Shih Tzu Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu originated in Tibet and has a history that dates back as far as 1,000 years. They were bred as companion dogs and were also used as watchdogs, their barks alerting larger guard dogs.

Over time, the breed was gifted to neighbouring China and found its way into the Chinese Imperial Palace. Possible breeding with Chinese breeds like the pug or Pekinese changed the breed slightly from the traditional Tibetan Lion Dogs that went on to become the Lhasa Apsos.

Some dogs made their way to Europe in the 1920s and Ireland in the 1930s. The Shih Tzu's popularity grew in the UK in the 1950s after the original Shih Tzu Club of England was formed in 1934, and the breed got official American Kennel Club recognition in the 1940s.

Who are Shih Tzu dogs best for?

The Shih Tzu makes a great family pet. Their friendliness with adults and children makes them excellent companions. They are also perfect pets for older people that do not need to leave for work.

Two or three walks a day for a total of just over an hour should be enough for your Shih Tzu, so this is not the kind of dog that would suit anyone that likes to go out for long walks or hikes.

How much grooming does a Shih Tzu need?

So far, the Shih Tzu sounds like the perfect dog, doesn't it? Small, friendly, and doesn't need too much exercise, but there is one thing you should be aware of. Shih Tzu owners will have to be prepared to spend a bit of time and money on grooming.

There are a few dog breeds that need a lot of grooming, and the modern Shih Tzu is one of them. Daily brushing and weekly bathing are essential to ensure the dog does not end up with tangles. Because of their excessive hair growth, you will also need to visit a groomer at least every two months.

The coat is particularly difficult for around three months as it goes from its fluffy puppy coat to the more silky adult coat. Until the adult coat comes in fully, it can be hard work keeping the mats out.

Do Shih Tzu bark much?

Shih Tzus tend to be relatively vocal dogs. This is great for protecting your home as they would not let an intruder in without causing a racket. It is not ideal for living in a flat or with neighbours close by.

The front door will be the main focus of attention anytime you get post delivered, or a visitor arrives!

Do Shih Tzu bite?

Shih Tzus are not an aggressive breed, but they are playful so stopping them from biting and training from a young age is advisable. You can do this by letting it know you are in command and giving positive reinforcements to good behaviours.

If your Shih Tzu is showing aggressive tendencies, there might be other factors involved. Trying to diagnose the trigger, taking the dog to the vet, and speaking with a dog behaviourist is a great way to find out why the dog is behaving like this and find out how to resolve the issue.

What is the temperament & personality of a Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu temperament is generally fun and playful. They are typically outgoing dogs that enjoy being active but can also be gentle and calm. This makes them the ideal family pet as they will enjoy their playtime but know when to calm down and relax.

What is the weight & size of a Shih Tzu?

The maximum size of a fully grown Shih Tzu should be around 27cm to the withers (shoulder), and the dog should weigh between 4.5 and 7.5 kilos. Toy breeds like the Shih Tzu should not exceed the maximum breed sizes for an adult dog.

How much training does a Shih Tzu need?

Housebreaking a Shih Tzu can be challenging, so trying not to leave them unsupervised and taking them out regularly should help.

As with any breed, early training and socialisation will benefit the dog and make them more comfortable around other dogs.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Shih Tzu?

They are fairly hardy little dogs, which is great news for pet owners that don't want to face large vet or insurance bills.

However, as will all dog breeds, the Shih Tzu dog breed has some conditions that they are more susceptible to than others. Here are some of the most common conditions they might suffer from.

• Allergies - There are three main types of allergies your dog might suffer from food, contact, or inhaled. Keeping an eye on what you feed your dog, any bedding, shampoos, or other contact-based irritants, dust, pollen, or anything else the dog can inhale will help you diagnose the issue.

• Hip Dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is when the bones around the hip joint don't grow at the same pace and don't fit properly. This is common among all dogs and can be fixed with surgery.

• Patellar Luxation - Patellar Luxation is another condition that many dogs can suffer from. It is when the knee cap slides out of place and causes pain, and this will severely hinder your dog's mobility.

• Juvenile Renal Dysplasia - Juvenile Renal Dysplasia or JRD is a genetic condition that affects the kidneys of young dogs. This will cause the dog to be constantly thirsty and urinate frequently.

• Bladder Infections - Bladder infections and bladder stones can be caused by an imbalanced diet, as well as bacterial or viral infections.

• Eye Conditions - Dry eye, progressive retinal atrophy, keratitis, proptosis, distichiasis, and ectopia cilia are all eye conditions that your dog may suffer from. Getting your dog checked by your vet if they show any discomfort or issues around the eyes will help diagnose the problem.

• Ear Infections - The ear canal of a Shih Tzu is warm and dark and can be an excellent place for bacteria or infections to grow.

• Portosystemic Liver Shunt - This condition sees blood bypass the liver, so it is not cleaned by the organ. Surgery can correct this issue.

What is the lifespan of a Shih Tzu?

Your dog's life span will be affected by many factors, including its bloodline, diet, and what kind of exercise it gets. On average, you could expect your Shih Tzu to live from 10 to 16-years.

How much should you feed a Shih Tzu?

Speaking with the breeder and your vet to draw up a diet plan for your dog from a young age is a great way to ensure it will have the nutrients needed for its growth and development.

You might expect a fully grown dog to eat between one and half a cup of quality dry food per day.

What is the price of a Shih Tzu in Australia?

The average price for Shih Tzu puppies is between $500 and $1,500. This will differ depending on the breeder and the dog's bloodline.

Finding a reputable breeder is an excellent way to ensure the welfare of the dog has been looked after. A bred Shih Tzu is less likely to have hereditary conditions.