Shih Tzu

Dog Breed Group

Toy Dogs 

Origin of Breed

China 

Life Expectancy

10-14 years 

Color

All colours 

Coat

Long and dense with a good undercoat 

Exercise Needs

Minimal exercise needed but loves to play outdoors 

Temperament

Training when puppy is young is essential. May be obstinate but patience and consistency will help overcome the problem and achi 

Good with Children

The Shih Tzu, gets a long well with children, due in part for its uncanny ability to withstand most of the rough treatment given 

Grooming Needs

Daily grooming is essential. Bathing once a month. Clipping of matting on feet. Its flowing coat requires much maintenance. 

Average Size - Male (in)

8-11 

Average Size - Female (in)

8-11 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

9-16 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

9-16 

Health Issues

Kidney disorder, otherwise no major health problems.v

Living Conditions

Apartment is adequate provided he receives some type of exercise. An owner of a Shih Tzu should be a consistent leader who desir 

Breed Description

The Shih Tzu is a breed of toy dog also known as the chrysanthemum dog because its very long and abundant facial hair grows out in all directions. The dog was developed in Tibet before the 7th century from the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. In Chinese it is known as the Shih-tzu kou (“lion dog”). The breed was immortalized in tapestries, paintings, and royal documents. Its coat is very long, dense, straight, and silky, and it is often groomed into a long topknot on the head. Its eyelashes are very long and it comes in all coat colors. Its ears are long and feathery and groomed to flow with the rest of coat so that its ears are almost indistinguishable. Its tail forms a lush, long plume over back; eyes are large, round, and very darkly shining. It is an active and alert little dog that is also trusting, outgoing, and an affectionate companion dog. It was the practice of the Dalai Lama of Tibet to give prize specimens of the Lhasa Apso to the visiting dignitaries from foreign lands, including those from China.

Breed Infobits

In England in the 1950s the Pekingese was crossed into the Shih Tzu as it was feared the breed was deteriorating.
The Shih Tzu soon works out its owner's territory and will defend it in a flurry of activity, barking furiously at any intruder.
The Shih Tzu is also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog.