16 Oct Interesting Facts about the Shih Tzu Dog Breed

The Shih Tzu dog is a breed that has been bred exclusively for the company of humans. The word “Shih Tzu” means little lion. These domestic dogs are very kind and loving, so they’re among the most popular dog breeds. Shih Tzu dog breeds are known for their excellent manners. They’re playful and lovely creatures that can become your best friend. The behavioral characteristics of this breed are such that he’s suitable even for people who have never had the experience of keeping a dog. These dogs are very loyal. The beauty, good behavior, and small size of this dog have made him one of the most popular pets. You can get all the necessary information about this breed in this article.

Shih Tzu Dog Breed description

Shih Tzu weighs 4 and 7 kg, and when standing, his height is between 20 and 28 cm, which is considered a small size for dogs. Their cover, which can be seen in different colors, is worth spending time and looking at it carefully; Because few dogs are as beautiful as they are well-groomed. Being attractive is the way to live for this lively charmer. Shih Tzu is known to be incredibly kind to children. As a small dog that could spend most of his day in royal palaces, this dog can be a great pet if you live in an apartment or house without a large yard. Some dogs have a habit of digging holes and chasing cats, but the Shih Tzu can sit on your lap while you watch TV and behave admirably.

Shih Tzu Dog Breed history

When you own a Shih Tzu, you have a small piece of Chinese history. Royal breeders in China’s imperial palaces bred Shih Tzu centuries ago. For hundreds of years, the Shih Tzu lived a warm life in the royal families and was the pet of emperors and their families. The emperors gave precious gifts to Shih Tzu breeders who produced the most beautiful and affectionate dogs. This breed remained hidden behind the palace’s walls until the 1930s, almost unknown to the outside world. Breed clubs formed in Beijing and later in England refined the breed without much debate among fanciers about the proper type. Shih Tzu entered the AKC Stud Book in 1969. Since then, the Shih Tzu has been one of the most popular toy dogs in the United States and England. They still treat their owners like royalty, no matter who they are. Owners from Queen Elizabeth II to Miley Cyrus have succumbed to the Shih Tzus’ peculiar charms.

Shih Tzu Dog Breed general appearance

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, and alert toy dog ​​with a long double coat. While the Shih Tzu retains his pure Chinese origins as a treasured companion and royal pet, he displays this special pride in how he holds his head high and tail curls over his back. Although there’s considerable size variation in this type of dog, the Shih Tzu should be compact, stocky, and have the right weight and body. Even as a toy dog, the Shih Tzu must meet the exact requirements for appearance and conformation as defined for all breeds, and any deviation from the ideal descriptions described in the standard must be noted.

Shih Tzu Dog Breed nutrition

Shih Tzu should be fed high-quality dog ​​food, either commercial or homemade, under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. Each diet should be appropriate for your dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to gaining weight, so constantly monitor your dog’s calories and body weight. The use of treats can be an essential aid in training, but their excessive use can cause obesity. Educate yourself about which human foods are safe for dogs and which are okay. If you have concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, talk to your vet. Clean and fresh water should always be available to your dog.

Grooming

• Shih Tzu’s long-coated needs are daily brushing. Use a good quality wire brush with flexible bristles and brush the coat to ensure you reach the skin.
• Bathing approximately every three to four weeks will help keep the coat clean and in top condition.
• Remember to brush the mustache and “top knot” (hair tied with a ribbon) daily and gently clean the corners of the eyes with a damp cloth. To protect the Shih Tzu’s eyes from irritation, the hair on the top of the head should be trimmed or tied in a topknot.
• Trimming the nails and cleaning the ears should be part of the Shih Tzu grooming routine.

Practice

The Shih Tzu was bred as a companion. Accordingly, they need minimal exercise. Daily short walks with his owner and indoor play meet the activity needs of this small and short-legged companion.

Training

Shih Tzu training can be both a fun and frustrating experience. This breed tends to charm his owner into letting it do what he wants, resulting in a fat, otherwise stylish pet that is difficult to groom. Because Shih Tzus are such dogs, training methods based on encouragement and rewards work best. You shouldn’t use harsh corrections on this breed. Teach new desired behaviors every so often, be firm and never give up when the dog misbehaves. If he misbehaves or jumps on you, ignore him until he settles down, then encourages him. Early puppy training and socialization classes are recommended to ensure that the Shih Tzu becomes a well-behaved companion. When enrolling in a puppy class, ensure that the training methods used in the class are based on positive reinforcement.

Health

Due to their heavy coat and poor heat exchange, Shih Tzus aren’t good swimmers and don’t tolerate heat well. Most Shih Tzus are generally healthy, and responsible breeders screen them for health problems such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye abnormalities such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and dry and corneal inflammation. from excessive exposure to air due to improper closing of the eyelids.

Compatibility

Behavior with family

Some breeds are very independent and aloof, even if they grew up with their owners and spent their childhood with them. Other races bond with a particular person and are indifferent to other people. The breed isn’t the only factor determining dogs’ affection levels. Dogs grow up in families, and humans can communicate with other humans more easily.

Behavior with children

Being kind to children, having behavioral characteristics in front of them, hugging their food bowls, and not having problems with children’s games and activities, including friendly behavior, shows a dog is a child-friendly breed. You might be surprised to see the list of child-friendly dogs, including the hardy boxers and American Staffordshire terriers. Small, delicate dogs with a potentially hot temper, like chihuahuas, aren’t very family-friendly.

Behavior with other dogs

Being friendly with other dogs and being familiar with humans are very different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs; Others prefer to play rather than fight, and some wag their tails and run away. The breed isn’t the only factor in determining friendliness. Dogs that spend at least six to eight weeks with their owners until puberty are more likely to have good social skills.

Behavior with strangers

Stranger-friendly dogs greet guests and strangers by wagging their tails and rubbing their muzzles on the ground. Other species are shy, indifferent, or aggressive.

Tolerating different conditions

Tolerating being alone

Some breeds are very good at communicating and bonding with their family. If they stay away from their families and owners for various reasons, they may create tense and worrying situations. In these breeds, if the dog spends time with his family during the day or is taken to work, he will show a more appropriate behavior and reaction.

Cold weather tolerance

Breeds with very short outer coats or no coats with little or no body fat, like the Greek breed, are very vulnerable to cold. Dogs with little resistance to cold must live in cool climates and need to wear a particular coat or jacket for walking in cold weather.

Hot weather tolerance

Dogs with thick outer shells are vulnerable to overheating. Also, there are breeds with short noses, such as bulldogs or pugs, which can’t cool well due to their noses. If you choose a heat-sensitive breed, you should keep him indoors on hot, humid days and be very cautious about exercising this dog breed in the heat.

To wrap up

Shih Tzu dog is one of the most popular and most suitable apartment dog breeds. Before having a Shih Tzu dog, it’s better to get enough information about the types of Shih Tzu and make the best choice according to their behavioral and appearance characteristics. To have a healthy and lively dog, you need to pay attention to nutrition, exercise, health, grooming, etc. You can prevent the disease and have a healthy dog in this case. In all these steps, you can count on the specialized team of MishkaGrooming. Our experienced and precise groomers have carefully and accurately groomed your dogs so they count the moments for the next session.