The Shih Tzu is a proud toy breed of noble bearing and arrogant carriage whose long, silky, flowing coat, distinctive facial features, top knot, and tail plume over his back assure his unquestionably pure Chinese lineage.
He has a compact, strong body with short legs, a blunt muzzle, and big ears that are heavily coated. The hair on his head is tied up and a lion-like mane radiates around the face. The Shih Tzu is a robust, fun-loving, feisty, wide awake, and very clever, little breed. Few dogs are as unconditionally loving to their owners as the Shih Tzu.
He loves to be carried about, yet he does not turn out rotten and obnoxious like some other toy dogs. He is an appealing, inquisitive, and joyous dog who loves to be around people and hates to be forgotten. He is initially reticent with strangers but warms up to them swiftly.
He is a little pigheaded though not nearly as demanding as the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. Training should be consistent and patient. This is an intelligent breed and can be an agreeable dutiful dog if trained properly. Spoiling him could result in an assertive, nippy behavior as well as shyness.
Socialization escalates his confidence and ought start early in puppy hood. The Shih Tzu may be toilsome to housebreak and can be a finicky eater. He can suffer with respiratory problems and may snore and wheeze. In addition, his protruding eyes are subject to injury.
Size: This Shih Tzu stands 8-11in at the shoulder and weighs between 10 and 16lb.
History and origin: Developed in China, this ancient breed may date back to the 7th century Tang dynasty. Many think that the Chinese may have crossed the Lhasa Apso with the Pekingese to develop the Shih Tzu. Similar to the Imperial Pekingese, the export of Shih Tzu from China was not allowed. It was not until the demise of the Empress Tzu-his in 1908 that the toy breed was smuggled out to Europe.
The Shih Tzu has always been a companion dog.
Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Shih Tzu is half to one can
(13.3oz size) of high-quality meat product with biscuit added in equal amount or
one and a half cupfuls of a complete, dry food.
Exercise: An apartment is satisfactory for this toy breed provided he is walked a few times a day.
Grooming: His long, silky shedding coat requires a daily brushing with a pure bristle brush. Do not ignore this task to shun the painful combing out of tangles. Keep the topknot from getting into the eyes and make certain that the ears are free of matted hair. Periodic clipping is also essential. His coat can be kept in a shorter clip to decrease the grooming maintenance.