Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu Facts

Shih Tzu Information

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Group:	Toy
Size:	Small
Life Span:	12-15 years
Height:	Male: 8-11 inches
	Female: 8-11 inches
Weight:	Male: 9-16 lbs
	Female: 9-16 lbs

Coat :	Outer coat is dense, silky & flowing. Undercoat is short & soft.
Gait :	Smooth, flowing, effortless
Color(s) :	Any
Living Area :	Any
Hair Length:	Long
Exercise Need :	Daily walk
Recognized By :	(CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (FCI) Fï¿½dï¿½ration Cynologique Internationale (AKC) American Kennel Club (UKC) United Kennel Club (KCGB) Kennel Club of Great Britain (CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (ANKC) Australian National Kennel Council (NKC) National Kennel Club (NZKC) New Zealand Kennel Club (APRI) America Pet Registry, Inc. (ACR) American Canine Registry (DRA) Dog Registry of America
Date of Origin :	Ancient
Place of Origin :	Tibet
Todays Use :	Companion Dog
Originally Used :	Companion Dog
Other Name :	Chinese Lion Dog, Chrysanthemum Dog

The Shih Tzu (pronounced Sheed Zoo) is an ancient royal dog. This breed is a native of Tibet and the word Shih Tzu means “Lion Dog” in Chinese. In ancient times this breed was very popular in Chinese royalty. It is believed that Lhasa Apso was crossed with Pekingese to produce the Shih Tzu. During World War II the first Shih Tzu pair was imported to England. It reached in the United States during 1950’s and recognized by the AKC in 1969. Now Shih Tzu is one of the most popular Companion Dog in the world.

Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy and beautiful dog. Its body is slightly longer then its height. The head of Shih Tzu is round and broad; chest is broad and deep; eyes are dark and set well apart; nose is generally black; muzzle is short and square in shape; face has long beard and mustache; teeth meet in a level or under bite; large and drop ears are covered with fur; legs are short, straight and strong; tail is heavily furred and curled over the back. The double coat of this breed is long, dense and flowing down. The coat can be of any color.

Shih Tzu is a very lively, alert, loyal, affectionate and intelligent companion dog. Without proper training it may not interact well with young children. Shih Tzu is easy to train and with thorough training and attention it can be a wonderful family pet. It is advisable to subject them to socialization at an early age, as they can get a little snappy at times. It loves company and requires a lot of human attention. Leaving it alone for too long can lead to behavioral problems. Due to small size this breed is suitable for city and apartment life.

The Shih Tzu sheds little to no hair and is good for allergy suffers. Its long and silky coat needs extensive grooming. The coat needs to be brushed 4-5 times a week with a firm bristle brush to avoid any tangles and matt. The coat should also be trimmed regularly to prevent matting of the hair. It should be bathed only when necessary and must be dried properly after each bath. Generally a topknot is tied to keep the hair out of the dog’s eyes. Its eyes and ears need to be cleaned regularly to avoid any infection. Its nail and, the hair around ears, eyes and paws should be trimmed regularly.

It is a fairly active breed. A daily walk is sufficient to keep the dog healthy both physically and mentally. Supplementing it with a romp is an open area is good for the overall health of the breed. It is sensitive to very high temperature so should be adequately protected. This dog has a tendency to gain weight quickly so overfeeding should be avoided.

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The Shih Tzu is prone to some health issues like Hip Dysplasia, Respiratory problem, Ear & eye infections, Dental and back problems etc.

SHIH TZU OWNED BY USERS

	Breed: Shih Tzu Name: Jhasz Age: 1.3 years Sex: Male About Jhasz : He's very lovable..
	Breed: Shih Tzu Name: Sosha Age: 2.1 years Sex: Female About Sosha : she is shy and out-going and very strong

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