Chien shih tzu photo

When most people think of a small, cute, fluffy dog, they think of a shih tzu. These small dogs have long and luxurious coats that are generally white, or tan and white. They can often be seen with bows in their fur, and tend to be very affectionate with their owners. This dog can be nervous around strangers if undersocialized, but is generally a fantastic small dog. Read on to learn more about the shih tzu.

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Description of the Shih Tzu

With a super-long white coat, the shih tzu can be strikingly pretty, or easily dirtied – they require nearly constant care to stay clean. Popular with families, and affectionate with children, this dog was once the royal dog of choice in China.

The breed probably originated as a cross between the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso, and remained unknown outside of the Chinese emperors’ palaces until around 1930. Thanks to their cheery temperament and cute looks, the shih tzu quickly rose as one of the most popular small lap dog breeds in the world.

Life Expectancy and Size

The shih tzu stands just under a foot tall, and weighs in around 10-16 pounds. They look a bit larger than they are thanks to a long and thick coat. Like many small dog breeds, the shih tzu is long-lived and generally healthy. They may live up to 18 years, but more commonly live into their early to mid teens.

Protective Ability

Since this dog has been bred for hundreds of years as a friendly and royal lap dog, almost nothing about this dog makes it a good guard dog. While some shih tzus will become quite barky and animated towards intruders, they are not intimidating, and generally are upset because they are afraid. They are not good guard dogs in any sense of the term.

Training

A bright and cheerful learner, the shih tzu responds well to reward-based training. They quickly pick up on new tricks and enjoy learning new skills.

That said, some owners do not take advantage of this breed’s sharpness, instead succumbing to a cute face, and neglecting to fully train their pet. This is generally more of a lack of will on the owner’s part (who could resist that face?) than a lack of skill on the dog’s part. Patience and consistency, especially paired with clear goals, will result in a shih tzu that is a model citizen.

Energy Level

The shih tzu was bred to be an easygoing house companion for royal families. As such, their exercise needs are relatively minimal. A regular outdoor walk, paired with indoor playtime will generally suffice for this small dog.

These dogs also tend to enjoy puzzle toys, and can be fed out of a variety of different toys to engage their minds.

What Living with a Shih Tzu is Like

This dog was bred to live in the house with busy royal families. As such, they are generally easy companions that enjoy the company of their families. They should be gentle with children, and do not require constant exercise.

While the shih tzu can tolerate busy lifestyles and small apartments, their small bladders mean that they absolutely need regular bathroom breaks during the day. This breed is also bred to be around his family, and would rather be near his people than left alone all day.

Care of the Shih Tzu

The mild exercise needs of the shih tzu are balanced with intensive grooming needs. Care of this popular house dog is not as easy as it may seem at first.

Environmental Needs

The coat of a shih tzu can be trimmed or shaved to accommodate heat and dirt in the summer. Their small size makes them ill-suited to extreme cold or major outdoor adventures.

Exercise Needs

A lap dog through and through, the shih tzu is generally content with a few short potty breaks and some playtime. This dog would rather have multiple short outings per day than one long exercise session. Regular, mild exercise will keep these dogs fit and happy well into their teens.

This breed’s short nose means they do not tolerate heat well, and they should not be allowed to exercise in the heat. They also tend to be poor swimmers.

Shedding and Grooming

A shih tzu will require regular trimming, bathing, and brushing to avoid serious mats. If this dog is not trimmed, it needs to be brushed daily to avoid dreadlocks, dirt, and eye irritation. To reduce the daily burden, owners can have a groomer shave or trim their shih tzu with a short coat. Either way, this breed requires regular grooming attention.

Thanks to their long hair (rather than a double coat), the shih tzu generally does not shed much. Their hair just keeps growing, and growing, and growing!

Ideal Home Environment

This breed does well in almost any home, ranging from a busy suburban family to an elderly couple. Their small size and affectionate nature make them easy to deal with in almost any space.

The shih tzu, like almost all dogs, does best in homes that can provide daily attention and interaction. While they might not need much intense exercise, they do not do well in homes that are empty for eight to ten hours (or more) per day.

If you are looking for a running buddy or a hiking dog, the shih tzu is probably not the best fit for you. Otherwise, these small dogs are popular with families around the world for a reason.

