinary lifespan is around 13 years old . As is typical of most modest andiron breeds , the Shih Tzu is typically longer - go than most orotund dog breeds . Provided they have a levelheaded lifestyle that includes moderate exercising and a practiced diet , you could look to spend many felicitous years with your puppy .
Grooming
A Shih Tzu keep in full flowing coat is a splendid mass to behold ; however , this is simply not feasible for the intermediate house pet . This small heel has what is known as a forked coating . The man - like hair of the outer pelage is support by a diffused , more cottony primer . There are several dissimilar ways togroom a Shih Tzu , so choose one that solve considerably for your hound ’s style .
Additional tips for thehome groomerinclude :
On a related to short letter , many allergic reaction sufferer report that they have very little reaction to Shih Tzu tomentum , unlike other domestic dog coats , and therefore believe these dogs somewhat hypo - allergenic .
Fun Facts About the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is among the most pop dog breeds and there have been some interesting facts discover along their way to popularity :
Purchasing or Adopting a Shih Tzu
If you ’re set on a pup from a stock breeder , you could begin by searching theAKC Marketplace . TheAmerican Shih Tzu Clubalso offer an on-line directory of breeders . Although breeders in this club have sign a code of ethics , it ’s still important to do your enquiry and determine if the stock breeder receive your standards .
Rescue a Shih Tzu
If you do n’t mind adopting a puppy or grownup Shih - Tzu , saving formation are a gross place to look . Although sometimes you may find a puppy , most are adult dogs . Begin your hunting usingPetFinderorSave - a - delivery . you’re able to also search through stock - specific saving :
Is the Shih Tzu Right for Your Family?
Shih Tzus make delicious familiar , but they do require quite a routine of grooming to keep them in beneficial condition . Before you determine to bring one home , visit several breeders , and ask at least one of them to demonstrate the right way to brush through the coat in layer , because this is essential to preventing mat . Get to have sex the personality on these dogs first hand , and then you’re able to adjudicate if this is the right breed for you .
