With its cute dark eyes and child-like innocence, Shih Tzus are one of the most loved small breed dogs across the globe. Their soft and loving personality, coupled with their small size, makes them the ideal dogs for people living in small apartments.
Fast Facts On Shih Tzu
Origin: China
Weight: Male: 4 - 7.25 Kg
Female: 4 - 8.10 Kg
Height: Male: 20 - 28 cm
Female: 20 - 28 cm
Coat: Soft and Long Double Coat
Skin Colour: Gold, Dark/Light Brown, White, Black, Grey, Liver
Life Span: 10 - 15 years
Shih Tzu Characteristics
Energy Level - Medium
Exercise Needs - Low
Playfulness - Very Playful
Affection Level - Very Affectionate
Friendliness With Other Dogs - Very Friendly
Friendliness Toward Strangers - Very Friendly
Tendency to Bark - High
Tendency to Drool - Low
Watchdog Ability - Medium
Guarding Potential - Not Very Protective
Grooming Needs - High Maintenance
Cold Tolerance - Low Tolerance
Heat Tolerance - Low Tolerance
Veterinarian Visit - Frequent
What Are The Best Foods For Shih Tzus?
Food For Newborn Shih Tzus (0 to 2 months)
Newborn Shih Tzus get full nourishment from their mother’s milk. If the mother’s milk is not available, you can feed them with a good canine milk replacer or some high-quality semi-moist foods. Below are some of the best foods for newborn Shih Tzus:
Food For Puppy Shih Tzus (2 to 10 months)
A balanced diet is required for Shih Tzu puppies, having high protein and fats, with low carbohydrates. Puppies tend to consume more due to their high activity level. Some of the best foods for puppy Shih Tzus are:
Food For Adult Shih Tzus (10 months Years)
Adult Shih Tzus need a diet that consists of at least 50% protein content. It helps in maintaining healthy muscles and bones. An adequate amount of vitamins and minerals is also suggested in their diet for speedy metabolism. Below are some of the best foods for adult Shih Tzus:
Food For Senior Shih Tzus (Above 9 Years)
The dietary requirements of a senior Shih Tzu are quite distinct to that of puppies and adults. Older Shih Tzus only need a low-calorie diet to prevent them from becoming obese. Foods having fish oil is healthy for them as they are rich in omega fatty acids.
Do Shih Tzu Shed?
Not much! Shih Tzus are one of those dogs that shed the least amount of hair. The only time you will encounter a fair amount of hair fall shall be during their coat renewal process, which is once in a year. As Shih Tzus are minimal shedders, they prove ideal for those dog lovers having an allergy to canine hair.
Are Shih Tzus Friendly With Kids?
Yes, they do. As long as the kids know how to play gently with the dog, Shih Tzus would prove perfect for them. It is essential, however, to socialize the dog with children from early puppyhood.
Is a Shih Tzu A Good Watch Dog?
Shih Tzus have a sharp sense, which makes them vigilant dogs. If they see someone approaching with suspicious behaviour, they will most likely warn you with a low growl. This trait makes them excellent watchdogs. However, you cannot expect these little dogs to thwart away an intruder physically.
Are Shih Tzus Great For First Time Owners?
Given the fact that they are low-maintenance dogs, they would do well with first-time owners. Yet, the new owners should not compromise on the grooming and exercise requirements of this dog. Also, Shih Tzus are dogs who need constant companionship and, therefore, should not be isolated for long.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Shih Tzu?
Pros
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Shih Tzus are perfect for folks living in small apartments as these dogs don’t need much exercise
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These dogs are polite with people and won’t make much fuss when guests arrive at home.
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Shih Tzus are known for their high adaptiveness. They can adjust to a new home pretty quickly.
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They get along great with kids and other pets.
Cons
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Shih Tzus are one of the toughest breeds to house train. A lot of patience is needed to teach them to go to the toilet.
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A ridiculous amount of grooming is required for Shih Tzus, owing to their long and dense hair.
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Shih Tzus are too stubborn for their size. It makes it a bit challenging to train them.
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They are a little vulnerable to ear and eye infections.
Some Interesting Facts About Shih Tzu
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The ancestry of Shih Tzu dates back to 1000 B.C, making them 3000 years old.
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Shih Tzu, in Mandarin, means “Little Lion”. According to legend, the Tibetan Buddhist God of Learning traveled with a small-lion dog, which later transformed into a full-sized lion.
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Celebrities including Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Colin Farell, Bill Gates owns a Shih Tzu.
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They are one of the agile small breed dogs who can participate in sporting events.
History of Shih Tzus
It is believed that Shih Tzus descended from a cross between Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese dogs. Chinese emperors treated these dogs like royalty and hence refused to sell and trade them. Shih Tzus served as good companions and as watchdogs to the monks in the monasteries. At the end of the Chinese imperial rule, these dogs are said to have disappeared, although fortunately, some of them were brought to England. It is astonishing to know that all modern Shih Tzus descended from just only 14 dogs!. Today, they are one of the most loved small breed dogs among pet lovers.