About Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus, long revered by the Chinese in their native homelands, are today considered one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Their small size and friendly demeanor make them ideal pets for families with children and for pet owners living in apartments without yard access. Renowned for their beautiful long coats and regal bearing, Shih Tzus are distinctive in appearance and loyal and affectionate in temperament.

History

Bred by crossing the Lhasa Apso or Tibetan mountain dog with the Pekingese, Shih Tzus were made the royal pet of choice by the Chinese dynastic rulers for over a thousand years. Shih Tzus were so prized by the royal families that they would not allow the dogs to be sold or given to foreigners until the 1930s. Shih Tzus became popular in England soon thereafter, where American soldiers during World War II marveled over the friendly breed and introduced them to the United States after the war. The American Kennel Club officially recognized Shih Tzus in 1969.

Size

Shih Tzus belong to the toy class of recognized breeds and are quite small. Most Shih Tzus are between 8 and 11 inches tall and weigh between 9 and 16 pounds.
The name Shih Tzu translates from Mandarin Chinese as "lion," not only because of the breed's fluffy coat but also because of their bearing. Shih Tzus, while small in stature, are rarely meek and have no fear of standing up for themselves and asserting their presence around other dogs.

Features

The most distinctive feature of Shih Tzus is their long, flowing hair. Shih Tzus actually have a double coat of hair, with the soft, shiny layer on top and a woolly coat underneath.
Also notable in Shih Tzus is their arrogant posture, with their heads high on their shoulders and their tails curved over their backs.
Shih Tzus have round, wide heads with large, wide-set eyes. The long hair of Shih Tzus forms a beard and mustache around the mouth, and their hair is normally tied in a top knot on their heads so that it does not obstruct their vision.
Shih Tzus come in a wide range of colors, with white foreheads and tips of the tails considered preferable by the AKC.

Considerations

Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs and that is still their primary function today. This breed is extremely easy to befriend and highly affectionate toward its owners. Most Shih Tzus thrive on attention and playing with their owners and make some of the most loyal dogs when loved and cared for properly.
Always alert, Shih Tzus make good watchdogs and will bark when strangers come to the door or unfamiliar animals are nearby. They can be trained to follow commands, though consistent, patient training by owners or professionals is required.
One consideration that many prospective owners fail to fully realize when purchasing Shih Tzus as pets is the extensive maintenance required to keep their double coat in prime condition. If Shih Tzus' coats are not properly washed and combed almost daily, they will get tangled and dirty and give the dog a less than optimal appearance.

Benefits

Aside from making wonderful companion dogs, another reason that Shih Tzus are such a popular breed is that they require minimal exercise, making them ideal for small living spaces. Shih Tzus can get all the exercise they require from a daily walk and indoor play, so apartments and other homes without yard access make perfectly acceptable homes for the breed. In fact, Shih Tzus are quite sensitive to heat, so it is imperative that they be housed indoors, especially during the late spring and summer months.
Many pet owners also love the small size of Shih Tzus, as it makes it easy to travel with the dogs on car trips or even when flying a commercial airline.

Resources

• American Kennel Club
• DogBreedInfo.com