Health Concerns

These dogs are generally hardy and healthy, living into their teens. However, many shih tzus also suffer from luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps), hip dysplasia, and they are vulnerable to a wide variety of eye issues. Be sure to ask your breeder about health testing for all of these concerns before purchasing a puppy.

Behavior Problems

This breed is generally sweet and gentle, but may be easily spooked thanks to their small size. A shih tzu that rarely leaves the house can easily become fearful, reactive, or aggressive around things outside the home – or even with new people inside the home. Proper socialization using positive methods will help prevent these issues.

Many shih tzus will also misbehave simply because their owners let them get away with it. Like any dog, gentle guidance using treat-based training to reward good behavior will help prevent and remedy issues such as barking, digging, destruction, and improper house training.

Shih Tzu Pictures

« This is Taz Mania Noble, but we like to call him Tazzy or Taz the Tornado. We believe he came from an irresponsible backyard breeder or puppy mill, which, unfortunately, are far too abundant where we live. He either escaped or was dumped; we figure he was dumped because of a grape-sized umbilical hernia (easily fixed). He stumbled into our lives in mid-July soaking wet, no collar, shaking, scared and smelled strongly of male cat spray. His hair covered his face and his nails were terribly overgrown. He also had puncture wounds all over him that appeared to be from a large dog bite. He was pretty much pathetic looking, we all fell in love with him and he quickly felt at home. With a bath, a trim and nails clipped, we found the bite marks and decided wherever he came from, he wasn’t going back. When he was comfortable and fed he immediately started playing and going crazy, we decided Taz fit him well. He gets along perfectly with our Beagle / Basset mix Berry and loves our Min Pin / Beagle mix Mollie. However, Mollie isn’t so fond of his puppy energy just yet. He is doing great with crate training and has only had two accidents in the house, which were entirely my fault. He has tried to challenge us a couple of times, biting and snapping at us and demanding food, but with reprimanding and showing him who is the leader, he is doing wonderfully. He waits for us to walk through doors first and he already knows « sit » and « wait », which is his feeding ritual so he works for his food. His favorite toy is his knotted sock, watered down and frozen, and his Kong chewie toy. He has to eat off of a plate because his nose is so flat he can’t fish the kibble out of the bowl. He also loves car rides and going to the vet and pet stores, even if it does mean shots. He’s getting neutered August 24, so that very well may mellow him out. He has been a wonderful addition to our family and we are very thankful he found us. Whatever troubles he may have had in his short life are over. »

