Shih Tzu is a small dog breed from Tibet believed to have been bred from the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso thousands of years ago. While their names mean “Little Lion” there is nothing fierce about this dog. Friendly and effective, have made themselves comfortable on the laps of people from all walks of life since ancient times. Known to bring happy feelings and joy in life this lovely pet is all about cuteness and small size.
Today, these little dogs found their way into homes as family companions, cherished for their small, devoted temperament, silky, low-shedding coat, and adaptability to different living environments, including apartments. In recent years, however, dog lovers started taking Shih Tzus off their loving pets and into dog sports, training for the agility competition. Make great family pets who get along with other animals and even children, so long as kids know how to handle and play with the small pups gently.
Organization that Takes Care of Shih Tzu Breed
Reputable organizations are committed to breeding healthy well socialized puppies that will make great companions. On the other hand, many organizations take care of the Shih Tzu to the fullest.
- American Shih Tzu Club – The club was established in 1963, the ASTC is the official breed club for Shih Tzus within the Joined together States and is recognized by the American Pet Hotel Club (AKC). ASTC advances dependable breeding, advocates for breed guidelines, and underpins protection endeavors. They moreover give assets on Shih Tzu care, well-being, and preparation. Has occasions, counting adaptation appears, compliance, and rally trials, and keeps up a breeder directory for those fascinated by embracing a Shih Tzu.
- The UK Shih Tzu Club – A UK-based organization specially focused on specific breeds of the Shih Tzus and it is dedicated to advancing the breed and supporting the owners and breeders. It also promotes Welfare through ethical breeding and education for both breeders and owners.
- Canadian Kennel Club – The CKC serves as a Canada official purebred dog registry and recognizes Shih Tzus by maintaining breed standards. Guarantees the conservation and health of purebred Shih Tzus in Canada by advertising assets on capable breeding, well-being, and compliance. The club organizes dog shows, gives instructive assets, and certifies breeders for their activity.
The History Belongs to Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu’s exact origins are not completely recorded, but it’s accepted they were bred by Tibetan ministers who skilled these little, lion-like mutts to Chinese sovereignty. Their appearance, taking after a little “Little Lion,” likely joins them to the Tibetan Buddhist imagery of lions, which speaks to quality and protection.
Originally, these pooches were companion creatures and served a typical part, exemplifying Buddhist values. They are used as little guard dogs inside the regal royal residences due to their alertness. The Shih Tzu’s notoriety rose altogether amid China’s Ming Line when they were bred as illustrious companion breeds. Sovereigns and empresses venerated these mutts for their excellence, devotion, and loving identities.
Shih Tzu Appearance ( How Shiz Tzu Breed Look Like ?)
The Shin Tzu is a sweet medium to small dog known for its sleek, hairy, appearance, agility, and many more things. With white fur or cute little faces make an attentive stance and look ready for play and exemplify their role as a working breed for their versatility. Being known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making excellent companions, and loving lap dogs to sleep over with. Let’s take a glimpse at the appearance of the Shih Tzu
| Height | Male – 23 – 27 cm and Female – 22 – 25 cm |
| Age | 10 to 18 years |
| Weight | Male 6- 7 kg and Female – 5- 6 kg |
| Build | Compact and sturdy with a solid frame |
| Coat | Knowing for its long and flowing double-coat |
| Color | Black, white, gold |
| Ears | Ears are lower down and too small |
| Eyes | Large eyes and round with brown color |
| Muzzle | The muzzle is short and the board |
| Tail | The tails are set high, curled, and over the back |
| Movement | Smooth and Energetic Movement |
| Food | Mostly Veg and sometimes Non- Veg |
| Worked as | Playful dog and friendly with lots of affection |
Shih Tzu Temperament & Behaviour
Known for their cuteness and friendly nature and pampers in an environment where they are pampered like a human child. Pets are suited for experienced dog owners who provide structured training, regular activity, and socialization. Along with proper training, they are the cutest dogs to play with at home or the park. Now Let’s know more about the temperament, and behavior of the Shih Tzu in depth.
- Affectionate and Loyal – Shih Tzus love to be with their family members and are known for forming bonds and enjoying shillings or being close to their owners. They are very loyal and seek affection from those who trust them, often following their owners around the house.
- Playful and Entertaining – Shih Tzus has an energetic, happy side and appreciates diversions like bring or tender tug-of-war. They regularly show a charming and fun-loving identity that brings bliss to their proprietors. This breed could be very funny, with idiosyncratic behaviors that frequently engage their families. By and large, get along well with other breeds and pets when appropriately socialized from a young age.
- Intelligent But Sometimes Stubborn – Calling them an intelligent dog but their independent streak makes them a bit stubborn and may need consistent, gentle training with positive reinforcement. Great responds well to treats, praise, and gentle guidance.