Shih Tzu Dog Stock Photos and Images

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• A Maltese Shih Tzu dog outdoors in the grass.
• Shih Tzu Dog / adult running in a meadow
• Brown and white Shih Tzu dog sitting on grass and looking up at camera
• Shih tzu dog nose close-up.
• A Shih-Tzu puppy gives it’s litter mate a kiss.
• Shih Tzu puppy
• Shitsu Shih tzu dog in Pink outfit clothes
• Shih tzu dog with smiles ears.
• A shih tzu dog licks dirty dishes in a dishwasher.
• Shitsu Shih tzu dog in Pink outfit clothes
• Shih tzu dog on bed with pillows.
• Shih Tzu 4 months in front of a white background
• shih tzu dog
• Shih Tzu 1 year in front of a white background
• White Shih Tzu dog (Chrysanthemum Dog) running on grass in the UK.
• Shih Tzu puppy, 3 months old, lying in front of white background
• Pet grooming worker drying a Shih Tzu dog getting ready for a haircut at doggy hair salon Toronto
• Shih Tzu Dog with green hoody on in middle of road on double yellow road, Ojai, California, USA
• Shih-tzu dog sitting on sofa
• A closeup of a sad looking white shih tzu dog looking directly into the camera
• Shih-tzu dog puppy seven days old sleeping
• Portrait of happy girl holding shih-tzu dog and looking at it
• FEMALE SHIH TZU DOG RESTING ON BENCH OUTDOORS. UK
• Shih Tzu dog
• Shih-tzu dog lying on sofa between two pillows
• Shih Tzu Puppy – Shih Tzu Dog Breed
• Shih Tzu dog with sunglasses lying exhausted beside luggage on a mountain road
• Portrait of happy girl holding shih-tzu dog and looking at camera
• cute shih tzu dog looking at the camera
• merry christmas shih tzu dog cutout
• Portrait of happy girl and her mother cuddling shih-tzu dog at home
• shih tzu dog in short trim
• Shih Tzu dog in a Chelsea window box
• Shih Tzu dog at the beach, Instow, Devon, UK
• Newly trimmed Shih Tzu dog.
• Pet grooming worker drying a Shih Tzu dog secured on a table before a haircut at a doggy hair salon Toronto
• Close-up shih tzu dog sitting on a wooden ground
• A Maltese Shih Tzu dog looking through a red fence in a yard.
• Shih Tzu Dog On Footpath
• Shih-tzu dog puppy seven days old sleeping
• Shih Tzu dog in Japan pet store
• Shih tzu dog with funny hair cut on red and white background
• Cute Shih Tzu dog
• A Shih Tzu dog at a Pet Hospital in Condesa, Mexico City, Mexico, February 11, 2011.
• Shih Tzu Puppy – Shih Tzu Dog Breed
• Detailed, landscape close up of cute, sleepy Pomeranian Shih Tzu dog, at home, lying inside on carpet, chin on floor, one ear humorously cocked.
• Portrait of a female Shih Tzu Maltese dog, sitting.
• cute shih tzu dog looking at the camera
• Shih tzu dog wearing a Safari explorers hat
• Shih tzu dog with red bow on head portrait.
• shih tzu dog
• portrait of a shih tzu dog lit with a mix of ambient and flash light
• shih tzu dog in front of a white background
• Shih Tzu dog under covers
• A small white Shih Tzu dog playing in the sea
• Close-up shih tzu dog half body on a wooden ground
• Shih Tzu dog yawning while wearing red Santa hat at Christmas
• Shih Tzu Dog Hiding By Tree Trunk
• Shih-tzu dog puppy seven days old sleeping
• Shih-Tzu dog
• Cute shih tzu dog.
• Cute Shih Tzu dog
• A veterinarian attends a Shih Tzu dog at a Pet Hospital in Condesa, Mexico City, Mexico, February 11, 2011.
• Shih Tzu Puppy running – Shih Tzu Dog Breed
• Detailed, front view close up of cute, sleepy Pomeranian Shih Tzu dog, at home, lying inside on carpet, chin on floor, ear humorously cocked.
• Cute Shih-Tzu Dog
• Shih tzu dog with pink harness
• Old Shih Tzu Dog Portrait
• Shih Tzu dog hiding under duvet
• shih tzu dog
• a shih-tzu dog sits in a shaft of window light enjoying the warmth of the late afternoon sun
• shih tzu dog in front of a white background
• Shih Tzu dog in black-and-white
• Shih Tzu dog laying in the grass
• A Shih Tzu dog with cataracts in one eye
• White Shih Tzu dog wearing red santa hat at Christmas
• Shih Tzu Dog Sleeping On Bed At Home
• Shih-tzu dog puppy seven days old sleeping
• Shih Tzu Dog Breed Pet Puppy Isolated Head Face
• Toby Schitzu Shih Tzu dog in deckchair and sunglasses Camber Sands East Sussex Britain UK England
• Cite Shih Tzu dog,
• A Shih Tzu dog wears a bow in her hair at a Pet Hospital in Condesa, Mexico City, Mexico, February 11, 2011.
• Toby Schitzu Shih Tzu dog in deckchair and sunglasses Camber Sands East Sussex Britain UK England and Georgia Starkey
• Detailed close up of cute, fluffy Pomeranian Shih Tzu dog asleep, lying with chin on floor, one ear humorously cocked! Adorable pooch having a snooze.
• Proud Shih-Tzu Dog
• Shih Tzu – lying on pillow
• Woman taking picture of herself and her pet dog on smartphone
• Shih Tzu dog sitting on Tree stump
• shih tzu dog
• Group of 4 dogs dressed chihuahua shih tzu and Cocker Spaniel in front of a white background
• Shih Tzu dog in front of a white background
• Sitting Shih tzu dog with white and brown hair on paving stone.
• Shih-tzu dog on a pink chair
• A Shih Tzu dog with cataracts in one eye
• Shih tzu dog with red bow on head running on leash.
• Portrait Of Shih Tzu Dog Standing On Field
• Shih-tzu dog puppy seven days old sleeping
• Shih Tzu Dog Breed Pet Puppy Isolated Head Face
• Small Shih-tzu dog, ornament bow in hair, getting prepared and groomed at dog show competition
• Cute Shih Tzu dog

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