- Alert but not Yappy – While they are not dangerous dogs and little aggressive, still puppies are alert and will bark at strange things or let you know about them. Though Shih tzu can be vocal at times and generally not as prone to excessive barking as some other small breeds.
- Sensitive and full of Emotions – Tend to be sensitive to their handler’s emotions, picking up on cues and responsible accordingly. Because of their sensitivity, they develop separation anxiety if left alone or bored for extended periods and even sometimes die due to loneliness.
Know The Health Condition of Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of (10 to 18 )years but they are prone to certain health issues, largely due to small size and short face structure. Owners should be aware of the health concerns associated with the problems as well as eyes, ears, and dental care.
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome – Shih Tzus has a brief, flat face, which can make breathing more troublesome, particularly in hot climates or amid strenuous action. Side effects incorporate grunting, wheezing, boisterous breathing, or labored breaths. Dodge over-the-top warm, minimize energetic workouts and consider surgical choices on the off chance that respiratory issues get to be extreme.
- Eye Problems – Shih Tzus are inclined to eye conditions such as dry eye, corneal ulcers, and dynamic retinal decay. Observe for redness, tearing, squinting, or intemperate pawing at the eyes. Routinely clean around the eyes to anticipate contaminations, and plan vet checkups if any signs of aggravation show up. Keeping hair around the eyes trimmed can diminish disturbance.
- Dental Issues – Shih Tzus are inclined to dental issues due to their little mouths, which regularly lead to packed teeth. Side effects incorporate terrible breath, plaque buildup, kindled gums, or trouble eating. Brush their teeth 2-3 times a week, and plan standard dental cleanings to avoid buildup of tartar and gum illness.
- Hypothyroidism – It is usually a condition where the thyroid organ doesn’t create sufficient hormones to moderate the digestion system. Side effects incorporate weight pick up, dormancy, hair misfortune, or skin contaminations. Normal Vet checkups can offer assistance screen thyroid levels, and pharmaceuticals be endorsed to oversee the condition if is analyzed.
Shih Tzu: Take Care of Your Loved Pets
Caring for Shih Tzu involves meeting its high-quality needs, keeping up with grooming, providing consistent training, and many more things. Breed thrives in the home where they are valued companions and can participate in activities with their family.
Looking at the glimpse of the care of Shih Tzu
- Grooming Needs – Wearing a long and luxurious coat that needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting. A slicker brush or comb is recommended for their dense fur, so try to bathe them 3 to 4 days a week to keep their coat clean and dirt-free. Their flat face requires special care and tries to be cleaned around the eyes daily to prevent sty eyes.
- Dental Care – Since Breeders are prone to dental problems due to their small mouths they should brush their teeth 2 to 3 times a week to prevent plaque and gum disease. Offering dental chews and toys can help keep their oral hygiene in check.
- Socialization – Socializing them early with the various environments, people, and animals helps them to grow into well-rounded adults and minimize overprotective behavior. Due to their stubbornness towards strangers and aggravated behavior, they start barking at them.
- Diet And Nutrition – Feed them a balanced diet of high-quality dog food tailored to their ages, sizes, and activity levels. It can gain weight easily, so try to follow the feeding guidelines and avoid overfeeding by measuring their meals, typically feeding them twice a day.
Interesting Facts About Shih Tzu Make Buying Irresistible
- Shih Tzus are one of the ancient dogs, date back thousands of years.
- In China Shih Tzu are worshiped or kept as a pet to bring positive and good luck to the home or in the country.
- Over the centuries Shih Tzu was kept at home only and it is illegal to kill and or beat Shih Tzu in China.
- Dogs have a unique flowing double coat that grows continuously and doesn’t get shed much.
- With their calm and friendly nature, this breed is used as a therapy dog for patients to play and entertain them.
Where to Buy & Adopt Shih Tzu For Your Home?
When looking to buy or adopt a Shih Tzu, it’s important to go through reputable sources to ensure a healthy, well-adjusted dog because sometimes mixed dogs can harm your health as well as yours, so please come to our platform PawNpets to purchase the best breed. Moreover, you can also go to the nearest Shelter and Breeder to adopt & buy your loved Pet Shih Tzu.
Adopting From The Shelter – Numerous Shih Tzus or Shih Tzu blends can be found in neighborhood creature covers. Embracing from a shield is cost-effective and gives a puppy in require an adoring domestic and it can cost up to $1000.
Buying From Reputable Breeder – Look for breeders enrolled with recognized organizations just as the American Pet Hotel Club (AKC). Legitimate breeders prioritize well-being, personality, and breed benchmarks.
